How much does it cost to check baggage at the airport?


How much does it cost to check baggage at the airport? 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.


Does it cost money to gate check a bag?

Gate checking is always free of charge, and basically means your carry-on will be put into the cargo hold with all the other checked luggage.


Is it more expensive to check a bag at the airport or online?

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.


Can I pay to check a bag at the airport?

You must prepay for your checked bags at least 24 hours before your flight to receive any discount. Prices are based on standard sized bags for one-way flights. Oversized and overweight bags, as well as special items, must be paid for at the airport.


Do I have to pay for my baggage twice on a round trip?

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).


What are the rules for checked baggage?

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.


What is the largest carry-on luggage?

Including handles and wheels, the maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. Personal items are limited to 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.


What happens if my carry-on is too heavy?

If your cabin baggage exceeds the authorized weight and dimensions, we shall be required to: - ask you to pay an additional charge, payable by credit card only, at the cost of the additional baggage. - ask you to leave your baggage at the baggage disputes service in the event of payment refusal.


Is it better to check bags or carry-on?

But if you need a rule of thumb to go by, here's how we fall on the carry-on versus checked bag debate: Carry your bags on board for short trips, when you want to spend as little time as possible getting in and out of airports, and when avoiding checked bag fees is key.


Which airline has cheapest baggage fees?

Winner: Southwest Airlines 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.


Does it matter if my carry-on is overweight?

Airlines have rules about bag weights. But if your bag weighs more than the limit, you've only got two choices - take the weight out, or pay more. Some airlines simply have a limit, and the bag must weigh less than the limit.


Why do airlines now charge for checked bags?

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.


Can my carry-on be two bags?

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.


Is it cheaper to add baggage after booking?

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.


What is the weight limit for a carry-on?

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.


Which airline allows free checked baggage?

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.


How do I get 2 free checked bags on United?

United Quest? Card (annual fee: $250): Two free checked bags for the primary cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation. United Club? Infinite Card (annual fee: $525): Two free checked bags for the primary cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation.


Is a backpack a personal item?

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.