Cheap Domestic Flights in USA

What are the baggage fees on major USA airlines?

Baggage Fees on Major U.S. Airlines

🧳 Baggage Fees on Major U.S. Airlines

Here’s a current, easy-to-understand summary of baggage fees on major U.S. airlines — including checked bag costs, carry-on rules, and tips to avoid surprises when you fly.

✈️ American Airlines

  • Carry-on: Free (1 carry-on + 1 personal item)
  • Checked bag fees (domestic): 1st bag ~$35 online / ~$40 airport, 2nd bag ~$45
  • International flights: Fees vary by region and fare class

Tip: First bag may be free on premium fares or international routes.

✈️ Delta Air Lines

  • Carry-on: Free (1 carry-on + 1 personal item)
  • Checked bags: 1st bag ~$35, 2nd bag ~$45 (domestic)

Fees vary by route and fare class; higher fares often include checked bags.

✈️ United Airlines

  • Carry-on: Free (1 carry-on + 1 personal item)
  • Checked bags (domestic): 1st bag ~$35 online / ~$40 airport, 2nd bag ~$45–$50
  • Free checked bags often included on international tickets depending on fare class.

✈️ Southwest Airlines

  • Carry-on: Free (1 carry-on + 1 personal item)
  • Checked bags: 1st bag ~$35, 2nd bag ~$45

Free bags for Business Select passengers, elite members, or certain credit card holders.

✈️ JetBlue Airways

  • Carry-on: Free (1 carry-on + 1 personal item)
  • Checked bags: ~$35–$50 for 1st bag if prepaid; ~$45–$60 if paid at airport

✈️ Budget / Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers

  • Spirit Airlines: Carry-on fees apply; 1st bag ~$30–$65, 2nd bag ~$40–$60
  • Frontier Airlines: Carry-on fees apply; 1st bag ~$30–$60, 2nd bag ~$45–$55

Base fares are low but baggage costs can add up.

💼 Carry-On vs. Personal Item

  • Most legacy carriers: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item free
  • Budget carriers: Carry-ons may be charged

💡 Tips to Reduce Baggage Fees

  • Prepay checked bags online to save money
  • Book higher fare classes to include free bags
  • Use frequent flyer status or airline credit cards for free checked bags
  • Travel with carry-on only when possible

📍 Final Takeaway

Most major U.S. airlines charge about $35–$45 for the 1st checked bag and $45–$50+ for the 2nd on domestic flights. Carry-ons remain free on most legacy carriers, but budget airlines may charge. Southwest’s long-standing free baggage policy has ended for many passengers, making fees more uniform across the industry.