Checked Luggage Fees Vary by Airline and Route
Most major U.S. airlines charge between $30 and $45 for the first checked bag on a domestic flight. The second bag typically costs $40 to $50. However, some airlines charge nothing for the first bag, and a few budget carriers charge for every bag. The exact price depends on which airline you fly, whether your route is domestic or international, and sometimes on how far in advance you book.
Airlines that do not charge for the first checked bag include Southwest Airlines, which includes two free checked bags for all passengers. Most other carriers — American, Delta, United, and JetBlue — charge $30 for the first bag on domestic flights. Spirit and Frontier charge $35 to $45 for the first bag, and both charge extra for carry-on bags as well.
International flights often have different rules. Some airlines include a checked bag at no cost on long-haul routes, while others charge the same domestic rate regardless of distance. A few airlines allow more bags or heavier bags on international flights before charging overage fees.
Key Takeaways
- The first checked bag costs $30 to $45 on most major U.S. airlines for domestic flights, but Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers.
- Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge $35 to $45 for the first checked bag and may charge extra for carry-on bags as well.
- Some airlines waive the first checked bag fee if you hold a premium credit card, elite frequent flyer status, or book a higher cabin class.
- Weight limits are usually 50 pounds per bag; overweight fees range from $50 to $200 depending on how much over the limit your bag is.
- International flights may have different baggage allowances and fees than domestic routes on the same airline.
Who Gets Free or Discounted Checked Bags
Several groups of passengers do not pay checked bag fees. Southwest passengers never pay for the first two bags. Passengers with elite frequent flyer status on American, Delta, United, and JetBlue often receive free checked bags as a status benefit. The specific tier varies — some airlines grant the benefit at Silver status, others at Gold or higher.
Holders of premium airline credit cards often receive free first checked bag benefits. For example, the American Airlines AAdvantage card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card both include this perk. The benefit applies to the cardholder and sometimes to a companion on the same reservation, depending on the card.
First and business class passengers typically receive free checked bags as part of their ticket price. The number of free bags and weight allowances are higher in premium cabins than in economy. Military personnel traveling on official orders may also receive baggage fee waivers on some airlines.
Overweight and Oversized Bag Charges
Even if your first checked bag is free or you have already paid the standard fee, you may face additional charges if the bag exceeds weight or size limits. Most airlines allow bags up to 50 pounds and 62 inches (length plus width plus height). A bag weighing 51 to 70 pounds typically costs $50 to $100 extra. Bags over 70 pounds cost $100 to $200 and may be refused entirely.
Oversized bags — those exceeding 62 inches in total dimensions — usually cost $50 to $100 per bag on top of the standard checked bag fee. Some airlines refuse to accept bags larger than 80 inches regardless of price. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, skis, and surfboards often count as oversized and incur these fees, though some airlines charge a flat sports equipment fee instead.
The best way to avoid overweight fees is to weigh your bag at home before heading to the airport. Most luggage stores and many post offices have scales. If your bag is close to the limit, remove items and pack them in your carry-on or ship them separately.
How Baggage Fees Compare Across Airlines
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Free | Free | 50 lbs |
| American | $30 | $40 | 50 lbs |
| Delta | $30 | $40 | 50 lbs |
| United | $30 | $40 | 50 lbs |
| JetBlue | $30 | $40 | 50 lbs |
| Spirit | $35 | $45 | 40 lbs |
| Frontier | $35 | $45 | 40 lbs |
Prices shown are for domestic flights and reflect standard rates as of the most recent update. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier also charge for carry-on bags, which can add $25 to $45 to your ticket if you do not pay in advance. Fees vary by route and booking date, so always check your airline's website before booking.
When to Pay Baggage Fees in Advance
Most airlines offer a discount if you pay baggage fees when you book your flight rather than at the airport. Paying in advance typically saves $5 to $10 per bag. For example, paying for a checked bag online might cost $25, while paying at the airport costs $30 or $35. The savings are modest but add up if you are checking multiple bags.
Paying in advance also guarantees that your bag will be checked without delay at the airport. If you wait until check-in, the airline may charge a higher rate or, in rare cases, refuse to check the bag if the flight is full. Advance payment is especially useful on budget airlines, where baggage fees are higher and airport rates may be inflated.
You can usually pay baggage fees through your airline's website, mobile app, or by calling the airline directly. Some airlines allow you to add bags to your reservation up to 24 hours before departure. After that window closes, you will have to pay at the airport.
International Baggage Rules and Fees
International flights often have different baggage allowances than domestic flights. Some airlines use a piece concept, which means you get a certain number of bags regardless of weight — typically two bags of up to 50 pounds each in economy. Other airlines use a weight concept, which gives you a total weight allowance — usually 44 to 70 pounds depending on the cabin — and you can distribute that weight across as many bags as you want.
U.S. carriers flying to Europe, Asia, and other regions typically allow two free checked bags on international routes, even if they charge for the first bag on domestic flights. However, budget carriers and some international airlines may charge for checked bags on all routes. Always check your specific airline and route before booking, as the rules vary widely.
Excess baggage fees on international flights are often higher than on domestic flights. A bag that is 10 pounds over the limit might cost $50 to $100 on an international route, compared to $50 on a domestic flight. Some airlines charge a percentage of the ticket price rather than a flat fee for overweight bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid checked baggage fees by using only a carry-on?
Yes. Every airline allows at least one carry-on bag and one personal item at no cost. If you can fit everything into a rolling carry-on and a backpack or purse, you will not pay baggage fees. However, carry-on space is limited, and if the overhead bins are full, the airline may gate-check your bag for free and deliver it at your destination.
What happens if my bag is one pound over the weight limit?
Most airlines have a small grace margin — typically 2 to 5 pounds — before charging overweight fees. If your bag is 51 pounds and the limit is 50, you may not be charged. However, do not rely on this. If your bag is close to the limit, remove items or repack before arriving at the airport.
Do I have to pay baggage fees if I book a connecting flight?
No. Baggage fees are charged per passenger per flight segment, not per destination. If you book a round-trip flight as a single ticket, you pay one baggage fee for each direction. If you book two separate one-way tickets, you pay baggage fees for each ticket. Checked bags are transferred automatically between connecting flights on the same ticket.
Are baggage fees the same if I book through a travel website instead of the airline?
Baggage fees are set by the airline and are the same regardless of where you book. However, some travel websites do not clearly display baggage fees during booking, so you may not see the total cost until after you purchase. Always check the airline's website directly to see the full price including baggage fees before booking.
Can I pack a second checked bag if I pay the fee?
Yes. You can check as many bags as you want, but each bag beyond the first two usually costs $40 to $100. Most airlines do not have a limit on the number of bags you can check, only on the total weight and size. However, some airlines refuse bags beyond the second or third, so confirm with your airline before packing extra luggage.