Baggage Fees by Airline
Updated May 17, 2024 at 3:51 pm
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As you plan for an upcoming flight, it pays to read up on airline rules. Some airlines charge even for carry-on luggage. Check your wallet too. Some of the best travel credit cards include perks like free checked baggage.
Heading into the summer travel season, baggage fees remain a hot topic. The Biden Administration issued a final rule in April 2024 requiring airlines to be more explicit about first and second-checked-bag fees. Until those changes are potentially in effect, here are 2024 airline baggage fees among competing airlines, including oversized and overweight items.
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Our valuations translate points into dollars and cents in a way that reflects reality. They are based on actual data across a balance of accessible redemption options, not just the aspirational first and business class redemptions that require a PhD in miles and points to book. The upshot is that our valuations help you understand the actual value you can easily get from your miles and points.
Vault’s Viewpoint on Airline Baggage Fees
- In the lowest fare tiers, baggage fees for a first checked bag could range between $0 and $99.
- If you select a fare higher than the most basic economy with traditional airlines, you’ll typically get at least one free checked bag.
- Low-cost carriers may charge you more than a traditional carrier after you total airline baggage fees and other hidden fees.
- Airline credit cards are one of the best ways to avoid checked baggage fees on your favored airline.
Baggage Fees by Airline
In general, fees range between $33 to $99 for a first checked bag if you’re flying economy fares, don’t have elite mileage status and don’t have an airline credit card with free-bag benefits. Additional bags typically cost more. Low-cost carriers will even charge for carry-on luggage, which can significantly bump up the cost of a round-trip ticket.
Baggage fees vary based on several factors, including your destination, fare, airline mileage-plan status and when you notify the airline you’re bringing luggage. Investigate options in advance and book a spot for your luggage ASAP for the best pricing—and remember the below represent one-way prices.
Air Canada
Air Canada pinballs between dozens of North American and international destinations. International destinations charge the most for basic-fare checked bags, while North American destinations cost around $35 or so for the first checked bag.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $75 | $0 to $100 | $100 to $225 | $0 | $100 | $100 |
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines baggage fees are among the simplest, with flat checked bag fees of $35 to $45 for most fares outside First Class. But extra fees may apply if you’re flying a codeshare operated by another airline (such as Icelandair or American). But here’s a fun bonus: You can bring a box of pineapple from Hawaii to the U.S. free of charge.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to 35 | $0 to $45 | $150 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
Allegiant Airlines
Allegiant Airlines fees shoot up depending on whether you check a bag at booking, pre-departure or at the airport. To save money, reserve your bag’s space when booking. Allegiant charges passengers a carry-on luggage fee, which isn’t standard across all airlines.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $35 to $75 | $35 to $75 | $35 to $75 | $10 to $75 | $50 to $75 | $50 to $75 |
American Airlines
American Airlines baggage policy charges fees that depend on your regional destination and class of seating. You can save $5 on the first checked bag when you pay online at aa.com or in the app. This savings on American Airlines baggage fees is only for travel within and between the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $75 | $0 to $200 | $0 to $200 | $0 | $0 to $200 | $30 to $200 |
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines baggage fees depend on factors such as your route, mileage status and class of service. Most domestic Delta baggage fees for customers run $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second bag. As with many traditional large carriers, you won’t pay for your qualifying carry-on.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $75 | $0 to $100 | $150 to $200 | $0 | $100 to $200 | $200 |
Frontier Airlines
Unfortunately, estimating Frontier Airlines baggage fees can take a lot of work. To learn your Frontier baggage fees, you must start the ticket-booking process using the app, including providing your personal contact information. If you bypass the suggested airline bundles, you finally learn your per-bag pricing. You’ll incur yet more fees if you check your bag at the airport and need assistance.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $54 to $69 | $73 to $79 | $93 to $99 | $58 to $79 | $75 to $100 | $50 to $100 |
Hawaiian Airlines
The fees below primarily represent costs for flights between Hawaiian islands and the mainland. If you’re flying internationally to the handful of destinations Hawaiian Airlines serves, you’ll get the first bag checked for free (and potentially the second, depending on the destination).
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $40 | $0 to $45 | $50 to $150 | $0 | $35 to $400 | $35 to 200 |
JetBlue Airlines
The airline’s more complicated pricing approach relies on standard factors and the exact dates you’re traveling. “Peak Pricing” dates (including the entire summer and specific holiday weekends) add $5 to $10 to JetBlue Airlines checked baggage costs. In addition, if you’re flying on a “Basic Blue” airfare, unlike other fares, you do not get a free checked bag.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $70 | $50 to $185 | $125 to $210 | $0 to $65 | $150 | $150 |
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines baggage policy is a refreshing outlier among the airlines covered here. The most generous airline on our list provides free first and second-checked bags for all flying customers and a free carry-on bag.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 | $0 | $125 | Free | $10 to $125 | $125 |
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines baggage fees vary based on the route, Spirit Saver$ Club membership (for a $69.95 annual fee) and travel dates. Spirit offers five tiers of check-in opportunities, with checked luggage prices increasing as you get closer to the gate on flight day. If you wait to check until the gate, Spirit Airlines charges the most expensive first-checked bag fare ($99). The Spirit carry-on fee also runs up to $99 per bag.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $33 to $99 | $73 to $99 | $98 to $100 | $34 to $99 | $79 to $125 | $150 |
United Airlines
United Airlines baggage fees depend on your destination. Some international destinations allow you to check one bag for free if you’re above Basic Economy class. Domestically, expect to pay around $35 to $50 for first and second checked bags for United economy cabin fares.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Carry On | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag |
| $0 to $75 | $0 to $100 | $150 | Free | $100 to $200 | $200 |
Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags
Most airlines now offer branded credit cards with a free checked-bag benefit for you and others traveling on your reservation. But read the fine print: Not all branded credit cards offer this helpful benefit. The best airline credit cards offer additional benefits such as early boarding access, and some even offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Free First Checked Bag for You and |
| Aeroplan® Credit Card | $95 | Up to eight other travel companions on the same reservation. |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card | $95 | Up to six travel companions on the same reservation. |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® | $99 to $595 | Up to four to eight travel companions on the same reservation, depending on the card. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express (see rates and fees) Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express (see rates and fees) Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express (see rates and fees) Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express (see rates and fees) Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express (see rates and fees) Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express (see rates and fees) | $150 to $650 | Up to eight travel companions on the same reservation. |
| Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® | $99 | No other companions. Up to two bags are free only on select routes. |
| JetBlue Plus Card | $99 | Up to three eligible travel companions on JetBlue-operated flights. |
| United MileagePlus Cards including: -United℠ Explorer Card -United Quest℠ Card -United Club℠ Infinite Card -United℠ Business Card -United Club℠ Business Card | $95 to $525 | Up to one travel companion on the same reservation. This includes a free first checked bag or two free checked bags depending on the card. |
Other Ways to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
There’s no need to pay checked bag fees if you don’t have a free checked bag credit card. You can try one of these approaches, too:
- Carry on: Avoid checking a bag, but ensure your carry-on bag meets the airline’s size and weight requirements
- Level up: Achieve elite status with an airline
- Skip economy: Purchase a class of fare that offers free checked bags
- Select international: Book a specific (usually international) destination offering free checked bags
- Miles, not money: Instead of cash, use your stash of miles to pay for your checked bag, if allowed by the airline.
Remember that you usually benefit from lower checked-bag fees when booking your flight or before check-in—generally at least 24 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Check a Bag?
The cost to check a bag depends on the airline, your fare and if it’s your first, second or third bag. In general, checking the first bag could run up to $99 each way if you’re in the more basic economy fare class. But around $40 is standard. Prices increase for second and third bags and can reach a hefty $210 each way for a third piece of luggage.
What Are Extra Baggage Fees?
Airlines charge extra fees if your suitcase or other luggage weighs more than a specified limit, typically around 50 lbs. You’ll also get dinged if your bag is oversized or if you’re bringing aboard an unusual item, such as a bicycle or sporting equipment.
How Do I Get One Free Checked Bag?
Many airlines and a handful of credit card issuers offer cards with one free checked bag but take note of these details:
- Carefully read the requirements. To get the free checked bag, you may be required to buy the airline reservation with your card and follow other rules.
- The free checked bag is for one standard bag meeting typical weight and size restrictions while avoiding overweight or oversized bags.
- Others at your party may also be able to get one free checked bag as long as you’re all traveling on the same reservation.
- The free bag benefit is typically only for cardholders rather than authorized users.
Most credit cards with free checked bags charge an annual fee. You’ll have to weigh the card’s benefits against paying for a checked bag.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
