Can I pay baggage fee at the airport?

Where to pay. Bag fees are not pre-paid. Please pay during check-in, online or at the airport.



Yes, you can pay your baggage fees at the airport in 2026, but it is almost always the most expensive way to do so. Most major airlines (such as Delta, United, and American) and nearly all low-cost carriers (like JetBlue, Spirit, or Ryanair) charge a premium "airport rate" for checked bags. For example, a bag that costs $35 to book online or via an app might cost $50 to $75 when paid at the check-in counter or a self-service kiosk. In 2026, many airports have transitioned to "cashless" environments, meaning you must have a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment (like Apple Pay) to settle the fee; many counters no longer accept physical currency. Furthermore, some ultra-low-cost carriers have implemented "Gate Refresh" fees where, if your carry-on is found to be oversized at the boarding gate, you may be charged upwards of $100 to check it. To save money and time, the best practice in 2026 remains paying for your luggage during the online check-in process (usually 24 hours before flight) or via the airline's mobile app before you arrive at the terminal.

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Paying for checked bags Pay for first bag: Online or at airport kiosk during check in. Pay for second bag: Only available through the Manage Trips tool. Pay for third bag: At airport only. Please check in at ticket counter.

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Many carriers charge higher fees to add baggage at the airport, or only allow a limited number of pieces. Carriers have different size and weight requirements when it comes to bags. To avoid extra work for you, we offer baggage which meet the requirements for all the carriers in your itinerary.

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If you're concerned that your baggage might exceed the allowed limit, pay for additional luggage weight online in advance of your trip. Sure, it's an extra cost, but it's always much cheaper to pay for it online than at the airport. This will help you to sail through check-in and avoid the stress.

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Before you check into your flight, you can buy an additional bag to put in the hold. This is a costly option that gets more expensive the closer to your date of departure and even costlier if added on at the airport. There are still weight limitations and not every airline will allow you to book an extra suitcase.

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Before you check into your flight, you can buy an additional bag to put in the hold. This is a costly option that gets more expensive the closer to your date of departure and even costlier if added on at the airport. There are still weight limitations and not every airline will allow you to book an extra suitcase.

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American Airlines accepts cash payments for baggage fees at some airport ticket centers. You can check individual airports for cash acceptance and can also pay by credit or debit card, vouchers, or gift card.

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Winner: Southwest Airlines Southwest charges absolutely no bag fees. American, Alaska, Delta and Hawaiian charge $30 for a checked bag, while JetBlue and United charge $35 for the same. Low-cost airlines Spirit and Frontier separate from the pack here, as they charge customers for all overhead carry-on items.

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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.

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Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.

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Major US domestic airlines carry-on policies
  • Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, free, no weight limit.
  • Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, free, must fit in the sizer at the airport (including handles and wheels), no weight limit.


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In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

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