THE ADD-ON COSTS OF AIR TRAVEL
There are very few things in this world that are free and the airlines are now making that point very clear. Lately the basic cost of air travel only includes carrying you, in the cabin to your destination. Your choice of seat – extra, luggage – extra, often now a carry-on bag – extra.
If you are flying internationally you will probably get one bag checked for free regardless of what airline you are using. Some allow a second free bag but most will charge for additional bags. If you are flying domestically you will probably have to pay, but how much depends on the airline. The major U.S. carriers include Hawaiian Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Southwest Airlines, US Airways and Spirit Airlines. Only JetBlue and Southwest normally allow a free checked bag. Also Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, offer no-frills fares where carry-on bags cost extra.
Recently two major domestic air carriers (American and United) have added a new class of service designated “basic” or “economy basic” which is an attempt to compete with discount/no-frills airlines.. This service no longer allows you “use” of overhead bins for carry-on bags and puts you at the end of the boarding process. In addition they are charging the “economy basic” passengers for showing up at the gate with carry-on bags (right now the “fine” is $25 plus the checked bag fee). If you are traveling on Basic Economy, your personal item (must fit under seat) will be the only item you can bring on board.
Please note: In April 2020 a number of airlines revised their baggage fees. For example American Airlines has started charging $70 – $100 per bag on economy tickets on some international flights. Because these fees are subject to change please double check with airlines before booking.
Over the recent years the larger domestic air carriers (American, Delta and United) have made changes regarding additional fees or now offer “no frills” classes of service. United now offers Economy Plus which provides an additional 6 inches between you and the seat ahead. Delta is offering Priority Boarding for an additional fee and provides a guaranteed overhead bin. Other carriers are selling basic fares which do not include use of overhead bins. Before buying tickets it’s a good idea to check each airlines policy’s regarding these sorts of features.
Before buying tickets it’s a good idea to check each airline’s policies regarding these sorts of features.
Airfare is a major part of travel cost and unfortunately calculating comparison airfares has become a bit more complicated with the ever changing and usually increasing costs for checking bags. Most domestic airlines allow you to bring on one personal item such as a purse or briefcase, as well as one larger item such as a carry-on suitcase or backpack. On average the maximum size of a carry-on item is 22 by 14 by 9 inches including handles and wheels.
Most of the major airline carriers, other than JetBlue and Southwest, now charge a fee for checked baggage on domestic flights and some are now charging for carry-on bags as well. On most international flights, only Alaska Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and for some destinations, American Airlines, charge a fee for the first checked bag (American treats many Caribbean destinations, Mexico and Canada by their domestic rules).
If you fly frequently one option to avoid bag charges is to get a credit card affiliated with an airline. For example using an Amex Delta card will get you free checked bags on Delta flights. The following is a list of cards that offer free bag check with specific airlines:
· United MileagePlus Credit Card
· Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards
· American Airlines
· JetBlue Plus
· Platinum Card from American Express
· Premier Rewards Gold from American Express
· Citi Prestige
· Chase Sapphire Reserve
DOMESTIC AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES
The following listings will provide a quick reference for sapecific baggage charges and policy of most airlines.
United Airlines
Checked Bags
1 – $25 to $30, 2 – $35, 3+ – $150
Overweight Bags 1 – $100 to $200
Oversized Bags 1 – $200
Carry On 1 allowed – Free
United Basic Economy Service- Full-sized carry-on bags are not permitted – You’re not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance™ Gold member. Everyone else who brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
American
Domestic Bag 1 $25, Bag 2 $35, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
Mexico Bag 1 $25, Bag 2 $40, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
Caribbean Bag 1 $25, Bag 2 $40 to $55, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
Central America Bag 1 $0, Bag 2 $35, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
Brazil Bag 1 $0, Bag 2 $0, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
South America Bag 1 $0, Bag 2 $0, Bag 3 $150, Bag 4+ $200
Transatlantic Bag 1 $0, Bag 2 $100, Bag 3+ $200
Transpacific Bag 1 $0, Bag 2 $0, Bag 3+ $200
US Airways
Allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free. Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
US domestic (including Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U S Virgin Islands):
· First bag: $25.00 USD
· Second bag: $35.00 USD
Third bag: $150.00 USD
Fourth bag +: $200.00 USD per bag
· Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico:
· First bag: $25.00 USD
· Second bag: $40.00 USD
· Brazil:
· First bag: Free
· Second bag: Free
· South America:
· First bag: Free
· Second bag: Free
· Transatlantic:
· First bag: Free
· Second bag: $100.00 USD
· Transpacific:
· First bag: Free
· Second bag: Free
Jet Blue
Checked baggage
We offer fare options that include different numbers of checked bags. Should your plans change after booking a particular fare, bags may be checked online or at the airport for additional fees. Checked bags that exceed 62″ (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) or exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg) will also incur a fee.
Baggage fees for bags under 50 pounds
Fare option
Blue 1st bag $25, 2nd bag $35, 3rd bag + any add’l bags $100 each
Blue Plus 1st bag Included, 2nd bag $35, 3rd bag $100 each
Blue Flex 1st bag Included, 2nd bag Included, 3rd bag+ $100 each fees
Size requirements
Bags that do not meet the dimensions and/or weight restrictions are considered oversized and/or overweight and will be charged as follows:
51 lbs (23.13 kg) – 99 lbs (44.91 kg) – $100 per bag.
63″ in (160 cm) – 80 in (203.3 cm)(including wheels and handles)– $100 per bag.
Delta Air Lines
In economy, within Canada and the US, 1st bag $25, 2nd bag $35. To other destinations, prices vary by itinerary.
U.S. & International Airlines Baggage Fees* on Most International Flights
Aer Lingus Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $100 3+ – $100 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 Carry On 1 – Free
Aeroflot Russian Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $50 3+ – $150 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 to $150 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 to $150 Carry On 1 – Free
Aeromexico Checked Bags 1 – $20 to $25 2 – $45 to $55 3+ – $150 to $180 Overweight Bags 1 – $35 to $200 Oversized Bags 1 – $160 to $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Air Canada Checked Bags 1 – $26 2 – $37 3+ – $105 Overweight Bag 1 – $105 Oversized Bags 1 – $105 Carry On 1 – Free
Air China Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $110 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 to $110 Oversized Bags 1 – $75 to $110 Carry On 1 – Free
Air France Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $80 to $100 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $300 Carry On 1 – Free
Air India Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $100 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 to $200 Oversized Bags 1 – $200 to $600 Carry On 1 – Free
Air New Zealand Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $150 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $150 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 Carry On 1 – Free
Air Tahiti Nui Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $75 to $100 3+ – $150 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 to $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 to $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Alaska Airlines Checked Bags 1 – $25 2 – $25 3+ – $75 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 Oversized Bags 1 – $75 Carry On 1 – Free
Alitalia Checked Bags 1 – Free Carry On 1 – Free
All Nippon Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $100 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $60 to $200 Oversized Bags 1 – $200 Carry On 1 – Free
American Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free to $25 2 – Free to $553+ – $85 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – Free to $450 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 to $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Avianca Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $175 to $250 Overweight Bags 1 – $90 to $150 Oversized Bags 1 – $130 Carry On 1 – Free
Cathay Pacific Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $150 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 Carry On 1 – Free
El Al Israel Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $85 to $100 3+ – $85 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $55 to $100 Oversized Bag 1 – $85 to $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Emirates Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $158 to $175 Overweight Bags 1 – $50 Oversized Bags 1 – $175 Carry On 1 – Free
Etihad Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $240 to $300 Carry On 1 – Free
Finnair Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $60 to $75 3+ – $60 to $75 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 to $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Frontier Airlines Checked Bags 1 – $25 to $60 2 – $40 to $50 3+ – $75 to $80 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 Oversized Bags 1 – $75 Carry On 1 – $30 to $35
Hawaiian Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $150 Overweight Bags 1 – $50 to $400 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 Carry On 1 – Free
Iberia Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $85 to $100 3+ – $170 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $50 to $320 Carry On 1 – Free
Icelandair Checked Bags 1 – Free Carry On 1 – Free
Insel Air Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $40 3+ – $150 Overweight Bags 1 – $40 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 Carry On 1 – Free
JetBlue Airways Checked Bags 1 – $25 2 – $35 3+ – $100 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 Carry On 1 – Free
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $80 to $100 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $80 to $150 Carry On 1 – Free
Korean Air Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 to $200 Oversized Bags 1 – $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Latam Airlines Group Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $100 to $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $50 to $200 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 Carry On 1 – Free
LOT Polish Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $71 to $332 3+ – $71 to $332 Overweight Bags 1 – $71 to $221 Oversized Bags 1 – $71 to $221 Carry On 1 – Free
Lufthansa German Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $75 to $100 3+ – $75 to $500 Overweight Bags 1 – $70 to $450 Oversized Bags 1 – $70 to $450 Carry On 1 – Free
Malaysia Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free Carry On1 – Free
Norwegian Air International Checked Bags 1 – $57 to $130 2 – $57 to $130 3+ – $57 to $130 Carry On 1 – Free
Philippine Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $100 Overweight Bags 1 – $150 to $450 Oversized Bags 1 – $150 to $450 Carry On 1 – Free
Qantas Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $175 3+ – $175 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 Oversized Bags 1 – $75 Carry On 1 – Free
Royal Air Maroc Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $150 3+ – $150 Overweight Bags 1 – $50 Oversized Bags 1 – $50 Carry On 1 – Free
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $110 3+ – $110 Overweight Bags 1 – $250 Oversized Bags 1 – $250 Carry On1 – Free
Singapore Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $150 to $350 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 to $225 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 to $225 Carry On 1 – Free
South African Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $200 to $400 Overweight Bags 1 – $200 to $400 Oversized Bags 1 – $200 to $400 Carry On 1 – Free
Southwest Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free 3+ – $75 Overweight Bags 1 – $75 Oversized Bags 1 – $75 Carry On 1 – Free
Spirit Airlines Checked Bags 1 – $32 to $65 2 – $32 to $65 3+ – $32 to $65 Overweight Bags 1 – $30 Oversized Bags 1 – $100 to $150 Carry On 1 – $39 to $65
Swiss Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $85 to $210 3+ – $85 to $210 Overweight Bags 1 – $300 to $450 Oversized Bags 1 – $300 to $450 Carry On 1 – Free
TAP Portugal Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $160 to $280 3+ – $160 to $280 Overweight Bags 1 – $120 to $220 Oversized Bags 1 – $180 to $220 Carry On 1 – Free
Thai Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free Carry On 1 – Free
Turkish Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $100 3+ – $100 to $300 Overweight Bags 1 – $80 to $150 Carry On 1 – Free
United Airlines Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – Free to $100 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $200 to $400 Oversized Bags 1 – $200 Carry On 1 – Free
Virgin America Checked Bags 1 – $25 2 – $25 3+ – $25 Overweight Bags 1 – $50 to $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $75
Virgin Atlantic Airways Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $100 3+ – $200 Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags 1 – $60 Carry On 1 – Free
Virgin Australia Checked Bags 1 – Free 2 – $90 3+ – $160Overweight Bags 1 – $100 Oversized Bags Carry On 1 – Free
WestJet Checked Bags 1 – $19 to $22 2 – $26 to $30 3+ – $74 to $87 Overweight Bags 1 – $55 to $65 Oversized Bags 1 – $55 to $65 Carry On 1 – Free
