Lois Larson
Baggage fees are an inevitable part of air travel, and it's essential to understand your airline's policies to avoid unexpected charges. While carry-on bags are typically free, checked bags often incur fees, which can vary based on weight, size, and destination. Some airlines charge per bag, while others offer a flat rate for checked luggage. Understanding weight restrictions is crucial, as overweight bags can result in additional fees. Certain airlines may also have seasonal limitations on checked bags, and fees may apply for specific items like cabin pets. To avoid surprises, research your airline's baggage policies, utilize online resources to pre-pay for bags, and consider investing in an airline credit card to benefit from waived baggage fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines that charge for heavy bags | American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United |
| Airlines that offer free checked bags | Southwest Airlines (up to 2 bags), Delta (Medallion members), United (Premier members), American Airlines (AAdvantage members) |
| Weight restrictions for checked bags | Varies by airline and destination; commonly up to 50 lbs for international flights and 70 lbs for domestic flights |
| Additional fees | Oversized, overweight, and specialty luggage may incur extra charges |
| Avoiding fees | Pack heavy items in carry-on, choose bundled fares that include checked baggage, utilize airline membership benefits |
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What You'll Learn
Bag fees depend on the flight booked
Similarly, Southwest Airlines offers different baggage benefits to its customers based on their tier status or fare. Business Select® fares include two free checked bags, while Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members receive their first and second checked bags for free. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers only receive their first checked bag for free.
Some airlines also offer bundled fares that include checked baggage, while others don't allow any checked luggage with a basic fare. For example, United, one of the major US airlines, does not allow a free carry-on bag with a basic economy fare. They also charge a $25 gate handling fee if an economy passenger brings a full-size bag to the gate that needs to be checked.
It's important to note that bag fees are typically non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you later upgrade to a fare that includes free checked bags. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the baggage policies of the specific airline you're flying with to understand their fees and any applicable weight or size restrictions.
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Weight restrictions for carry-on bags are rarely enforced
Although carry-on luggage size restrictions are enforced by most airlines, weight restrictions for carry-on bags are rarely enforced. While a few international airlines do have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, most major domestic airlines do not.
Carry-on luggage size restrictions vary by airline. For example, American Airlines allows carry-on luggage measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while Southwest allows a slightly larger carry-on of 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Some airlines, like Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country, specify a total linear inch restriction for the combined height, width, and depth of the bag. As long as the combined dimensions fall within the specified limit, typically 24 inches, passengers are allowed to bring a bag of that size on board.
To ensure your carry-on luggage complies with the airline's size restrictions, it is important to measure your bag, including any handles and wheels, before your trip. Most airlines require carry-on bags to be 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller, but it is always a good idea to check with your specific airline, as the rules can vary.
In addition to size restrictions, some international airlines enforce weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. For example, there is a 22-pound weight limit for carry-on bags when flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai, and a 15-pound limit for Singapore. However, these weight restrictions are not common among major domestic airlines.
While weight restrictions for carry-on bags are rarely enforced by domestic airlines, it is still important to be mindful of the weight of your carry-on luggage. Excessive weight can make the bag difficult to lift into the overhead bin and may require checking the bag instead, potentially incurring additional fees.
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Bag fees for sports equipment
While baggage fees for sports equipment vary depending on the airline, there are some standard fees that most airlines adhere to. For example, most US airlines have lowered their baggage fees for sports equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, skis, and snowboards. These items now fall under the standard checked bag fee, with some exceptions.
For instance, JetBlue, Delta, American, and Spirit Airlines consider sports gear as oversized or overweight and charge an additional fee. This fee can range from $35 to $45 USD for a standard checked bag, with an additional $100 USD handling fee for items over 50 lbs.
Other airlines, like Alaska Airlines, have specific policies for different types of sports equipment. For bicycles, they require a hard-sided case designed for sports equipment or the original manufacturer's box, with handlebars turned sideways and pedals removed. Bicycles exceeding 115" will incur an oversize fee, and those over 70 lbs will incur an overweight fee. Similarly, scuba equipment exceeding 50 lbs will incur an overweight fee, and items over 115" will be charged an oversize fee.
Some airlines, like American Airlines, have different fees for specific destinations. For flights to Cuba, the first checked bag has a fee of $35, while the second bag is charged at $200 during the seasonal period from November 16 to January 15. For travel to Australia or New Zealand, American Airlines offers one free bag in Basic or Main, two free bags in Premium Economy or Business, and three free bags in First, all up to 70 lbs at no extra cost.
It is always recommended to check the specific airline's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding baggage fees for sports equipment, as policies can change.
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Overweight and oversized baggage fees
Airlines have varying policies on overweight and oversized baggage fees. These fees are charged per bag and are non-refundable. They are typically based on the weight and size of the bag, with separate fees for each limitation exceeded. Some airlines may also consider the travel dates and destination when calculating these fees.
American Airlines
American Airlines charges overweight baggage fees for bags weighing between 50 lbs/23 kgs and 70 lbs/32 kgs. The fees vary depending on the destination and type of flight. For basic economy flights to/from Australia or New Zealand, there is a $75 fee for the first bag, while for flights within and between the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, the fee is $35 if paid online or $40 if paid at the airport.
American Airlines also charges fees for oversized bags, which are bags with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding the specified limits. These fees vary by destination and are higher for bags that exceed both weight and size limits.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines charges fees for each limitation a bag exceeds, including weight, size, and quantity limits. They allow up to 10 checked bags per passenger on Delta or Delta Shuttle flights and up to 4 checked bags on Delta Connection carrier flights. Excess baggage that cannot be accommodated on the same flight will be transported on the next available flight.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines charges overweight fees for items weighing between 51-70 pounds and 71-100 pounds. They also charge oversized fees for items exceeding 62 inches but not more than 80 inches, in addition to the standard baggage fee. If a piece of baggage is both oversized and overweight, a single charge of $200 applies as long as the weight does not exceed 100 lbs.
It is important to note that overweight and oversized baggage fees can vary depending on the airline, destination, and other factors. Passengers should always review the specific guidelines and fees of their chosen airline to ensure they are aware of any potential charges.
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Free checked bags for premium customers
While some airlines charge for checked bags, others offer this service for free, especially for premium customers. For example, Southwest Airlines allowed any passenger to check up to two bags at no extra cost as of 2021, although this policy is set to change for flights booked after May 28, 2025. After this date, only select Southwest flyers, such as those with elite status, Business Select flyers, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders, will get at least one free bag.
Similarly, American Airlines offers free checked bags when traveling on American-marketed and operated itineraries. However, this does not apply to codeshare flights operated by their partners. There are also seasonal and year-round limitations on checked bags and the number of boxes allowed for travel to certain cities.
Some airlines also offer free checked bags on specific routes, such as longer international routes. For instance, American Airlines allows passengers flying to or from Australia or New Zealand to check 1 bag for free in Basic or Main, 2 bags in Premium Economy or Business, and 3 bags in First, up to 70 lbs/32 kg at no extra cost.
Additionally, certain credit cards provide benefits such as free checked bags. For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers cardholders and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation a free first checked bag. The New United Club Card also provides its primary cardholder and one companion with free first and second checked bags. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used toward checked bag fees on any airline.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airports can charge you for heavy bags. Bag fees are an unfortunate reality of air travel and can cost you hundreds of dollars beyond your ticket price. These fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way.
Research your chosen airline's baggage allowance ahead of time to avoid surprises at the airport. You can also weigh your luggage at home with a small, lightweight scale to ensure it meets the airline's weight restrictions.
Baggage fees vary depending on the airline, route, date of ticket purchase, loyalty program status, and destination. Some airlines may also offer waived baggage fees for customers with elite status or co-branded credit cards.
