Some airlines charge for checked luggage with all basic economy fares, while some charge based on the region to which you're flying. It pays to do your research ahead of time. Before you book your next flight, here are five of the easiest ways you can avoid paying those pesky extra fees.

Whether you pay extra for luggage in 2026 depends entirely on your "Fare Class" and the airline's specific business model. Most Budget/Low-Cost Carriers (like Spirit, Ryanair, or IndiGo) now charge for everything—including overhead carry-on bags. For these airlines, only a small "personal item" that fits under the seat is free. On Full-Service Carriers (like Delta, Emirates, or British Airways), a standard carry-on and a personal item are usually included, but "Basic Economy" tickets often exclude a free checked bag for domestic routes. For long-haul international flights, most "Standard Economy" tickets still include one or two checked bags of 23kg (50lbs). However, in 2026, airlines have become much stricter with weight limits; even if a bag is "included," being just 1kg over can trigger a massive fee of $50 to $100. To avoid surprises, always "pre-book" your luggage online, as paying for a bag at the airport counter is typically 50% to 100% more expensive than doing it during the initial booking process.