The short answer
On major US airlines a carry-on and personal item are free on standard economy, and the first checked bag typically costs $45–$50 each way, after the April 2026 fee increases. Budget airlines charge for carry-ons too, and their prices rise the closer you get to the airport, with the gate the most expensive. Basic economy fares on some airlines also restrict the carry-on.
Baggage fees: major US airlines
| Airline | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag | Lowest fare carry-on | Checked weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | $45 | $55 | Carry-on includedDelta Main Basic | 50 lb23 kg |
| American Airlines | $50 ($45 online) | $60 ($55 online) | Carry-on includedAmerican Basic Economy | 50 lb23 kg |
| United | $50 ($45 prepaid) | $60 ($55 prepaid) | Personal item onlyUnited Basic Economy | 50 lb23 kg |
| Southwest | $45 | $55 | Carry-on includedSouthwest Basic | 50 lb23 kg |
| JetBlue | $50–$55 | $70–$75 | Carry-on includedJetBlue Main Base | 50 lb23 kg |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | Carry-on includedAlaska Saver | 50 lb23 kg |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $45 ($30 interisland) | $55 ($40 interisland) | Carry-on includedHawaiian Saver | 50 lb23 kg |
Baggage fees: budget airlines
Budget airlines price bags dynamically by route and date. These are the published ranges; add bags when you book for the lowest price.
| Airline | Carry-on | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag | Personal item |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | 24 × 16 × 10 inPaid61 × 41 × 25 cm | About $39–$89+ | Higher than the 1st bag | 18 × 14 × 8 in46 × 36 × 20 cm |
| Allegiant | 22 × 16 × 10 inPaid55 × 40 × 25 cm | Varies by route | Varies by route | 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| Sun Country | 24 × 16 × 11 inPaid61 × 41 × 28 cm | About $35–$59+ | Higher than the 1st bag | 17 × 13 × 9 in43 × 33 × 23 cm |
| Breeze Airways | 22 × 14 × 9 inPaid56 × 36 × 23 cm | About $50–$75 | About $60–$75 | 17 × 13 × 8 in43 × 33 × 20 cm |
| Avelo | 22 × 14 × 9 inPaid55 × 35 × 22 cm | $49–$75 | $49–$75 | 17 × 13 × 9 in43 × 33 × 22 cm |
Baggage fees: international airlines
| Airline | 1st checked bag | Lowest fare carry-on | Checked weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | $45 (Basic & Standard) | Personal item only (N. America)Air Canada Economy Basic | 50 lb23 kg |
| British Airways | Included, except on Economy Basic | Carry-on includedBA Economy Basic | 50 lb23 kg |
| Lufthansa | €35–€50 in Europe; €80 / $90 to the US | Light: 8 kg carry-on. Basic: personal item onlyLufthansa Economy Light & Basic | 50.7 lb23 kg |
| Air France | Included on Standard; paid on Light & Basic | Basic: personal item onlyAir France Basic & Light | 50 lb23 kg |
| KLM | Included on Standard; extra bag $75 US–Europe | Basic: personal item onlyKLM Basic & Light | 50.7 lb23 kg |
| Aer Lingus | €28–€60 (Saver, Europe) | 10 kg bag paid in EuropeAer Lingus Saver | 44 lb20 kg |
| Icelandair | Included on Standard; varies on Light | Carry-on includedIcelandair Economy Light | 50 lb23 kg |
| Ryanair | €/£21.49–€59.99 (20 kg) | Small bag onlyRyanair Basic fare | 44 lb20 kg |
| easyJet | Varies; £60 at the bag drop | Under-seat bag onlyeasyJet Standard fare | 51 lb23 kg |
| Wizz Air | €10–€122 online (20 kg); €70–€80 at the airport | Under-seat bag onlyWizz Air Basic | 44 lb20 kg |
| Turkish Airlines | Usually included (1–2 × 23 kg to the US) | Carry-on includedTurkish EcoFly | 50.7 lb23 kg |
| Emirates | Included (20–35 kg or 1–2 × 23 kg) | Carry-on includedEmirates Economy Special | 50 lb23 kg |
| Qatar Airways | Included (20 kg+ or 1 × 23 kg) | Carry-on includedQatar Economy Lite | 50 lb23 kg |
| Volaris | Up to $180 Mexico–US at booking | Personal item onlyVolaris Zero & Flex | 55 lb25 kg |
| Aeromexico | From $30 Mexico–US (Basic), more in peak season | Carry-on includedAeromexico Basic | 55 lb25 kg |
How to pay less for bags
- Pay online, early. American, United and JetBlue charge $5–$10 less when you pay online in advance, and budget airlines charge far less at booking than at the airport. Delta, Southwest and Alaska charge the same either way.
- Use a co-branded credit card. Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest cards include a free first checked bag for the cardholder and, often, companions on the same booking.
- Get status or fly a bundle. Elite members and higher fare bundles get free bags on most airlines.
- Go carry-on only. A 22×14×9 carry-on plus a personal item avoids checked bag fees on major airlines entirely.
- Military travelers on orders usually check bags free; bring your ID.
Frequently asked questions
Which airline has the cheapest baggage fees?
For a standard fare with one checked bag, the major US airlines are similar at $45–$50 (a little less when prepaid on American and United). Budget airlines can be cheaper or much more expensive depending on when you pay. Compare the tables above for your route.
Do all airlines charge for checked bags?
Almost all US airlines now charge for the first checked bag on domestic economy fares. Many long-haul international fares still include one or two bags.
Are baggage fees per flight or round trip?
Per direction. A round trip with one checked bag means paying the fee twice.
Related guides
- Delta Baggage Policy & Fees
- American Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees
- United Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees
- Southwest Baggage Policy & Fees
- Frontier Airlines Baggage Fees & Policy
- JetBlue Baggage Fees & Policy
- Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy & Fees
- Allegiant Baggage Policy & Fees
- Gate Check Bag: How It Works & What It Costs
- Baggage Rules by Airline (A–Z)