How do I get around paying baggage fees?

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.




People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

For most major U.S. airlines, fliers can expect to pay $30 to $35 each way to check a bag when flying economy class on a domestic route. Travelers can save money by earning elite status or getting a credit card with free baggage perks.

MORE DETAILS

But it's not just about unbundling and charging customers more. 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.

MORE DETAILS

It's nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines know that keeping within weight/size limits is not always possible, so they encourage you to plan ahead by selling extra weight online.

MORE DETAILS

Normally, the cheaper the flight the more restrictive they are with all the rules. Therefore, if you buy a cheap flight, the baggage fees will normally be higher. If you buy a higher priced fare, normally the baggage is more inclusive (can take more weight) or will cost less to add more.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Note that both your personal item and carry-on bag (referred to as hand baggage) combined must not weigh more than 26 pounds if you're traveling economy. The weight limit is 40 pounds for premium economy and other higher-class cabins.

MORE DETAILS