A Guide to US Airline Baggage Fees (And How to Avoid Them)
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes and baggage fees.” – Ben Franklin, probably.
Traveling is expensive. I wouldn’t consider myself a frugal traveler, but I will go to great lengths to save money, especially when it comes to paying for things like baggage fees. (I already paid a lot of money for airfare, why do I need to pay more for a bag??) For example, I traveled nearly three weeks through the Alps with only a carry-on. But sometimes, you just need to check your bag. (AirTags are your friend!) In this guide, I break down baggage fees for each US airline, plus tips on how you can save or avoid paying them.
Alaska Baggage Fees
Alaska Airlines checked bag fees are pretty straightforward. If you don’t need or want to check a bag, Alaska’s carry-on policy is simple: One bag up and one bag down. Unlike other airlines that specify personal item size, the only requirement for Alaska is that it fits under the seat in front of you.
Personal Item
Size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in or 45 linear inches
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $35
Second Bag: $45
Allegiant Air Baggage Fees
Allegiant Air is a budget airline. And like most budget airlines, they charge for everything — including checked bags and carry-ons. How much they charge depends on when you add it and the route you fly. The best (and only) way to save on Allegiant carry-on and checked bag fees is to bring only a personal item. (It’s easier than you think.)
Personal Item
Size: 18 in x 14 in x 8 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 16 in x 10 in
Cost: Up to $50
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 80 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $35-$75
Second Bag: $35-$75
American Airlines Baggage Fees
What American Airlines lacks in carry-on bag fees, they make up for with checked bag fees. In fact, American holds the title of “most expensive baggage fees.” The first and second checked bag fees are on par with other airlines, but they skyrocket to $150 and $200 for the third and fourth checked bags. The good news is, there are several ways to get around them.
Personal item
Size: 18 in x 14 in x 8 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $35 (if you pay online) or $40
Second Bag: $45
How to Avoid American Airlines Checked Bag Fees: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (free first checked bag for you and 8 travel companions), AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (free first checked bag for you and 4 travel companions), AAdvantage and OneWorld elite status, booking a premium fare
Delta Air Lines Baggage Fees
Delta checked bag fees will depend on your cabin and destination. If you buy a Delta Economy Basic fare, you can expect to pay more for checked bags. But if you purchase Main Cabin, Comfort + or Delta One, at least one checked bag is included. Delta’s carry-on rules, however, are easy breezy and no fees-y.
Personal item
Size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $35
Second Bag: $45
Frontier Baggage Fees
Like Allegiant and Spirit, Frontier Airlines has a fee for everything — and that includes carry-on bags and checked bags. How much you pay will depend on where you’re flying. Your best bet to save on Frontier baggage fees is purchase a bundle or only bring a personal item.
Personal item
Size: 18 in 14 in x 8 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 24 in x 16 in x 10 in and less than 35 lbs
Cost: $10-$75
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 40 lbs
First Bag: $55-$100
Second Bag: $73-$94
How to Avoid Frontier Checked Bag Fees: Elite Status (Platinum or Diamond) or active duty US Military
Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees
Hawaiian Airlines wins for the best checked bag allowances. While they do charge for checked bags and surfboards (bummer, dude), pineapples fly free. Yes, you read that right. The airline allows passengers to check a prepackaged box of pineapple (up to 10 pounds!) for free.
Personal item
Size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $30-40
Second Bag: $40-45
JetBlue Baggage Fees
JetBlue has two categories of checked bag fees: off-peak season and peak season. Peak season dates include summer and Thanksgiving. (You can see the complete list of dates on their website.) You can save $5 on your first two checked bags, add them at least 24 hours before check-in.
If you’re #CarryOnOnly, make sure your personal item meets JetBlue’s unique personal item allowance. If you need recommendations, check out these personal item bags and travel backpacks.
Personal item
Size: 17 in x 13 in x 8 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $35-$40
Second Bag: $50-$60
How to Avoid JetBlue Checked Bag Fees: Book Blue Plus (first checked bag included), Mint or Mosaic (two checked bags included). JetBlue Plus or Premier cardmembers also get one free checked bag.
Southwest Baggage Fees
The one thing that set Southwest apart from its competitors: “all bags fly free.” But all good things must come to an end. The airline made a major announcement in March 2025 that checked bags will no longer be free. They did not reveal how much they will charge, only that they will go into effect on May 28, 2025. The good news is, personal items and carry-ons are still free.
Personal item
Size: Not specified
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 24 in x 16 in x 10 in
Cost: Free
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: TBD
Second Bag: TBD
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
Spirit Airlines is known for two things: their low fares and extra fees. Thanks to their dynamic pricing, baggage fees for carry-ons and checked bags have a wide range. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to completely avoid the baggage fees. However, you can reduce the cost by bringing only a personal item, purchasing a bundle or joining the Spirit $avers Club.
Personal item
Size: 18 in x 14 in x 8 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 18 in x 10 in
Cost: $26-$65
Checked Bags
Size: Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lbs
First Bag: $24-$65
Second Bag: $33-$60
How to Avoid Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees: Free Spirit Gold Status
United Airlines Baggage Fees
When it comes to bag fees, United Airlines is on par with the bigger airlines, like American and Delta. Where they differ is their carry-on rules. If you want to avoid United Airlines checked bag fees by going carry-on only, make sure you have the right size bag. This is especially true if you’re flying United Basic Economy, which only allows a personal item only. And they’re very strict about it! Check out these bags that all meet United’s personal item size allowance.
Personal item
Size: 17 in x 10 in x 9 in
Cost: Free
Carry-On Bag
Size: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in
Cost: Free for Economy and Economy Plus
Checked Bags
Size: 30 in x 20 in x 12 in or up to 62 linear inches
First Bag: $35-$40
Second Bag: $45-$50
How to Avoid United Checked Bag Fees: Elite Status (Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K and Global Services), select United credit cards or booking a premium fare
Are you team #CarryOnOnly or do you check your bags?
