Delta Air Lines is again increasing its checked baggage fees, citing "continued economic pressures."

The higher fees take effect Tuesday for Delta passengers who booked their flights Jan. 5 or later and are checking bags on domestic flights. For those who pay the baggage fees when they check in online, the fees will be $23 for the first checked bag and $32 for the second checked bag. Those who pay the baggage fees at the airport ticket counter, kiosk or curbside will pay $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second.

US Airways had raised its maximum fees to those amounts last year. Continental is doing so later this week.

Until now at Delta, the fees have been $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag, with a $5 surcharge on each for travelers who didn't pay online.

"The increase is a result of the continued economic pressures on our business," Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott said. Still exempt from the baggage fees are elite frequent fliers, first class and business class passengers, active military personnel on orders and those who buy full-fare coach tickets.

Elliott said Atlanta-based Delta's baggage fees "remain competitive."

AirTran Airways, which is based in Orlando and has its largest hub in Atlanta, still charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. A spokesman did not immediately respond to a call for comment.

American Airlines and US Airways charge $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second. US Airways also has an extra $5 surcharge for paying the fees at the airport. United still charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second, with a $5 surcharge on each for paying at the airport.

Delta and other carriers started charging a fee for a second checked bag on domestic flights in 2008, then added a fee for the first checked bag later that year. Last year, Delta and other carriers added surcharges for paying the baggage fees at the airport and also started charging a second checked bag fee on many international flights.

Delta had the highest "ancillary revenues" per passenger, including baggage fees and other charges, among major airlines ranked in a report on third quarter results from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics last month.

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