How Much Do Airlines Charge for Checked Baggage
Most U.S. airlines charge $35 to $40 for a first checked bag on domestic flights, with Delta, United, and American Airlines setting their standard fee at $35 for online payments. Southwest remains the only major U.S. carrier with no checked bag fee for the first bag, while international flights often cost $75 to $100 per bag depending on the destination and fare class. Budget carriers such as Spirit and Frontier charge $40 to $70 for the first checked bag, with prices rising sharply at the airport counter, as noted by Forbes. These fees apply per bag, and overweight bags over 50 pounds typically incur an additional $20 to $100 surcharge, making pre-payment the cheapest option.
Airline baggage fee policies vary by alliance and route. Star Alliance members like United and Lufthansa charge $35 for the first checked bag on transatlantic flights, while SkyTeam carriers such as Delta charge $30 for the same route. Oneworld members like American Airlines and British Airways set the first checked bag fee at $35 for domestic U.S. flights and $50 to $75 for international routes. Budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet charge €35 to €60 for the first checked bag if not paid online in advance, with prices doubling at the airport. These differences mean that the cheapest checked bag option depends heavily on the airline, route, and booking channel.
How Much Do Airlines Charge for Carry-On Baggage
Carry-on fees are less common but growing, with Spirit and Frontier charging $35 to $45 for a carry-on bag that must fit under the seat, while overhead carry-on bags remain free on most major airlines. Basic economy fares on Delta, United, and American Airlines do not include a free carry-on, requiring a $35 fee at the gate, which is higher than the online rate. International carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet charge €35 to €55 for a small cabin bag if not pre-paid, while full-service carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways include one carry-on bag free in most fares. These policies mean that the total cost of a flight can vary by $50 or more depending on the fare class and whether the carry-on is pre-paid.
The FAA allows airlines to enforce size limits for carry-on bags, typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and gate agents can charge fees for bags that exceed these dimensions or must be gate-checked. Airlines like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines include a free carry-on and a personal item in all fares, while basic economy fares on Spirit and Frontier charge for any bag that does not fit under the seat. These differences make carry-on policies a key factor in choosing a low-cost carrier, especially for short-haul flights where every fee adds up.
How to Avoid or Reduce Airline Baggage Fees
Travelers can avoid baggage fees by choosing airlines like Southwest that include checked bags, or by flying basic economy on carriers that waive fees for elite status members. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, United MileagePlus Premier members, and American Airlines AAdvantage elite members receive free checked bags, with first and second status holders getting one free bag and higher tiers getting two or more. Credit cards like the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express and the United Explorer card offer free checked bags, but only for the cardholder and sometimes a companion, according to the cardholder agreements published by the companies. These benefits mean that the effective cost of a checked bag can be zero for frequent flyers and cardholders.
Booking directly with the airline and paying for bags online is the cheapest way to avoid inflated airport fees, as gate-checked bags often cost $20 to $50 more than pre-paid bags. Using a travel credit card that includes a free checked bag benefit can