It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees. For other airlines, you'll need to earn elite status or book your tickets with an airline credit card.

Yes, checked bags can still be "free" in 2026, but it usually requires a specific strategy or a "premium" airline choice. Southwest Airlines remains the "gold standard" for domestic travelers, famously offering two free checked bags on every ticket, including their cheapest "Wanna Get Away" fares. On most other U.S. carriers, you can get free bags by holding a co-branded airline credit card (like the Delta SkyMiles Gold or United Explorer), which typically waives the fee for the cardholder and companions. For international long-haul flights, most legacy carriers (like Emirates, Qatar, or British Airways) still include at least one checked bag in their standard Economy fare, though "Basic Economy" tickets on these routes are increasingly removing this perk. Additionally, "Elite Status" members in frequent flyer programs almost always receive a complimentary bag allowance. If you aren't flying Southwest and don't have a specific credit card, your best bet for a "free" bag is to book a Premium Economy or Business Class ticket, where multiple bags are included as part of the higher fare.