Baggage fees are one of the most confusing — and expensive — parts of modern air travel. A $99 base fare can balloon to $250 once you add a checked bag and discover that your "carry-on" exceeds the airline's sizer. Different airlines have different rules. The same airline applies different rules to different fare classes. International standards diverge from domestic ones. And the gate agents have wide discretion to enforce or waive fees on any given day. This guide breaks down what you need to know to avoid surprises.
The Two Bag Categories You Need to Know
Every airline divides baggage into two main categories. Understanding which is which determines what fees you pay.
Carry-on baggage refers to what you bring into the cabin with you. Most US airlines allow one carry-on bag (small suitcase, fitting in the overhead bin) plus one personal item (backpack, purse, or laptop bag, fitting under the seat in front of you). Carry-ons are generally free on most fare classes — but Basic Economy on United, American, Frontier, and Spirit restricts the carry-on, leaving you with only a personal item unless you pay.
Checked baggage refers to what gets stowed in the cargo hold. Domestic airlines typically charge $35 to $50 for the first checked bag and $45 to $65 for the second. International long-haul flights frequently include one or two free checked bags in the fare, varying by carrier and destination.
Carry-On Size and Weight Limits
The "standard" US domestic carry-on limit is 22" x 14" x 9" including handles and wheels. Most airlines also enforce a 40-pound weight limit, though many do not actively check weight. International carriers, especially budget airlines, are stricter on both dimensions and weight.
- United, American, Delta, Alaska — 22" x 14" x 9" carry-on, no weight limit on most fare classes
- Southwest — 24" x 16" x 10" (slightly larger than competitors), no weight limit
- JetBlue — 22" x 14" x 9", no weight limit
- Spirit — 22" x 18" x 10" (Big Front Seat or Free Spirit fare); standard fares pay for carry-on
- Frontier — 24" x 16" x 10", but most fares charge for carry-on
- Ryanair, easyJet (European budget) — Smaller dimensions and active weighing; expect 10kg/22lb limit on free carry-on
- International long-haul — Generally similar to US standards but verify with your specific carrier
Bring a soft-sided bag if your luggage is borderline — soft bags compress to fit, hard cases do not. Buy a tape measure or use the dimensions app on your phone to verify your bag fits before you arrive at the airport. Gate-check fees can run $50 to $100 on top of the base ticket.
Checked Bag Fees by Airline (Domestic)
Domestic checked bag fees have crept up across all major US carriers. As of 2025, here's what you can expect to pay for the first and second bags on standard fares.
- American Airlines — $35 first bag, $45 second
- United Airlines — $35 first bag, $45 second
- Delta Air Lines — $35 first bag, $45 second
- Alaska Airlines — $35 first bag, $45 second
- JetBlue — $35-45 first bag (varies by fare type), $50-60 second
- Southwest Airlines — Two free checked bags (the only major US carrier offering this)
- Spirit and Frontier — $30-65+ depending on fare bundle and when purchased
The fees increase if you pay at the airport instead of online. Pay during booking or at online check-in to save $5 to $15 per bag. Airline credit cards from American, United, Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue all include free checked bags as a perk worth $70 to $100 per roundtrip — often offsetting the annual fee on a single trip.
International Checked Bag Allowances
International long-haul flights generally include more generous checked baggage in the fare, but the rules vary widely by carrier and route.
- Most legacy international carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Qatar) — One free checked bag in economy on transatlantic and intercontinental flights
- Some Asian and Middle Eastern carriers — Two free checked bags (often Singapore, ANA, JAL)
- Budget transatlantic (Norse Atlantic, French bee, Play) — Checked bags are extra; verify before booking
- Latin American carriers (LATAM, Avianca, Copa) — Generally one free bag on international, fewer on domestic flights within the region
Weight limits for international checked bags are typically 50 pounds (23 kg) for the first bag, 70 pounds (32 kg) for premium cabins. Overweight fees range from $100 to $400 per bag and stack on top of base bag fees. Weigh your luggage at home using a portable scale ($10) before departure.
Personal Items: What Counts and What Doesn't
A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. The typical limit is around 18" x 14" x 8", though airlines rarely enforce this strictly unless the bag is obviously oversized.
Items that count as personal items: backpacks, purses, laptop bags, small duffels, briefcases. Items that do NOT count: rolling carry-on suitcases, garment bags, large duffels — even if they technically fit. Items that fly free regardless: assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers), medical equipment, child car seats and strollers (for ticketed children), and small pets in carriers (some airlines charge a separate pet fee, typically $95 to $150).
Oversized and Special Items
Sports equipment, musical instruments, and bulky items have their own fee structures and rules. Before traveling with any of these, check the airline's specific policy.
- Golf clubs — $50 to $150 each way; some airlines (United, Southwest) include them as a standard checked bag
- Skis and snowboards — $50 to $100 each way; bag must include skis, boots, and poles
- Surfboards — $100 to $200 each way; longer boards may require special arrangements
- Bicycles — $50 to $200 depending on airline; require disassembly and packing in a hard case
- Musical instruments — Small instruments fit as carry-on; larger ones (cellos, guitars in cases) sometimes require buying an extra seat
How to Avoid Baggage Fees
A few practical strategies can dramatically reduce your baggage costs.
- Pack only carry-on luggage when possible; this avoids checked bag fees entirely on domestic flights
- Hold an airline credit card; most include free checked bags for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
- Earn airline status; even basic-tier elite status (Silver, Gold) typically waives the first-bag fee
- Fly Southwest for trips with multiple checked bags; two free bags per passenger can save $100 to $200 on a family of four
- Bundle bags with your booking; pre-paid checked bags are cheaper than airport check-in
- Choose airlines with generous international allowances when flying overseas
- Ship items ahead via UPS or FedEx for long trips; this can be cheaper than airline excess baggage fees
What to Do If Your Bag Is Lost or Delayed
About 1 in 200 checked bags is mishandled. If your bag does not arrive, file a Property Irregularity Report at the airline's baggage office before leaving the airport. Most bags are recovered within 24 to 48 hours. Airlines reimburse reasonable expenses for delayed bags — toiletries, basic clothing — typically $25 to $100 per day. Keep all receipts. For permanently lost bags, US carriers reimburse up to $3,800 per passenger on domestic flights; international flights are limited to about $1,800 per passenger under the Montreal Convention.
Bottom Line
Baggage fees are no longer a small footnote — they can add 30 to 50 percent to the cost of a budget ticket. Know the rules for your specific airline and fare class before booking. Pack carry-on when you can, use the right credit card to waive checked bag fees on routes you fly often, and weigh your bags at home to avoid overweight charges.
When you call our agents, we can quote you the all-in cost of a ticket including realistic baggage fees for the bags you actually plan to bring. This makes it easier to compare across airlines — sometimes a $99 fare with $90 in baggage fees is more expensive than a $179 fare with bags included.