Avoid baggage fees of up to hundreds of dollars per flight.
Baggage fees are one of the annoying extra costs that come with flying with most major US airlines. Luckily, there are a few ways to get around those fees, including using credit cards, elite status and fare upgrades.
What are the airlines with free checked bags?
Checked baggage fees are standard across the airline industry — except for with Southwest — where you can check two bags free. But for every other airline, you can get the fees waived.
Learn how to avoid baggage fees on major US airlines
- Delta
- United
- American
- JetBlue
- Southwest
- Alaska Airlines
How to get a free checked bag with a credit card
There are two types of credit cards that can get you a free checked bag:
- A cobranded airline card.
This type of card is sponsored by two entities. An example is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®, which is sponsored by Citi and American Airlines. An airline card may let you check one or two bags for free on flights operated by the cobranded carrier. - A general travel card with travel credits.
This type of card is usually more flexible than a cobranded card. You’ll earn points or miles that you can use for a variety of travel redemptions, such as flights, hotels and car rentals. If the card has travel credits, you can use them to offset different travel expenses: baggage fees, inflight purchases, airport lounge access and more.
Compare credit cards with checked bag perks
How to get a free checked bag with airline status
Airlines have loyalty programs in which you can earn elite status. You’ll reach higher status tiers based on how frequently you fly.
Elite status may afford you privileges such as free checked baggage, priority boarding and fare upgrades.
Who gets a free checked bag with elite status?
If you get free checked baggage with your elite status, travel companions on the same reservation may get the benefit as well.
For example, if you have Delta Gold Medallion Status, you and up to eight of your travel companions can each check one bag free on Delta flights.
How to get a free checked bag with a premium ticket
The quickest way to get a free checked bag is usually by upgrading your fare class. When you fly premium classes, you can often check two to three bags free.
For example, you can check two bags free when flying Premium Economy or Business on American Airlines. And you can check three bags free when you fly First Class on a three-cabin American Airlines aircraft.
How to get a free checked bag with a premium ticket
Every airline has its own checked baggage fees. Typically, you’ll pay around $30 for your first checked bag and around $40 for your second.
Here are one-way baggage fees for a few major US airlines:
| Airline | Checked baggage policy (each way; terms apply) |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines |
|
| Allegiant Air |
|
| American Airlines |
*For domestic flights. |
| Delta Airlines |
*For domestic flights. |
| Frontier Airlines |
|
| Hawaiian Airlines |
*For domestic flights between Hawaii and destinations in North America. |
| JetBlue |
*For Blue fares. |
| Southwest Airlines |
|
| Spirit Airlines |
*Prices at time of Spirit.com booking. |
| United Airlines |
*For domestic economy flights. |
Data obtained April 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Read more about how to get free checked bags
Bottom line
Most airlines charge checked baggage fees. Luckily, there are ways to get around these costs — including credit cards, elite status and fare upgrades.
For help finding the right airline credit card, check out our guide on the topic.
Frequently asked questions
Pictures: Getty Images
