Guide
Airline baggage fees, compared
Baggage is where a cheap fare stops being cheap. US checked bag charges rose again during 2026 and now sit at record levels, with most major carriers around the $35 to $50 mark for a first checked bag — and materially more if you pay at the airport instead of in advance.
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The four rules that matter more than the table
- Pay in advance. Most carriers discount a bag bought online at least 24 hours before departure. Paying at the airport is routinely $5 to $15 more per bag, each way, and on the ultra-low-cost carriers the gap is far larger.
- The second bag costs more than the first. Usually around $10 more. Two people with one bag each is cheaper than one person with two.
- Overweight and oversize charges dwarf everything. Going over the 50 lb / 23 kg limit typically costs more than the bag fee itself. A luggage scale is the cheapest travel purchase you will ever make.
- Status and co-branded credit cards are the real discount. On several carriers the airline's own credit card gives a free first checked bag for the cardholder and companions on the booking, which pays for the annual fee in about two round trips.
Roughly where the major US carriers sit
| Airline | First checked bag | Notes | Official fee page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Around $45 | Free bags ended for tickets bought from May 2025. Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred still get two; A-List and cardholders get the first. | southwest.com |
| Delta | Around $45 | Waived for Medallion members, SkyMiles card holders and premium cabins. | delta.com |
| American | Around $40–50 | Cheaper prepaid online than at the airport; the gap widened in 2026. | aa.com |
| United | Around $45 prepaid, $50 at the airport | Prepay discount requires payment at least 24 hours ahead. | united.com |
| Alaska | Around $35 prepaid | Second bag around $45. Historically among the lower fees. | alaskaair.com |
| JetBlue | Around $39–59 | Prices vary by peak and off-peak travel dates, which is unusual among US carriers. | jetblue.com |
| Frontier | Varies widely | Cheapest bundled at booking, sharply more at the gate. The personal item size limit is strictly enforced. | flyfrontier.com |
| Hawaiian | Varies by route | Inter-island pricing differs from mainland routes. | hawaiianairlines.com |
Carry-on: the rule people get wrong
On the major US carriers, a full-size carry-on plus a personal item is included in normal economy fares. The exceptions matter:
- Basic Economy on some carriers restricts you to a personal item only. The rule is not identical across airlines and on at least one it varies by route and by status. This catches people out constantly. See Basic Economy explained.
- Ultra-low-cost carriers charge for the overhead bin. On Frontier and similar carriers the carry-on is a paid extra, and paying at the gate costs several times what it costs at booking.
- Personal item dimensions are enforced. On the budget carriers there is a sizer at the gate and it is used. Measure your bag rather than trusting the label.
Things that are usually free
- Mobility aids. Wheelchairs and mobility devices travel free and do not count against your allowance. See special assistance.
- Assistive devices such as a CPAP machine, which typically does not count as a carry-on.
- A stroller and car seat for a travelling infant, on most US carriers, checked at the gate.
- Military baggage allowances, which are more generous on most carriers.
If your bag is delayed or damaged
Report it before you leave the airport and get a written reference. If a checked bag on a domestic flight is not delivered within 12 hours, you are entitled to a refund of the baggage fee under US rules. That entitlement is widely unknown and rarely volunteered. See refund rights.
Common questions
Which US airline has the cheapest checked bags?
Among the full-service carriers Alaska has generally been at the lower end, with most others clustered near $45 to $50 for a first bag. On the ultra-low-cost carriers the answer depends entirely on whether you buy the bag at booking or at the gate.
Is it cheaper to pay for a bag online?
Almost always, and it is usually the largest single saving available. Most carriers require payment at least 24 hours before departure to get the lower price.
Does Southwest still include two free bags?
No. Southwest ended the general free-bag allowance for tickets purchased from May 2025. Two free bags now come with the higher fare bundle and top-tier status, and a first free bag with mid-tier status and the co-branded credit card.
What happens if my bag is overweight?
You pay an overweight charge on top of the bag fee, and it is typically larger than the bag fee. Repacking at the counter to move items into hand baggage is usually cheaper than paying it.
Can I get a bag fee refunded if my bag arrives late?
Yes. Under US rules the fee is refundable if a checked bag on a domestic flight is not delivered within 12 hours of arrival. Ask for it, because it is rarely offered.
Do bag fees apply on every leg?
Fees are generally charged per direction, not per flight, so a connecting itinerary on a single ticket is charged once each way. Two separate tickets means two sets of fees and no through-checking.