Checked Baggage Fees: Every Major Airline Compared (2026)

Checked baggage fees have become one of the largest hidden costs of air travel. A ticket that looks competitive can cost significantly more once you factor in the bag fee each way, multiplied across multiple travelers. This guide breaks down exactly what airlines charge for checked bags in 2026, what overweight and oversized bags cost, and the most effective strategies for reducing or eliminating these fees.

US Domestic Checked Bag Fees

Southwest Airlines

Southwest remains the only major US carrier to include free checked bags. Every passenger on every fare gets two checked bags at no charge, up to 23 kg (50 lb) each. This is a meaningful competitive advantage that is easy to underestimate — a family of four flying round trip saves over $500 in bag fees compared to airlines that charge $35 per bag.

American, Delta, and United

The three legacy carriers have converged on near-identical pricing for checked bags on domestic routes:

• First checked bag: approximately $35–$40 each way
• Second checked bag: approximately $45–$65 each way
• Third and additional bags: $150+ each way

For a round-trip traveler with one bag, that is $70–$80 in fees before the trip begins. For two travelers, $140–$160.

Basic economy vs. standard economy: Basic economy tickets on these carriers often have additional restrictions (no seat selection, no changes), but the checked bag fee itself is usually the same as standard economy — around $35 per bag. The bag fee is not waived or reduced in basic economy; you simply lose other benefits.

Elite members and co-branded cardholders typically get the first bag free. A Chase United Explorer or Delta SkyMiles Amex card earns back its annual fee from the first round trip for two people.

Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant

Ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) technically have lower base fares but charge more aggressively for bags:

• Spirit: first checked bag approximately $39 online / $59 at check-in / $89 at the gate
• Frontier: first checked bag approximately $25–$45 online / $65–$75 at the airport / $99 at the gate
• Allegiant: first checked bag approximately $25–$50 online / higher at the airport

The lesson is always to add bags before you arrive at the airport. Gate prices are often double the online price.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska charges approximately $35 for the first checked bag, consistent with the legacy carriers. Alaska Mileage Plan members and co-branded cardholders get the first bag free.

European Checked Bag Fees

European budget airlines charge for checked bags as a separate add-on, and pricing varies significantly depending on when you book.

Ryanair

Ryanair offers two checked bag tiers:

• 20 kg checked bag: approximately €25–€40 when added at booking; €30–€45 online before check-in; £30–£45 at the airport (significantly more expensive)
• Two checked bags (20 kg + 20 kg): available as a bundle, saving versus buying individually

Adding a checked bag at the airport is substantially more expensive than booking it in advance. Ryanair's system is designed to reward early planners and penalize those who wait.

easyJet

easyJet's checked bag options by weight:

• 15 kg hold bag: approximately £13–£25
• 23 kg hold bag: approximately £18–£40
• 26 kg hold bag: approximately £25–£55

As with Ryanair, prices are lowest when added at the time of booking and highest at the airport. easyJet Plus card members and FLEXI fare passengers receive a 23 kg bag included.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air checked bags are priced by weight:

• 10 kg bag (small checked bag): approximately €10–€25
• 20 kg bag: approximately €18–€35
• 32 kg bag: approximately €35–€55

Wizz Air Discount Club members get reduced bag fees.

Vueling

Vueling checked bag fees are among the higher-priced European budget carriers:

• First checked bag: approximately €50–€65 depending on route and timing
• Prices are lower when booked further in advance

Full-Service European Airlines

Carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and KLM typically include one checked bag (23 kg) in standard economy fare on most routes. Business class passengers get 32 kg allowances, often with two bags.

Long-Haul Checked Bag Rules

On transatlantic and transpacific routes, the norm among full-service carriers flips: a checked bag is usually included in the fare.

• United, Delta, American (long-haul international): one checked bag included in most economy fares
• British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France: one 23 kg bag included
• Emirates, Singapore Airlines: one to two 23 kg bags included depending on fare class

Budget long-haul carriers charge as add-ons:

• AirAsia X: approximately MYR 90–200 per bag depending on weight and route
• Scoot (Singapore): SGD 20–40 per 5 kg increment
• Norwegian (transatlantic): checked bag is an add-on, approximately $30–$60 per bag

Overweight and Oversized Fees

These fees are where travelers are most often caught off guard, because the penalties are steep.

Overweight Fees (US Carriers)

• 23–32 kg (50–70 lb): typically $100 extra per bag on American, Delta, United
• 32–45 kg (70–100 lb): typically $200 extra per bag
• Over 45 kg (100 lb): most airlines will not accept the bag as checked luggage

On budget carriers, overweight fees are often charged per kilogram: Spirit charges approximately $15–$20 per kg over the limit.

Oversized Fees

Bags that exceed 62 linear inches (L+W+H combined) are classified as oversized:

• US carriers: typically $100–$200 extra per oversized bag
• European carriers: fees vary but are similarly significant

Sports equipment — skis, golf clubs, surfboards — often has its own separate fee schedule rather than being treated as oversized general baggage.

Tips to Avoid or Reduce Checked Bag Fees

Use Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards

Most US airline co-branded credit cards include a free first checked bag on that airline:

• Chase United Explorer Card: first bag free for cardholder and one companion
• Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select (American): first bag free for up to four companions
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: first bag free for cardholder and up to eight companions

On a round trip for two people at $35 per bag, that's $140 saved — which frequently exceeds the card's annual fee.

Travel credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) also offer statement credits and lounge access, but the bag benefit requires the airline co-branded card specifically.

Book Directly with the Airline

Booking through a third-party OTA (Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights booking) sometimes makes it harder to add bags at the pre-book price tier. Booking directly via the airline's website or app ensures you can add bags immediately at the lowest available price.

Achieve Frequent Flyer Status

Elite status on most US carriers (Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers) includes free checked bag allowances. Even the lowest status tier typically waives the first bag fee. Frequent flyers on the same carrier accumulate status quickly and recover bag fee costs through waivers.

Book International Even for Domestic Connections

International itineraries often include a checked bag when purely domestic routing would not. If you're connecting through a US hub on the way to an international destination, the checked bag is often included for the entire journey.

Pack Heavy Items in Your Carry-On

Electronics, shoes, and books are heavy but allowed in carry-on bags. Shifting dense items into your personal item or carry-on reduces checked bag weight, potentially avoiding overweight fees without needing to check a lighter bag.