Bag fees are the most common way a cheap fare becomes an expensive trip. Every major US airline now charges for checked bags on standard domestic fares — Southwest ended its free-bags policy in 2025 — and the ultra-low-cost carriers charge for carry-ons too. This guide lists what you will pay in 2026, where the exceptions are, and how to avoid the fees altogether.
The big three: American, Delta, United
On domestic flights, the first checked bag typically costs $35 to $40 when paid online and $5 more at the airport; the second bag runs $45 to $50. Bags over 50 pounds or 62 linear inches carry oversize and overweight surcharges of $100 to $200. Carry-ons and personal items are free on main cabin and, on domestic routes, on basic economy as well. Transatlantic and transpacific economy fares on all three usually include one free checked bag; basic economy on those routes may not.
Fees are waived for elite members, co-branded credit-card holders (usually the cardholder plus companions on the same reservation), active-duty military, and premium-cabin passengers.
Southwest's new bag policy
For decades Southwest's slogan was 'bags fly free'. That ended on May 28, 2025: Basic and Choice fares now charge about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Choice Preferred includes one checked bag and Choice Extra includes two, as do Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status and the Southwest credit cards (one bag). A carry-on and a personal item remain free on every Southwest fare.
JetBlue and Alaska
JetBlue charges roughly $35–$50 for a first checked bag depending on route and when you pay, with Blue Plus fares and Mosaic status including one. Alaska charges $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second; its co-branded card includes the first bag for the cardholder and up to six companions.
Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant
Ultra-low-cost carriers price bags dynamically by route, date and when you buy. Expect $40–$75 for a carry-on and $40–$99 for a checked bag when purchased at booking; the same bag bought at the gate can cost $100 or more. Weight limits are lower too (40 pounds checked on Frontier and Spirit versus 50 elsewhere), and overweight fees start at 41 pounds. Bundles such as Spirit's Go Comfy and Frontier's Premium include bags and are usually the better buy if you carry more than a backpack.
International airlines
Most full-service international carriers still include at least one checked bag in economy on long-haul routes — British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, Qatar, Japan Airlines and ANA among them (JAL and ANA include two on transpacific flights). Their cheapest 'light' or 'basic' fares are the exception: those add a bag fee of $60–$100 each way. Low-cost long-haul carriers such as Norse Atlantic charge for everything beyond a personal item.
- Legacy transatlantic economy: usually 1 bag included (except 'light' fares)
- Japan Airlines, ANA, EVA, China Airlines: 2 bags included in economy
- Emirates, Qatar, Etihad: 1–2 bags included by fare type
- Norse Atlantic, Play, Level: pay per bag
How to avoid bag fees
A few habits eliminate most bag charges without giving up much.
- Pay for bags at booking, never at the airport — the difference is $5–$60 per bag
- Use an airline credit card on the carrier you fly most; the free first bag usually pays for the annual fee in two trips
- Pack in a carry-on that meets the airline's size (22 x 14 x 9 inches is the common limit)
- Weigh bags at home; overweight fees dwarf the base charge
- On ultra-low-cost carriers, buy the bundle if you need both a carry-on and a checked bag
- Families: spread items across allowances, and remember car seats and strollers are free on all US carriers
Fees in one table
Typical first-checked-bag fees on domestic routes when paid online, as of mid-2026. Fees vary by route and date on some carriers; we show the exact allowance for each fare in search results.
- American: $35 online, $40 at the airport; second bag $45
- Delta: $35 first, $45 second
- United: $35 online (up to $40 at the airport), $45 second
- Southwest: $35 first, $45 second on Basic and Choice; included on higher fares
- JetBlue: $35–$50 first depending on route and timing
- Alaska: $35 first, $45 second
- Spirit / Frontier: $40–$99 checked, $40–$75 carry-on, dynamic
- Allegiant: $35–$75 per bag, dynamic
Frequently asked questions
Does Southwest still have free checked bags?
No. Since May 28, 2025, Southwest charges about $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on Basic and Choice fares. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members and Southwest credit-card holders still get bags included.
Is a carry-on free on Spirit and Frontier?
Only a personal item that fits under the seat is free. A full-size carry-on costs $40–$75 each way, sometimes more than a checked bag, unless you buy a bundle.
How can I see the bag fee before I book?
Every fare in our search results shows whether a carry-on and checked bag are included and the fee for a first bag when they are not, so you can compare true totals.
Written by Air1 Tickets Editorial Team. First published ; fees, rules and prices verified as of the update date above. Airline policies change: always confirm the fare rules shown at checkout for your specific ticket.
