How do I avoid paying baggage fees on a plane?

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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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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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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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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One important thing to remember when flying is that airline baggage fees are charged both ways. So, if your outbound flight charges you $30 for your first standard checked bag, expect to pay another $30 for that same bag on your return flight back home (that's $60 bucks, roundtrip).

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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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You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. But there are a few rules you'll need to follow.

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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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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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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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This probably depends on where you're going, how long you'll be gone and what kind of trip it is. If you have more to pack than will fit in a carry-on, you'll need to check your bags with the airline.

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To avoid paying a checked bag fee, you need to have an eligible American Airlines credit card, at least AAdvantage Gold elite status, Oneworld Ruby status, fly in a premium cabin or as a military member in uniform.

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We've put together a list of the best luggage options ? from compact carry-ons to stylish soft-sided bags to heavy-duty duffels ? with top-of-the-line designs and high-quality materials at prices under $150.

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Charging for carry-on bags helps lower ticket prices by reducing the aircraft's load and saving fuel. Many airlines, including Spirit and Frontier, charge high fees for carry-on bags at the gate, increasing the cost of flying on these carriers.

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Here are six easy tips for packing a week's worth of clothes in your carry-on.
  1. Go someplace warm. If you're planning a vacation, choose your weather wisely. ...
  2. Wear your layers. ...
  3. Roll your clothes in your carry-on. ...
  4. Use your shoes wisely. ...
  5. Embrace minimalism. ...
  6. Do laundry.


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Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

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Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

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Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds and must not exceed 10 inches deep, 16 inches wide and 24 inches high. Bags must fit in the overhead bins. Checked bags must be no longer than 62 linear inches (length + width + depth) and must weigh under 40 pounds.

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