What is no free checked baggage?

“No free checked baggage” means that the airline is not giving you a free allowance of baggage which you can check into the cargo hold. It means that you can only carry cabin baggage with the weight restriction of 7 kgs and size restriction of 115 linear centimeters (for economy class).



"No free checked baggage" means that the base price of your ticket only includes a carry-on or personal item, and you must pay an additional fee for any luggage stored in the aircraft's hold. This is the standard for "Basic Economy" and "Light" fares across almost all airlines in 2026, including legacy carriers like Delta and British Airways. If you choose this fare, checking a bag can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 per leg if paid in advance, and significantly more if you wait until you are at the airport. These "unbundled" fares are designed to offer the lowest possible entry price for travelers who pack light. Always check the fine print: some "ultra-basic" fares (like those on Spirit or Ryanair) may also charge for a standard overhead carry-on, meaning your "free" allowance is limited strictly to a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

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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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Basic economy is United's least-expensive economy fare class. Unlike some of the other perks (i.e. free checked bag, seat selection) included on a regular economy ticket, basic economy offers nothing extra. In addition, you'll board last and may not be able to bring a carry-on.

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There are a few quick and easy ways to check if you booked checked in luggage. Probably the quickest way is to find the email that we sent you with your tax invoice. On that email you'll see a Checked Bag listed under the description column in the charges section.

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All our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need additional baggage allowance, there are various options available to you.

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There are two baggage types: Checked luggage and carry-on or also referred to as cabin/hand luggage. Personal belongings on board are referred to as hand luggage (cabin baggage), luggage delivered to an airline to be stored in an inaccessible area to the passenger during the flights is referred to as checked baggage.

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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.

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Checked Baggage Screening The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your 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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That depends if you have several kg overweight and are asking for the price per kg or if you really just only have one single kg extra. For a singe kg above the limit you most probably will not get charged, especially not on a full service airline. There is usually a tolerance in the range of 2–3kg, sometimes up to 5.

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Checked Baggage Allowance World Traveler, Euro Traveler, UK Domestic (full-fare Economy): 2 bags free weighing 23kg (51 lb) World Traveler Plus (Premium Economy): 2 bags free weighing 23kg (51 lb) Club Europe (Business): 2 bags free weighing 32kg(70 lb) First Club World (Business): 3 bags free weighing 32 kg (70 lb)

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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.


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Snyder said there were a couple of financial factors that played into the decision by airlines to begin charging for first and second checked bags in 2008. One, he said, is that the carriers were facing the Great Recession. Another was a spike in fuel prices.

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

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