Which airline charges the least for checked bags?

Among major US carriers, all now charge $45 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. Allegiant Air can be as low as $18 if purchased during booking. Sun Country starts at $30. However, the cheapest option overall is using an airline credit card for free bags.

How much does Southwest charge for bags now?

Southwest ended free bags on May 28, 2025 (initially $35/$45). Fees increased to $45/$55 in April 2026. Their Rapid Rewards Priority credit card ($149/year) still includes free bags.

Why are Frontier bag fees so variable?

Frontier uses dynamic pricing for bags: cheapest when added during initial booking ($39-49), more expensive if added later online ($50-65), and most expensive at the airport check-in counter ($65-79) or gate ($79-99). This incentivizes prepaying at booking.

What's the cheapest way to check a bag?

In order of cost-effectiveness: (1) Airline credit card with free bag perk ($95/year = free bags on every flight). (2) Add bag during initial booking (lowest dynamic price). (3) Add via airline app before check-in. (4) Never pay at the gate — it's always the most expensive option.

Do overweight bag fees differ between airlines?

Yes. Most legacy carriers charge $100 for bags 51-70 lbs. Hawaiian is cheapest at $35. Some carriers charge overweight from 41 lbs (lower threshold than the standard 50 lbs). Bags over 70 lbs cost $200 on most carriers or may be refused entirely.

Are international baggage fees different from domestic?

Yes. US carriers to Europe charge $75 per bag in Basic Economy (vs. $45-50 domestic). To Asia, most fares include 1-2 free bags due to competition. Non-US carriers generally include free bags on international routes.

Do I pay bag fees twice on connecting flights?

On a single ticket: no, you pay once for the entire journey. On separate tickets (self-connecting): yes, you pay on each ticket independently and must collect/recheck bags at the connection. Always book connections on a single ticket when possible.

Which airline credit cards include free checked bags?

Delta SkyMiles Gold ($150/year), United Explorer ($95/year), American AAdvantage MileUp (free) for 1st bag, Alaska Airlines Visa ($95/year), Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149/year). Most include free first bag for cardholder and sometimes companions.

Is it cheaper to ship luggage instead of checking it?

Sometimes. Services like Luggage Forward charge $50-80 to ship a suitcase domestically, which is competitive with airline fees for heavy/oversized bags. For standard bags on legacy carriers ($35-50), checking is still cheaper. Shipping makes more sense for oversized items or when avoiding airport hassle.

Do bag fees apply to carry-on bags?

On legacy carriers (Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest): no, carry-on bags are free. On ultra-low-cost carriers (Frontier): yes, carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin cost $39-65. Only personal items (under-seat bags) are free on all carriers.

What counts as oversized luggage?

Most airlines define oversized as exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Fees range from $100-200 for bags 63-80 inches. Bags over 80 linear inches may be refused or must be shipped as cargo. Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, surfboards) often has separate policies.

Airline Baggage Fees Comparison: Every US Carrier (2026)

Complete comparison of checked baggage fees for every US airline in 2026. First bag, second bag, overweight fees, and strategies to avoid paying.

Last updated: August 2026

Quick Answer

All major US carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest) now charge $45 for the first checked bag on domestic flights.
Southwest now charges $45/$55 after ending free bags in May 2025 (fees raised in April 2026).
Budget carriers (Frontier) range from $39-$89 depending on when you pay — cheapest at booking, most expensive at the gate.
The most effective way to avoid bag fees: airline co-branded credit cards ($95/year, saves $140+ annually for regular travelers).

What Does Every US Airline Charge for Checked Bags?

Complete domestic checked baggage fee comparison for all major US carriers (prices as of June 2026, sourced from our airline baggage database):

*Spirit and Frontier prices vary by timing: cheapest at booking, most expensive at the gate. Source: Camli airline baggage database, verified against airline websites (May 2026).

How Have Baggage Fees Changed Over Time?

Baggage fees have increased significantly since their introduction in 2008:

The trend is clear: fees have more than tripled since introduction and show no signs of decreasing. Each increase by one carrier is typically matched by competitors within 3-6 months.

How Do Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees Compare?

Overweight and oversized fees are where costs can escalate dramatically:

Pro tip: Weigh your bags at home before departure. A kitchen scale works for carry-ons; a luggage scale ($10-15) prevents expensive surprises at check-in. The difference between 49 lbs and 51 lbs is $100 on most carriers.

What's the True Cost of Checking Bags on Budget Airlines?

Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) advertise low base fares but their baggage pricing model is designed to maximize revenue from travelers who don't prepay:

The lesson: if you're flying a budget carrier and need a checked bag, always add it during initial booking. The gate price can be 2-3x the booking price. Also note that budget carriers' carry-on size limits are stricter — a bag that fits in Delta's overhead bin may be gate-checked (and charged) on Spirit.

When comparing total costs, a $99 Spirit fare + $50 bag + $15 seat selection = $164, while a $180 Delta fare with free seat selection and a $35 bag = $215. The $51 difference buys significantly better reliability, service recovery, and a more generous carry-on allowance.

How Do International Baggage Fees Differ from Domestic?

International baggage policies differ significantly from domestic:

For transatlantic travel, compare total cost including bags: a $700 United Basic Economy fare + $150 round-trip bag fees = $850, while a $780 Turkish Airlines fare with free bags included may be the better deal — plus you get a free Istanbul stopover option.

What Are the Best Strategies to Avoid Baggage Fees?

Proven methods to reduce or eliminate baggage costs:

Do Connecting Flights Charge Bag Fees Twice?

This depends on how your ticket is booked:

Key takeaway: always book connections on a single ticket when possible. Separate tickets mean double bag fees, no automatic rebooking if you miss your connection, and the hassle of rechecking luggage.

How Have Baggage Fees Changed Over Time?

Baggage fees have increased steadily since their introduction in 2008. American Airlines was the first major carrier to charge for the first checked bag ($15), and the industry quickly followed. Since then, fees have roughly doubled:

The increases have outpaced inflation, reflecting airlines' recognition that baggage fees are relatively price-inelastic — travelers who need to check bags will pay regardless of the price, especially for family travel or longer trips where carry-on only isn't practical.

Industry analysts expect continued annual increases of $5-10 per bag, with potential differentiation by route (higher fees on premium routes, lower on competitive leisure routes). Some carriers have experimented with dynamic bag pricing based on demand, though this hasn't been widely adopted yet.

Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Oversized Bags

Standard baggage fees only apply to regular-sized luggage. Special items incur additional charges that vary significantly by carrier:

For travelers with special equipment, Southwest waives oversized fees for sports gear up to 115 inches, and Alaska Airlines has generous sports equipment rules — making them standout choices on routes they serve.

Carry-On vs. Checked: When Does Checking Make More Sense?

While avoiding bag fees by going carry-on only is popular advice, there are situations where checking a bag is actually the better choice:

The optimal strategy for most travelers: master carry-on packing for short business trips and weekend getaways, but don't hesitate to check a bag for longer vacations or trips with specific gear requirements. The $35-40 fee is a small percentage of total trip cost and eliminates significant airport stress.

Tired of surprise baggage fees? Camli's travel specialists quote all-in prices that include your checked bags, so you know the true cost before booking. We also identify routing options where international carriers' free-bag policies can save you hundreds on long-haul trips. Search flights on Camli for transparent, all-inclusive pricing.

Related Baggage & Airline Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airline charges the least for checked bags?: Among major US carriers, all now charge $45 for the first checked bag on domestic flights. Allegiant Air can be as low as $18 if purchased during booking. Sun Country starts at $30. However, the cheapest option overall is using an airline credit card for free bags.
How much does Southwest charge for bags now?: Southwest ended free bags on May 28, 2025 (initially $35/$45). Fees increased to $45/$55 in April 2026. Their Rapid Rewards Priority credit card ($149/year) still includes free bags.
Why are Frontier bag fees so variable?: Frontier uses dynamic pricing for bags: cheapest when added during initial booking ($39-49), more expensive if added later online ($50-65), and most expensive at the airport check-in counter ($65-79) or gate ($79-99). This incentivizes prepaying at booking.
What's the cheapest way to check a bag?: In order of cost-effectiveness: (1) Airline credit card with free bag perk ($95/year = free bags on every flight). (2) Add bag during initial booking (lowest dynamic price). (3) Add via airline app before check-in. (4) Never pay at the gate — it's always the most expensive option.
Do overweight bag fees differ between airlines?: Yes. Most legacy carriers charge $100 for bags 51-70 lbs. Hawaiian is cheapest at $35. Some carriers charge overweight from 41 lbs (lower threshold than the standard 50 lbs). Bags over 70 lbs cost $200 on most carriers or may be refused entirely.
Are international baggage fees different from domestic?: Yes. US carriers to Europe charge $75 per bag in Basic Economy (vs. $45-50 domestic). To Asia, most fares include 1-2 free bags due to competition. Non-US carriers generally include free bags on international routes.
Do I pay bag fees twice on connecting flights?: On a single ticket: no, you pay once for the entire journey. On separate tickets (self-connecting): yes, you pay on each ticket independently and must collect/recheck bags at the connection. Always book connections on a single ticket when possible.
Which airline credit cards include free checked bags?: Delta SkyMiles Gold ($150/year), United Explorer ($95/year), American AAdvantage MileUp (free) for 1st bag, Alaska Airlines Visa ($95/year), Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149/year). Most include free first bag for cardholder and sometimes companions.
How have baggage fees changed over time?: First-bag fees have risen from $15 in 2008 to $35-50 in 2026 — more than tripling. Each increase by one carrier is typically matched by competitors within 3-6 months. The trend shows no signs of reversing.
Is it cheaper to ship luggage instead of checking it?: Sometimes. Services like Luggage Forward charge $50-80 to ship a suitcase domestically, which is competitive with airline fees for heavy/oversized bags. For standard bags on legacy carriers ($35-50), checking is still cheaper. Shipping makes more sense for oversized items or when avoiding airport hassle.
Do bag fees apply to carry-on bags?: On legacy carriers (Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest): no, carry-on bags are free. On ultra-low-cost carriers (Frontier): yes, carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin cost $39-65. Only personal items (under-seat bags) are free on all carriers.
What counts as oversized luggage?: Most airlines define oversized as exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Fees range from $100-200 for bags 63-80 inches. Bags over 80 linear inches may be refused or must be shipped as cargo. Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, surfboards) often has separate policies.