From flight prices to checked bag rules, 2026 has been a strict and tougher year for traveling!

Baggage claim!

We have been getting a lot of news regarding flights in 2026, and it doesn’t look like there are any signs of it slowing down. Based on how everything has gone this year so far, there are some things you need to be aware of if you’re bringing a checked bag.

Prices Have Gone UP

As jet fuel prices have gone up, checked baggage prices have also gone up. Almost every airline has increased the cost of bringing a first and second checked bag onto a flight. Delta Air Lines now charges $45 for the first checked bag, and the $55 for the second. Southwest Airlines charges $45 instead of $35 for the first checked bag, with the second checked bag costing $55.

Baggage claim at MCO!

United Airlines charges $50 for the first checked bag, and JetBlue charges $39 for the first checked bag during off-peak travel times, or $49 during peak times like the summer and major holidays. Finally, American Airlines charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, while a third checked bag will cost $200.

Baggage claim

Weight

Flights have been getting stricter this year, especially when it comes to checked baggage. If you have a flight this summer, make sure to pay attention to your bag’s weight. The standard maximum weight for checked bags on flights is 50 lbs, and airlines are buckling down on that a little more. We recommend weighing your bag on a scale at home before you make your way to the airport!

Orlando Airport

New Rule About Batteries!

There have been new rules being put in place on bringing lithium-ion batteries onto flights. Strict portable charger policies are becoming “industry standard among major carriers, following a string of fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries onboard flights operated by several different airlines last year.” American Airlines requires travelers to keep any portable charges that they have with them visible and within reach while being used.

American Airlines

Passengers will be limited to two portable chargers that do not exceed 100 watt-hours each. The airline also noted that any portable chargers that contain lithium-ion batteries intended to charge personal electronic devices can not be stored in overhead bins and cannot be recharged during the flight. So, be aware when you’re packing portable chargers, and which kind you’re packing.

American Airlines

Carry-On Size

We’ve been in situations where we had a bag that was larger than the regular carry-on size, but we were using it as a carry-on. When we got to our gate, we ended up having to check the bag. Again, flights are seemingly getting more strict. So pay attention to the size of your carry-on when you leave for the airport, because they may make you check it, even if it’s a tiny bit bigger than the average carry-on.

United Airlines

Full Flights

Lastly, be aware that busy flights are 100% overestimating how many carry-on bags there are when boarding passengers. They almost always ask people to volunteer to check the carry-on at the gate. If you know you want yours in the overhead bin, it may be best to make sure you’re in an early boarding group.

Southwest Airlines

The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

If you have travel plans this year, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! We’ll make sure you’re up to date on all the latest news and updates, helping make your travel so much easier.

NEWS: Spirit Airlines Has Officially Shut Down, and Passengers Are Left Scrambling For Flights

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