What You'll Pay to Check a Bag
Most major U.S. airlines charge between $30 and $45 for your first checked bag on a domestic flight. The second bag typically costs $40 to $50. These are the standard fees you'll see from American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue on routes within the country. International flights often cost more — sometimes $75 to $100 for the first bag — though some airlines include a checked bag free on long-haul routes.
The exact price depends on which airline you're flying, the length of your trip, and whether you bought a basic economy ticket or a higher fare class. Budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier charge less upfront but may charge $35 to $40 for the first bag, while regional airlines and some international carriers have their own structures. A few airlines — Southwest is the main one — include two free checked bags for all passengers, which changes the math entirely if you're flying with them.
Weight and size limits matter too. Most airlines allow bags up to 50 pounds and 62 inches (length plus width plus height). If your bag exceeds those limits, you'll pay an oversize fee on top of the checked bag fee — usually $100 to $200 per bag. Overweight fees kick in at different thresholds depending on the airline, but 50 pounds is the standard cutoff.
Key Takeaways
- First checked bags cost $30 to $45 on domestic flights with major carriers, with second bags running $40 to $50.
- Southwest includes two free checked bags for all passengers, making it the exception among major U.S. airlines.
- Bags over 50 pounds or 62 inches in total dimension trigger additional oversize or overweight fees of $100 to $200.
- Frequent flyer status, premium credit cards, and higher ticket classes often waive checked bag fees entirely.
- Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for the first bag but may offer lower base fares to offset the cost.
How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
The simplest way to skip the fee is to pack light and carry everything on board. Most airlines allow one free carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) at no cost. If your trip is short enough that you can fit everything in a rolling carry-on that meets the airline's size limits — usually 22 by 14 by 9 inches — you won't pay anything extra.
If you fly the same airline regularly, check whether you may have access to for fee waivers through their frequent flyer program. Most airlines waive checked bag fees for elite members, and the threshold is often lower than you'd expect. American Airlines waives the first bag for Gold members and above; Delta does the same for Silver and above. If you fly just a few times a year, this may not be worth chasing, but if you travel quarterly or more, the status can pay for itself.
A premium travel credit card is another route. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and various airline-branded cards include a checked bag fee waiver as a cardholder benefit. The annual fee on these cards ranges from $95 to $695, so the math only works if you're flying at least twice a year and would otherwise pay the fee. Read the fine print — some cards waive the fee only on flights where you purchased the ticket with that card.
Fees by Airline
| Airline | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | $35 (domestic) | $45 | Waived for elite frequent flyer members and premium cabin passengers |
| Delta | $35 (domestic) | $45 | Waived for elite frequent flyer members and premium cabin passengers |
| United | $35 (domestic) | $45 | Waived for elite frequent flyer members and premium cabin passengers |
| Southwest | Free | Free | Two free checked bags included for all passengers |
| JetBlue | $35 (domestic) | $45 | Free for Blue Plus and higher fare classes |
| Spirit | $35 | $45 | Lower base fares but charges for first bag |
| Frontier | $36 | $46 | Lower base fares but charges for first bag |
International Flights and Special Cases
International flights usually cost more to check a bag. Transatlantic and transpacific carriers often charge $75 to $100 for the first checked bag if you're flying basic economy. Some airlines, particularly those flying to Europe and Asia, include one free checked bag if you booked a premium economy or business class ticket, or if you're a frequent flyer member at a certain level.
Connecting flights through a hub can affect your fees. If you're flying on a single ticket (one confirmation number), you typically pay one checked bag fee for the entire journey, even if you change planes. If you booked two separate tickets, you may have to pay the fee twice — once for each airline or leg. Always check your booking confirmation to see whether you have one ticket or two.
Oversize and Overweight Charges
Standard checked bags must fit within 62 inches of total dimension (length plus width plus height) and weigh no more than 50 pounds. Bags that exceed either limit trigger additional fees. Most airlines charge $100 to $200 for an oversize bag, and $100 to $150 for an overweight bag. Some airlines charge both fees if your bag violates both limits.
Sports equipment, musical instruments, and other oddly shaped items sometimes fall into a separate category. Golf clubs, skis, and surfboards often have their own fees — typically $75 to $150 per item — separate from the standard checked bag fee. Instruments like guitars may be allowed as a carry-on or checked bag at no extra cost if they fit airline dimensions, but this varies widely. Contact the airline before you travel if you're bringing anything unusual.
What Happens If You Don't Pay
If you show up at the airport with a checked bag and haven't paid the fee, you'll have to pay it at the ticket counter before you can check the bag. The airline won't let you board without settling the charge. You can't dispute it later or claim you didn't know — the fee structure is published on every airline's website and shown during checkout when you book your ticket.
Some airlines allow you to pay the fee online before you arrive at the airport, which can be slightly cheaper than paying at the counter. Check your airline's website or app after you book to see whether you can add a checked bag and pay in advance. Paying ahead also means you won't be surprised at the counter and won't have to wait in line to settle the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a checked bag if I'm flying first class?
No. First class and business class passengers on most airlines get at least one free checked bag included in their ticket price. Some airlines include two free bags for first class. Check your airline's website or your ticket confirmation to see what's included in your specific fare class.
Can I check a bag for free if I'm traveling with a child?
No. Children are charged the same checked bag fees as adults on most airlines. Some airlines offer discounts for children's fares, but those discounts don't extend to baggage fees. Each passenger — adult or child — pays the standard fee for each checked bag.
What if my bag is one pound over the 50-pound limit?
Most airlines will charge you the overweight fee. They weigh bags at the counter, and there's usually no grace period. If you're close to the limit, ask the agent if you can redistribute items into your carry-on or personal item before they officially weigh it, but don't count on this working.
Do I pay checked bag fees on connecting flights?
Only if you booked separate tickets. If you have one confirmation number for your entire trip, you pay one checked bag fee that covers all legs. If you booked two separate tickets with two confirmation numbers, you may owe the fee twice — once per airline or per ticket. Check your booking confirmation to see how many tickets you have.
Can I avoid the fee by shipping my luggage instead?
You can, but it's usually more expensive. Luggage shipping services like Baggage Forward and Lugless charge $30 to $100 per bag depending on distance and weight. For a single bag on a domestic flight, the airline fee is often cheaper. Shipping makes more sense if you're checking multiple bags or traveling internationally, where checked bag fees are higher.