Airline Baggage Fees 2025
Airline Baggage Fee Comparison: All Major US Airlines
Southwest is the only US airline with two free checked bags. American, Delta, and United charge $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second on domestic flights. Spirit and Frontier charge for carry-ons too — fees start at $35 if added during booking.
Source: Airline official websites · Last updated: June 2025
Baggage Fee Comparison Table — 2025
| Airline | Carry-On | 1st Checked | 2nd Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Free (standard) | $35 | $45 |
| Delta Air Lines | Free (standard) | $35 | $45 |
| United Airlines | Free (standard) | $35 | $45 |
| Southwest AirlinesBEST VALUE | Free | FREE | FREE |
| JetBlue | Free (Blue, Blue Plus, Extra) | $35 | $55 |
| Alaska Airlines | Free (standard) | $30 | $40 |
| Spirit Airlines | $35–$65 (at booking) | $35–$65 (at booking) | $45–$75 |
| Frontier Airlines | $35–$60 (at booking) | $35–$60 (at booking) | $45–$75 |
Domestic US fees shown. International and overweight bag fees vary. Verify before booking.
How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
Fly Southwest
The simplest solution — Southwest includes two free checked bags on every ticket, every fare class. No status required.
Use a co-branded airline credit card
American, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue all offer co-branded Visa/Mastercard cards that waive the first checked bag for you and companions.
Earn elite status
Silver/Gold/Platinum status on any major carrier unlocks free bags. Even low-tier status (United Silver, AA Gold) covers the first checked bag.
Pack smarter — use a carry-on
A standard carry-on (22×14×9 inches or smaller) fits in the overhead on most US airlines for free. Rolling clothes and using packing cubes can fit a week's worth of clothes.
Buy bundle fares on Spirit / Frontier
Spirit's 'The BIG Front Seat' bundle and Frontier's 'THE WORKS' include a carry-on and checked bag for a flat fee — often cheaper than adding bags separately.
Check in early for Spirit / Frontier
Spirit and Frontier charge more for bags added at the airport gate. Adding bags during online booking or check-in saves $20–$40 per bag each way.
Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
Standard checked bags must be under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Bags exceeding these limits face significant additional fees.
| Airline | 51–70 lbs | 71–100 lbs | Oversized (63–80 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| Delta | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| United | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| Southwest | $75 | Not accepted | $75 |
| JetBlue | $150 | Not accepted | $150 |
| Spirit | $65–$100 | Not accepted | $65–$100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which US airline has the cheapest checked bag fees?
- Southwest Airlines is the only major US carrier that includes two free checked bags on every fare. Alaska Airlines charges $30 for the first bag — the lowest fee among legacy carriers.
- How do I avoid checked bag fees?
- Fly Southwest, hold airline status, use a co-branded airline credit card, pack in a personal item or carry-on, or buy a bundle (Frontier WORKS, Spirit bundles) that includes bag fees.
- Can I bring a carry-on for free?
- On standard fares yes — American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska allow one free carry-on. Spirit and Frontier charge for carry-ons unless you book a bundle or hold elite status.
- Are bag fees cheaper if paid online vs at the airport?
- Yes, always. Spirit and Frontier charge up to $40 more per bag at the gate compared to booking online. Even legacy carriers charge more at check-in than during booking.
- Do airline credit cards waive baggage fees?
- Most co-branded airline credit cards waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. American, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue all offer this benefit.
Need help choosing the right fare?
Our agents can compare bag fees across airlines and find the lowest total cost for your trip.
Call (844) 212-9968 — Toll-Free 24/7