Airline Baggage Fees 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Airline baggage fees have become one of the most significant hidden costs of air travel, with legacy carriers charging $30-75 per checked bag and budget airlines charging even for carry-ons. Understanding the fee structure across airlines helps you avoid surprise charges and choose the most cost-effective carrier for your trip. This comprehensive guide compares baggage fees for 50+ airlines, breaks down strategies to avoid them, and shows you how to maximize your baggage allowance.

Quick Answer: Baggage Fee Comparison

U.S. Airlines – Who Charges What:

Airline	1st Checked Bag	2nd Checked Bag	Carry-On	Personal Item	Overweight (51-70 lbs)
Southwest	FREE	FREE	FREE	FREE	$75
JetBlue	FREE	$45	FREE	FREE	$150
Delta	$30-$40	$40-$50	FREE	FREE	$100
United	$30-$40	$45-$50	FREE*	FREE	$100
American	$30-$40	$40-$50	FREE*	FREE	$100
Alaska	$30-$35	$40-$50	FREE	FREE	$100
Spirit	$30-$55	$45-$60	$30-$65	FREE	$75
Frontier	$30-$65	$45-$75	$30-$60	FREE	$75
Allegiant	$20-$75	$35-$75	$10-$75	FREE	$75

*United and American Basic Economy restrict carry-ons

Bottom Line: Southwest offers the best baggage policy (2 free checked bags + free carry-on). Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) charge for everything, often exceeding legacy carrier total costs.

Complete U.S. Airline Baggage Fee Breakdown

Southwest Airlines (Best Overall Policy)

Checked Bags:

1st bag: FREE
2nd bag: FREE
3rd+ bags: $75 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE
Personal item: FREE

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 10x16x24 inches
Personal item: 18.5×8.5×13.5 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-100 lbs: $75
Over 62 linear inches: $75

Why Southwest wins:
✅ Only major U.S. carrier with 2 free checked bags
✅ No change fees
✅ Bags fly free (literally their slogan)
✅ Great for families and longer trips

Best for: Anyone checking bags, families, ski trips, golf trips

Complete Southwest baggage rules →

Delta Air Lines

Checked Bags:

1st bag: $30 online/$40 airport (domestic)
2nd bag: $40 online/$50 airport
3rd+ bags: $150 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE (all fares)
Personal item: FREE

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 18x14x8 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-70 lbs: $100
71-100 lbs: $200
Over 62 linear inches: $200

Free bag eligibility:

Delta SkyMiles credit cardholders (1st bag free)
Medallion elite members
Delta One/First Class passengers
Active military

Best for: Frequent flyers with elite status, credit card holders

Complete Delta baggage rules →

United Airlines

Checked Bags:

1st bag: $30 online/$40 airport (domestic)
2nd bag: $45 online/$50 airport
3rd+ bags: $150 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE (except Basic Economy)
Personal item: FREE (all fares)

Basic Economy Restrictions:

NO overhead bin access
Personal item ONLY (must fit under seat)
Pay $30 to check carry-on at gate

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 17x10x9 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-70 lbs: $100
71-100 lbs: $200
Over 62 linear inches: $200

Free bag eligibility:

United MileagePlus credit cardholders
Premier elite members
Star Alliance Gold members

Best for: Business travelers with status, international connections

Complete United baggage rules →

American Airlines

Checked Bags:

1st bag: $30 online/$40 airport (domestic)
2nd bag: $40 online/$50 airport
3rd+ bags: $150 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE (except Basic Economy)
Personal item: FREE (all fares)

Basic Economy Restrictions:

NO carry-on allowed (domestic)
Personal item ONLY
International Basic Economy allows carry-on

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 18x14x8 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-70 lbs: $100
71-100 lbs: $200
Over 62 linear inches: $200

Free bag eligibility:

AAdvantage credit cardholders
AAdvantage elite members
Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members

Best for: Domestic frequent flyers, credit card holders

Complete American Airlines baggage rules →

Alaska Airlines

Checked Bags:

1st bag: $30 online/$35 airport
2nd bag: $40 online/$50 airport
3rd+ bags: $100 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE
Personal item: FREE

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 17x13x6 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-70 lbs: $100
71-100 lbs: $150
Over 62 linear inches: $150

Free bag eligibility:

Alaska Airlines credit cardholders
MVP elite members (varies by tier)

Best for: West Coast travelers, outdoor adventure trips

JetBlue Airways

Checked Bags:

1st bag: FREE (all fares)
2nd bag: $45
3rd+ bags: $150 each

Carry-On:

Standard carry-on: FREE
Personal item: FREE

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs, 62 linear inches
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 17x13x8 inches

Overweight/Oversized:

51-70 lbs: $150
71-100 lbs: $150
Over 62 linear inches: $150

Why JetBlue is great:
✅ First checked bag FREE (rare among legacy carriers)
✅ Free in-flight entertainment
✅ Free snacks and drinks
✅ More legroom than competitors

Best for: East Coast travelers, Caribbean trips, families

Budget Airlines: The Real Cost

Spirit Airlines (Ultra Low Cost Carrier)

Checked Bags:

1st bag online: $30-$50 (varies by route/timing)
1st bag airport: $55-$65
2nd bag: $45-$60
3rd+ bags: $100 each

Carry-On Bags (PAID):

Online booking: $30-$41
After booking: $45-$50
At airport: $55-$60
At gate: $65 (highest tier)

Personal Item:

18x14x8 inches: FREE
Must fit under seat

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 40 lbs (lower than most!)
Carry-on: 22x18x10 inches
Personal item: 18x14x8 inches

Overweight:

41-50 lbs: $50
51-70 lbs: $75
71-100 lbs: $100

Total trip cost example:

Round-trip base fare: $80
Carry-on bag (both ways): $70
Checked bag (both ways): $60
Seat selection: $30
Real total: $240 (vs $80 advertised)

When Spirit makes sense:
✓ Personal item only travel (free)
✓ Very short trips (weekend)
✓ Comparing total cost, not base fare

Complete Spirit baggage rules →

Frontier Airlines

Checked Bags:

1st bag online: $30-$50
1st bag airport: $55-$65
2nd bag: $45-$65
3rd+ bags: $100 each

Carry-On Bags (PAID):

Online booking: $30-$35
After booking: $40-$50
At airport: $50-$55
At gate: $60

Personal Item:

18x14x8 inches: FREE

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 50 lbs
Carry-on: 24x16x10 inches (larger than Spirit!)
Personal item: 18x14x8 inches

Overweight:

51-70 lbs: $75
71-100 lbs: $100

Discount Den Membership:

Annual fee: $59.99
Saves ~$10 per bag
Break-even: 6 flights/year

When Frontier makes sense:
✓ Personal item only
✓ Discount Den member
✓ Short trips

Complete Frontier baggage rules →

Allegiant Air

Checked Bags (Highly Variable Pricing):

1st bag online: $20-$50
1st bag airport: $35-$75
2nd bag: $35-$75
3rd+ bags: $100 each

Carry-On Bags (PAID):

Online booking: $10-$50
At airport: $50-$75
At gate: $75

Personal Item:

16x15x7 inches: FREE (smallest of all airlines!)

Size/Weight Limits:

Checked: 40 lbs
Carry-on: 22x14x9 inches
Personal item: 16x15x7 inches

Why Allegiant is tricky:

Fees vary WILDLY by route
Book bags when booking flight for lowest price
Personal item allowance is smallest (16x15x7 vs 18x14x8)

Best for: Ultra-short trips, personal item travel only

European Airlines Baggage Fees

Budget European Carriers

Ryanair:

Checked bag: €25-40 online, €50-70 airport
Priority + 2 cabin bags: €6-20
Standard fare: Small bag only (16x12x6)
Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg)

EasyJet:

Checked bag: £10-50 online (varies by route)
Carry-on: FREE (22x18x10)
Personal item: FREE (18x14x8)
Weight limit: None for carry-on (must lift yourself)

Wizz Air:

Checked bag: €10-100 (varies)
Priority + carry-on: €10-30
Basic fare: Small bag only (16x12x6)
Weight limit: 22 lbs (10 kg)

Complete EasyJet rules →
Complete Wizz Air rules →

Full-Service European Carriers

British Airways:

Checked bag: Included (1 free on most fares)
Carry-on: FREE (22x18x10)
Personal item: FREE (16x12x6)
Weight limit: 51 lbs (23 kg)

Lufthansa:

Checked bag: Included on most fares
Carry-on: FREE (22x16x9, max 18 lbs)
Personal item: FREE (16x12x6)

Air France:

Checked bag: Included on most fares
Carry-on: FREE (22x14x9, max 26 lbs)
Personal item: FREE (16x12x6)

International Long-Haul Airlines

Middle Eastern Carriers (Generous Policies)

Emirates:

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included (economy varies by route)
Carry-on: FREE (22x15x8, max 15 lbs)
Total checked allowance: 66-110 lbs depending on route

Qatar Airways:

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included
Carry-on: FREE (20x15x10, max 15 lbs)
Generous weight allowances

Etihad:

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included
Carry-on: FREE (22x16x9, max 15 lbs)

Asian Carriers

Singapore Airlines:

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included (66-77 lbs total)
Carry-on: FREE (45 linear inches, max 15 lbs)

Cathay Pacific:

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included
Carry-on: FREE (22x14x9, max 15 lbs)

ANA (All Nippon Airways):

Checked bag: 1-2 bags included (46-51 lbs each)
Carry-on: FREE (22x16x10, max 22 lbs)

Special Baggage Situations

Sports Equipment Fees

Golf Clubs:

Southwest: FREE (counts as 1 of 2 free bags)
Delta/United/American: $30-40 (same as checked bag)
Spirit/Frontier: $75-100 (oversized fee)
Size limit: 62 linear inches when packed

Skis/Snowboards:

Southwest: FREE (counts as 1 bag)
Delta/United/American: $30-40
Allegiant: $50-75
Usually: 1 pair skis + boots + poles = 1 bag

Bicycles:

Southwest: $75 (special handling)
Delta/United/American: $150-200
Must be in bike box/bag
Pedals removed, handlebars turned

Surfboards:

Hawaiian Airlines: $100-150
Alaska Airlines: $30 (first board treated as bag)
Size restrictions apply (varies by airline)

Musical Instruments

Small Instruments (Violin, Flute):

Can be carry-on if fits in overhead (22x14x9)
Or personal item under seat
FREE on most airlines

Medium Instruments (Guitar):

Can buy seat for instrument (full fare)
Or check as baggage ($150-300 special handling)
Must be in hard case

Large Instruments (Cello):

Must purchase seat
Pay full adult fare for instrument seat
Notify airline in advance

Medical Equipment & Assistive Devices

Always FREE (Federal Law):

Wheelchairs
Walkers
Crutches
Canes
CPAP machines
Portable oxygen concentrators
Other assistive devices

Do NOT count toward baggage allowance

How to Avoid Baggage Fees Entirely

Strategy 1: Choose Airlines with Free Checked Bags

Free checked bag airlines:

Southwest – 2 free bags (best policy)
JetBlue – 1 free bag
Most international carriers – 1-2 free bags

Example savings:

Round-trip domestic flight with 1 checked bag
Delta/United/American: $60-80 in fees
Southwest: $0
Savings: $60-80 per trip

Strategy 2: Get an Airline Credit Card

Best credit cards for free bags:

Chase Sapphire Preferred:

No baggage-specific benefit
But earns points for any airline

Delta SkyMiles Cards:

First bag FREE for cardholder + up to 8 companions
Annual fee: $0-$250 (varies by card)
Break-even: 2-3 trips/year

United MileagePlus Cards:

First bag FREE for cardholder + 1 companion
Annual fee: $0-$525
Break-even: 2-4 trips/year

American Airlines AAdvantage Cards:

First bag FREE for cardholder + up to 4 companions
Annual fee: $0-$450
Break-even: 1-3 trips/year

Alaska Airlines Card:

First bag FREE for cardholder + up to 6 companions
Annual fee: $75
Break-even: 2 trips/year

Example math:

Card annual fee: $95
Bag fee savings per round-trip: $60
Trips needed to break even: 1.6 trips
Worth it if you fly 2+ times/year

Strategy 3: Pack Carry-On Only

Best luggage for carry-on travel:

Packing tips for carry-on only:

Packing cubes compress clothing
Wear bulkiest clothes/shoes on plane
Roll clothes instead of folding
Limit shoes to 2 pairs
Buy toiletries at destination (or use 3.4oz travel sizes)

When carry-on only works:
✓ Trips under 5 days
✓ Warm weather destinations
✓ Access to laundry
✓ Business trips (minimal clothing needed)

When you need to check:
✗ Trips over 1 week
✗ Winter destinations (bulky clothes)
✗ Need liquids over 3.4oz
✗ Special equipment (sports, work tools)

Strategy 4: Ship Your Bags

When shipping makes sense:

Long trips (2+ weeks)
Bulky items (sports equipment, gifts)
Valuable items (cameras, electronics)
Multiple bags needed

Shipping costs:

UPS/FedEx: $50-100 for 50lb bag
ShipSticks (golf clubs): $50-80
Luggage Forward: $70-150 per bag

Pros:
✓ Avoid airport check-in lines
✓ Avoid baggage claim wait
✓ Avoid risk of lost luggage
✓ Sometimes cheaper than airline fees

Cons:
✗ Must ship 3-5 days ahead
✗ Need shipping address
✗ Can’t change plans last-minute

Baggage Fee Comparison Calculator

Example Trip: New York to Los Angeles (Round-Trip)

Scenario: 2 adults, 5-day trip, 1 checked bag each

Airline	Base Fare (RT)	Checked Bags	Carry-On	Seat Select	Total Cost
Southwest	$400	$0	$0	$0	$400
JetBlue	$380	$0	$0	$0	$380
Delta	$350	$120	$0	$60	$530
United	$340	$120	$0	$60	$520
American	$345	$120	$0	$60	$525
Spirit	$160	$120	$140	$60	$480
Frontier	$170	$120	$120	$60	$470

Winner: JetBlue ($380 total)
Loser: Delta ($530 total)

Key insight: Budget airlines aren’t always cheaper when you add fees!

Family Travel Baggage Strategies

Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Kids Under 12)

Airline allowances:

Most airlines: Each person gets same allowance (including kids)
Exception: Lap infants (under 2) get NO checked bag on most airlines

Consolidation strategy:

Pack kids’ clothes in parents’ bags
Each person carries own personal item
Share 2-3 checked bags instead of 4

Example savings:

4 people × $30/bag × 2 ways = $240 in fees
Consolidated to 2 bags = $120 in fees
Savings: $120 per trip

Best Airlines for Families

Southwest:

2 free bags per person = 8 free bags for family of 4
No change fees (kids get sick, plans change)
Family boarding (after A group)

JetBlue:

1 free bag per person = 4 free bags
Free entertainment for kids
More legroom

Delta/United/American:

Get airline credit card
Free bags for whole family traveling together
Card annual fee ($95-250) pays for itself in 1-2 trips

Business Traveler Strategies

Elite Status Benefits

Delta Medallion:

Silver: 1 free bag
Gold: 2 free bags
Platinum/Diamond: 2 free bags + waived overweight fees

United Premier:

Silver: 1 free bag
Gold: 2 free bags
Platinum: 3 free bags

American AAdvantage:

Gold: 1 free bag
Platinum: 2 free bags
Executive Platinum: 3 free bags

Corporate Travel Tips

Negotiated rates:

Companies can negotiate baggage fee waivers
Ask your travel department

Frequent changes:

Choose airlines with no change fees (Southwest)
Or get airline credit card (waives some change fees)

International Travel Baggage Considerations

Connecting International + Domestic

Example: New York → London → Edinburgh

Baggage allowance follows:

International rules (usually 1-2 free bags)
Applies to entire journey
Even if domestic portion is United/Delta

Important:

Must be on one ticket
Separate tickets = pay domestic fees on domestic leg

Europe Travel

Flying TO Europe from U.S.:

Usually 1 free checked bag (50 lbs)
Carry-on free

Flying WITHIN Europe:

Budget carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet): Pay for checked bags
Legacy carriers (BA, Lufthansa): Often 1 free bag

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airline has the best baggage policy?

Southwest Airlines has the best overall baggage policy:

2 free checked bags (50 lbs each)
Free carry-on
Free personal item
No change fees

For comparison, most other airlines charge $30-75 for the first checked bag, making Southwest’s policy worth $60-150 in savings per round-trip.

How much do airlines charge for checked bags?

Legacy carriers (Delta, United, American):

1st bag: $30-40
2nd bag: $40-50
Pay online for lowest price (airport costs $10 more)

Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant):

1st bag: $30-55 online, $55-75 airport
Fees vary by route and timing

No-fee carriers:

Southwest: FREE (2 bags)
JetBlue: FREE (1 bag)

Do airlines charge for carry-on bags?

Most airlines: NO

Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest: Free carry-on

Budget airlines: YES

Spirit: $30-65 (pay when booking vs gate)
Frontier: $30-60
Allegiant: $10-75

Exception:

United/American Basic Economy: NO carry-on allowed (personal item only)

Complete carry-on rules by airline →

Are baggage fees worth avoiding with credit cards?

Yes, if you fly 2+ times per year.

Example math:

Annual card fee: $95
Baggage fee savings per trip: $60 (1st bag round-trip)
Break-even: 1.6 trips
Trips per year: 3
Total savings: $180 – $95 fee = $85 profit

Best cards:

Delta SkyMiles Gold: $150 fee, saves bags for whole family
United MileagePlus: $95 fee, saves bags for cardholder + 1
Chase Southwest: $99 fee, earn Companion Pass (2-for-1 flights)

Can I avoid baggage fees entirely?

Yes, five strategies:

Choose airlines with free bags (Southwest, JetBlue)
Get airline credit card (free bags for cardholders)
Earn elite status (fly 25k+ miles/year)
Pack carry-on only (works for trips under 5 days)
Ship bags ahead (sometimes cheaper than airline fees)

Most practical: Get airline credit card or choose Southwest.

What happens if my bag is overweight?

Overweight fees (51-70 lbs):

Delta/United/American: $100
Spirit/Frontier/Allegiant: $75
Southwest: $75
International carriers: Varies ($50-200)

Over 70 lbs (71-100 lbs):

Delta/United/American: $200
Most budget carriers: $100-150
Some airlines refuse bags over 100 lbs

Tip: Repack into second bag if you have allowance (cheaper than overweight fee).

Do kids get baggage allowances?

Yes, same as adults:

Each child with seat gets full baggage allowance
Even infants with seats get allowance

Lap infants (under 2 without seat):

Most U.S. airlines: NO checked bag allowance
International carriers: Sometimes 1 bag allowed (10-20 lbs)
Always get 1 car seat + 1 stroller (free)

Summary: Choosing the Right Airline for Your Baggage Needs

For checked baggage:

Southwest – 2 free bags (best value)
JetBlue – 1 free bag
Get airline credit card – free bags on Delta/United/American

For carry-on only:

Any legacy carrier – free carry-on (except Basic Economy)
Avoid Spirit/Frontier – carry-on costs $30-65

For families:

Southwest – free bags for everyone
Get family credit card – covers whole group

For business travelers:

Earn elite status – free bags + upgrades
Corporate negotiated rates – ask your company

For international:

Most long-haul carriers – 1-2 free bags included
Check connecting flight rules – international rules often apply to entire journey

Bottom line: Calculate TOTAL trip cost (base fare + all fees) before booking. Southwest and JetBlue often beat “cheap” budget airlines once fees are added.

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Last Updated: March 30, 2026