What Happened

Travelers gather at baggage claim station at Newark International Airport in Newark in March. Some passengers incentivized a carry-on as airlines increase checked bag fees. Kena Betancur/ caption

Delta became the latest U.S. airline to make headlines this week, eliminate food and beverage services -haul flights.

Starting on May 19, all passengers except longer get snacks or drinks on flights shorter than 350 miles — — an airline spokesperson Tuesday.

making the change "to create a more consistent experience across our network." The company says more people access beverage service (as opposed to express service), available to all economy passengers on flights over 350 miles.

Why It Matters

Middle East conflict Jet fuel prices double, leading airlines to increase baggage fees, 's snack update isn't being advertised as a cost-cutting measure. immediately follow the bankruptcy-related shutdown of Spirit Airlines over the weekend a government bailout fell through.

Spirit partially blamed its demise on the skyrocketing , which has roughly doubled . The problem has plagued the airline industry , abating.

Nick Ewen, editor Points Guy, typically airlines' largest expense, second — meaning companies are suddenly facing hundreds of millions of dollars in additional expenses.

"Consumers sensitive. So airlines can't entire …increase through increased ticket prices," . "Instead, they've started looking potentially increase fees or increase revenue outside of ticket prices."

What Comes Next

Already, rising forced many major airlines to raise baggage fees and suspend certain routes. Those disruptions are poised to further snarl a busy summer travel season.

standoff in the Strait of Hormuz Ewen says airlines are moving incrementally because of the uncertainty of the situation. It's conflict will continue Strait of Hormuz — through which some 20% 's oil and liquefied natural gas typically travels— will fully reopen.

" agreement was reached today … we're talking weeks, if not months, before any relief would actually supply and prices that would meaningfully move the needle ticket prices, because things processed through," Ewen says.

simply may not return to pre-conflict levels. Historically, he says, he's never seen checked increase. expects prices to increase in certain markets where Spirit previously operated, because of reduced competition.

All major U.S. carriers have increased their checked baggage fees in recent weeks: American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest and United all announced $10 , citing the uncertain geopolitical picture.

Checked domestic flights $45 for most passengers' first bag.

Exact pricing varies a passenger is checking, whether they're flying overseas and whether advance rather airport. Certain status members, credit card holders and active-duty military personnel generally .

Explore more: Global Mobility Guide