TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Checked bags and all the ruckus whirling around its fees has become a national issue in the United States, with more and more American passengers expressing their complaints on social media. Unfortunately, evading the fare is not an easy feat as this is the price one has to pay to fly with major airlines in the country.
How much is a checked bag? Understanding this before your scheduled trips with both domestic and international airfares could save some room in an already stretched budget. In this article, let's discuss airline checked bag fees, along with each air carrier's requirements, as explained by The Point Guy and Business Insider.
Why Do Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?
Historically, American Airlines first started charging for checked bags in 2008, when the country was battling a stubborn recession. Passengers were initially charged US$15 per bag at the check-in counter.
Over the years, several major airlines have followed American's lead, gradually charging more and more per bag and imposing other requirements.
Many experts, including Business Insider, suggest that the policy of charging baggage fees is administered to ensure that operating revenues and other costs are met. Apparently, these extra dollars have helped airlines cover the cost of jet fuel.
Airlines Checked Bag Fees
Southwest Airlines recently shocked the air travel industry by bidding farewell to its iconic 54-year tradition of free checked bags. As attention turns to baggage fees across other U.S. airlines, it’s essential to know how much a checked bag costs for the flight you are planning to board. Here’s a breakdown of how much it will cost you on major carriers.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has a policy of charging US$35 for the first checked bag, US$45 for the second one, and US$150 for the third. However, each passenger can board the plane with one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge.
According to Business Insider, passengers flying from any of 32 airports in Washington, Oregon, or California are allowed to bring a case of wine, consisting of up to 12 bottles and weighing up to 50 pounds, for free.
American Airlines
American Airlines charges between $35 and $40 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third. While one personal item and one carry-on bag that fits under the seat are generally free, overweight baggage policies may vary.
If you are carrying checked bags between 50 and 53 pounds, American Airlines charges US$30 on all routes. On the other hand, bags weighing from 53 to 70 pounds cost you between US$100 and US$200 on most routes.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines charges similar checked bag fees as its predecessor, starting at $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second, and $150 for the third. Each passenger is allowed one personal item and one carry-on item.
The overweight baggage policy in Delta Airlines varies widely depending on the destination of the flight, with an average of US$100 for bags between 50 pounds and 70 pounds.
Frontier Airlines
The check-in luggage fees on Frontier Airlines are US$55 to US$100 for the first bag, US$73 to US$94 for the second bag, and US$93 to US$110 for the third bag.
While boarding Frontier Airlines, passengers need to pay for one carry-on bag, costing around US$55 to US$99.
Hawaiian Airlines
Passengers of Hawaiian Airlines can bring one carry-on item and one personal item for free on each flight. However, checked baggage fees on all routes vary from $25-$50 for the first bag, $20-$45 for the second bag, and $50-$150 for the third bag.
JetBlue
One personal item and one carry-on item are complimentary when you fly JetBlue. However, Blue Basic passengers are limited to one personal item and are not allowed a large carry-on bag for the overhead bin.
Checked bag fees on this airline range from $35 to $40 for the first bag, $50 to $60 for the second bag, and $125 for the third bag.
Southwest Airlines
Starting May 2025, Southwest Airlines will begin charging between $125 and $135 for a third checked bag. However, passengers will be able to fly with one personal item and one carry-on bag free of charge.
United Airlines
The check-in luggage fees for United Airlines vary between US$35 to US$40 for the first bag, US$45 to US$50 for the second one, and US$150 for the third one. Basic economy passengers of United Airlines are also not allowed to bring a larger carry-on for the overhead bin, just a personal item.
Navigating the terms of checked bag fees can feel overwhelming, especially since each airline sets its own policies and prices. While flying has become more accessible over the years, the cost of bringing your belongings along for the journey has steadily risen. To save even more on your airfare, check out these best airlines offering free stopovers here.
Editor’s Choice: Five Items Prohibited in Checked Baggage
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