Baggage Fees by Airline: What You'll Pay and How to Avoid Them
What airlines charge for checked and carry-on bags
Most major U.S. airlines charge for your first checked bag, though the amount varies. As of now, the big carriers — American, Delta, Southwest, and United — charge between $30 and $40 for a first checked bag on domestic flights. A second checked bag typically costs $40 to $50. Carry-on bags are free on all major carriers, but size limits are strict: most allow one personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) plus one standard carry-on (22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, roughly).
Budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit charge less for tickets but more for bags. Frontier charges $30 for a carry-on bag if you don't pay upfront, and checked bags start at $28. Spirit's model is similar. Southwest is the exception among major carriers — checked bags are free, which is why their ticket prices look higher than competitors but often aren't once you add luggage costs.
International flights follow different rules. Most airlines include at least one free checked bag on transatlantic and transpacific routes, even budget carriers. The weight limit is usually 50 pounds per bag instead of the 40 to 50 pounds on domestic flights. Overweight fees kick in above that limit and typically run $100 to $200 per bag.
Key Takeaways
- First checked bags cost $30 to $40 on most major U.S. airlines; second bags cost $40 to $50, with exceptions like Southwest that include bags free.
- Carry-on bags are free on all major carriers, but size limits are enforced at the gate, and oversized bags get checked at your expense.
- Budget airlines charge for carry-ons and checked bags upfront, so comparing total ticket-plus-bag cost matters more than the base fare.
- International flights usually include one free checked bag, but weight limits are higher and overweight fees are steep.
- Airline credit cards, elite frequent-flyer status, and certain ticket classes waive bag fees, which can save hundreds on multiple trips per year.
How to avoid paying for bags
The easiest way is to pack light and use only a carry-on. Most airlines allow one personal item and one standard carry-on free. If you can fit everything into a backpack or small roller bag, you skip the fee entirely. The catch: gate agents enforce size limits, and if your bag is too large, you'll be charged to check it at the gate — usually the same price as checking it at the counter, sometimes more.
An airline credit card often waives the first checked bag fee. American Express, Chase, and Citi all offer co-branded cards with major carriers that include one free checked bag per trip for the cardholder. Some cards extend this to immediate family members traveling on the same reservation. The annual fee for these cards ranges from $95 to $450, so the math only works if you fly more than once or twice a year.
Frequent-flyer status also waives bag fees. You don't need elite status — even the base frequent-flyer membership (free to join) sometimes includes one free checked bag on some airlines. United and American offer this to their lowest-tier members. Delta and Southwest do not. Status levels like Silver or Gold waive bags for the cardholder and sometimes a companion.
Certain ticket classes include bags. Basic economy fares — the cheapest option — usually exclude checked bags on American, United, and Delta. Main cabin or standard economy includes one free checked bag. First class and business class always include multiple bags. If you're comparing fares, check what's included before you book.
Baggage fees for different airline groups
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Carry-On | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $30 | $40 | Free | Free for elite members and credit card holders |
| Delta Air Lines | $30 | $40 | Free | Free for elite members and credit card holders |
| United Airlines | $30 | $40 | Free | Free for elite members and credit card holders |
| Southwest Airlines | Free | Free | Free | Two free checked bags included for all passengers |
| Frontier Airlines | $28 (if not pre-paid) | $39 | $30 (if not pre-paid) | Cheapest if pre-paid; carry-on fee is unusual |
| Spirit Airlines | $32 (if not pre-paid) | $43 | $35 (if not pre-paid) | Personal item free; carry-on and checked bags charged |
What happens if your bag is overweight or oversized
Airlines weigh checked bags at the counter. If your bag exceeds the weight limit — usually 50 pounds on domestic flights — you'll pay an overweight fee on the spot. This fee is typically $100 for the first 50 pounds over the limit, and $200 for anything heavier. Some airlines charge per pound instead. You cannot dispute this at the gate; the scale is the rule.
Oversized bags are measured at the gate or counter. If your carry-on is too large, the agent will ask you to check it, and you'll pay the checked bag fee. If you've already paid for a checked bag, you won't pay twice, but you will lose the ability to keep your bag with you. Measure your bag before you go to the airport. Most airlines provide a sizing bin at check-in or the gate so you can test fit before paying.
Some airlines charge extra for sports equipment, musical instruments, or other oversized items even if they fit within the standard dimensions. Skis, golf clubs, and surfboards typically cost $50 to $150 extra. A cello or double bass may require a seat or special handling. Check your airline's policy before you book if you're traveling with anything unusual.
Baggage fees on connecting and international flights
If you're connecting between two domestic flights on the same ticket, your checked bag is usually transferred automatically and you pay only once. The fee applies to the first leg of your journey. If you book two separate tickets (even if they're on the same airline), you pay baggage fees for each ticket separately.
International flights have different rules. Most airlines include one free checked bag on flights to Europe, Asia, or Latin America, even if the airline charges for bags on domestic routes. The weight limit is usually 50 pounds per bag instead of 40 to 50 pounds domestically. A second checked bag costs $100 to $200. Carry-on rules are the same as domestic flights.
If you're flying from the U.S. to another country and then to a third country, check whether your bags are included on the second international leg. Some airlines treat it as a separate journey and charge accordingly. Others include bags on all international segments if you booked everything as one ticket. Call the airline before you travel if you're unsure.
Baggage fees and lost luggage claims
Paying a baggage fee does not increase your compensation if your bag is lost or damaged. The airline's liability is set by federal law (around $3,500 for domestic flights) and does not change based on whether you paid $30 or $0 for the bag. However, if you paid a baggage fee and your bag is lost, you can ask the airline to refund the fee as part of your claim.
Keep your baggage receipt and any proof of payment. If your bag doesn't arrive, report it to the airline within 24 hours. The airline will search for it for up to 90 days on domestic flights. If it's not found, you file a damage or loss claim. The baggage fee refund is separate from the compensation for the contents of the bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a carry-on bag?
No, carry-on bags are free on all major U.S. airlines. The exception is budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit, which charge $30 to $35 for a standard carry-on if you don't pre-pay. A personal item (purse, small backpack, laptop bag) is always free. If your carry-on is oversized, the airline will check it at the gate and charge you the checked bag fee.
Can I avoid baggage fees by packing everything in a personal item?
Yes, if your personal item fits within the airline's size limits (usually 16 by 14 by 8 inches). However, gate agents are strict about this. A stuffed backpack or large purse may be rejected. Measure your bag before you travel, and be prepared to check it if it's too large.
What if I'm flying standby or with a discounted ticket?
Baggage fees apply regardless of how much you paid for the ticket. Basic economy fares exclude checked bags on most airlines, even if you bought the ticket at a discount. Check your ticket details when you book to see what's included.
Do baggage fees apply to infants or children?
Infants under 2 years old who don't have their own seat do not get a free checked bag; you pay the standard fee. Children with their own seat are treated as regular passengers and pay standard baggage fees. Some airlines waive one bag for families with young children, but this is not may provide — ask when you book.
Can I pack liquids or electronics in a checked bag?
Most liquids are allowed in checked bags, but there are exceptions. Lithium batteries, certain aerosols, and flammable items are restricted or banned. Electronics like laptops should go in carry-on bags to reduce the risk of damage or theft. Check the TSA website for a full list of restricted items before you pack.