Airline Baggage Fees
2026 Complete Guide
Baggage fees add up fast, and they change often. Here's everything you need to know about carry-on, checked bag, and oversize fees for all major U.S. airlines in 2026.
🎒 Carry-On Bag Fees
Most major U.S. airlines still allow one free personal item (small bag that fits under the seat) and one free carry-on (overhead bin). However, ultra-low-cost carriers charge for overhead bin access:
| Airline | Personal Item | Carry-On (Overhead) | Carry-On Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Hawaiian | Free | Free (basic/restricted fares may differ) | 22×14×9 in (varies) |
| Frontier Airlines | Free (under seat) | $45–$79 | 24×16×10 in |
| Allegiant Air | Free (under seat) | $20–$75 | 22×16×10 in |
🧳 Checked Bag Fees (Domestic U.S.)
| Airline | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $45 online / $50 | $55 online / $60 | $200 | 50 lbs |
| Delta Air Lines | $45 | $55 | $200 | 50 lbs |
| United Airlines | $45 prepaid / $50 | $55 prepaid / $60 | varies (est. $150+) | 50 lbs |
| Southwest Airlines | $45 | $55 | varies (est. $150+) | 50 lbs |
| JetBlue Airways | $39–$49 prepaid / $49–$59 | $59–$69 prepaid / $69–$79 | varies (est. $150+) | 50 lbs |
| Alaska Airlines | $45 | $55 | $200 | 50 lbs |
| Frontier Airlines | $59–$99 (varies by date) | $69–$89 | varies | 40 lbs |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $35 prepay / $40 | $45 | $150 | 50 lbs |
| Allegiant Air | $30–$75 | $30–$75 | varies | 40 lbs |
* Fees vary by route, booking method, and loyalty status. American, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian figures come from each airline's own pages (reviewed October 2026); United, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier and Allegiant vary by route and date, so use their official pages below. "(est.)" marks figures the airline does not publish clearly. Always check your airline's website before travel.
ℹ️ Fees have gone up: Most U.S. airlines raised checked-bag fees in 2026, and Southwest no longer includes free checked bags on every fare. Always confirm your exact fee, which can depend on route, fare, loyalty status and when you pay.
⚖️ Oversize & Overweight Fees
| Fee Type | When It Applies | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | Bag weighs 51–70 lbs | $100 |
| Overweight (71–100 lbs) | Bag weighs 71–100 lbs | $200 |
| Oversized bag | Longest side exceeds 62 linear inches | $100–$200 |
| Sports equipment | Golf clubs, skis, bikes (varies by airline) | $35–$200 |
💡 Tips to Avoid or Reduce Baggage Fees
- 💳Get the right credit card: Many airline co-branded credit cards include 1 free checked bag per ticket, which can save $45+ per person each way
- 🥇Earn elite status: Most elite tiers include free checked bags — even Gold/Silver status gives you 1–2 free bags
- 💻Prepay online: Most airlines charge less for bags prepaid online vs. at the airport counter
- ⚖️Weigh your bag at home: A luggage scale costs $10 and can save you $75+ in overweight fees
- 🧳Use a personal item strategically: A large under-seat bag (like Osprey Farpoint) can hold 4–5 days of clothes
- 🧮Compare the total, not the fare: Add checked-bag fees to the ticket price before choosing between airlines. A cheaper base fare can end up costing more
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Official airline baggage pages
We compiled this page from the airlines’ own published policies. Policies change often, so check the airline’s page before you rely on any figure.
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Alaska Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Allegiant Air
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