Do most airlines charge for a checked bag?

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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Airlines aren't only charging for checked bags; some also charge for carry-on baggage. Carry-on bag fees are usually limited to low-cost carriers, but you'll want to pay attention to your allowances before your next flight.

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How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.


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Avoiding Baggage Fees on U.S. Airlines. All of the major U.S. airlines — from the Big 3 to low-cost carriers — charge baggage fees of some sort. The only exception to this rule is Southwest Airlines which includes 2 checked bags and a free carry-on with all tickets booked, regardless of fare class.

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A key driver in domestic checked baggage fees is tax arbitrage. Airlines want to get a portion of the transportation cost out from under the base airfare so that it is not subject to the government's 7.5% excise tax on tickets. At some level it doesn't matter what pricing mechanism is used, as long as there is one.

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Make the check-in process easier by prepaying for bags before your flight. For some routes, you'll also save money on fees. You must prepay for bags at least 24 hours before your flight to save.

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It's generally cheaper to add baggage during booking because most carriers increase the price later. Depending on your service package, we might also charge a processing fee for additional services added later.

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Although some web sites are more forthcoming about bag fees than others, these charges are set by the airline and do not change whether you buy your ticket over the phone or online, through the airline, or through a third party website. The bag charge will be the same.

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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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Checked Luggage Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.

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You should check with your airline first, but most domestic airlines permit a carry-on piece of luggage that is 45 linear (total) inches. A common sized bag for carry-on luggage is 22x 14x 9. Most airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds.

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How much does it cost to gate-check a bag? Unlike bags you check ahead of a flight, an airline will check any otherwise allowed carry-on bag at the gate for free, regardless of your fare type.

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Luggage fees The sure-fire way to avoid this fee is to travel with a carry-on bag only. However, if you simply cannot do without your checked luggage, try to pay for the bag online, as it is typically much cheaper to purchase your bag on the airline's website rather than pay up front at the check-in counter.

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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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Furthermore, most aircraft do not have enough overhead bin space to accommodate all passengers' bags, leading many bags to be gate checked. Notably, the logistics of gate-checking so many bags often lead to delays, and as such, requiring payment for a carry-on bag can help improve on-time performance.

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