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.

In 2026, whether checked baggage costs extra depends heavily on your airline type and fare class. For "Low-Cost Carriers" (LCCs) like Spirit, Ryanair, or Frontier, checked bags almost always incur a fee, which is significantly cheaper if paid during the online booking process rather than at the airport counter. For "Full-Service" airlines like Delta, United, or British Airways, the first checked bag is often included in the ticket price for international long-haul routes or for those who have reached "Elite" status in a loyalty program. However, many of these same major airlines have introduced "Basic Economy" fares for domestic and short-haul flights that exclude checked bags entirely to compete with budget rivals. In 2026, it is common for a standard domestic checked bag to cost between $35 and $60 per flight. To avoid these costs, many savvy travelers have switched to "one-bag" travel using maximum-sized carry-ons, or they utilize co-branded airline credit cards which often waive the checked bag fee for the cardholder and their companions.