Airline baggage fees: the complete guide to checked bag costs
How fees really add up, what US and Canadian airlines charge, and smarter ways to travel without surprise luggage costs.
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What airline baggage fees are
Checked baggage refers to luggage that passengers hand over to the airline at check-in. Unlike carry-on bags, checked bags travel in the cargo hold and are retrieved at baggage claim after landing.
Airlines charge baggage fees to generate ancillary revenue separate from the base ticket price. These fees were introduced widely after 2008 and have increased steadily since. Today, most US carriers charge for at least the first checked bag on domestic flights, and most Canadian carriers charge similar fees for domestic and transborder travel.
Baggage fees are typically applied for:
- First checked bag
- Second checked bag
- Additional bags beyond the second
- Overweight bags (usually over 50 lbs)
- Oversized bags (typically over 62 linear inches)
- Special equipment such as ski gear, golf clubs, and bicycles
Some travelers avoid checked bag fees entirely by shipping luggage ahead of time. Shipping luggage delivers bags door to door before a trip, eliminating baggage claim and airline fees.
Typical airline baggage fees (US airlines)
Baggage fees vary by airline, route, and fare class. The table below reflects typical fees charged by major US carriers as of April 2026, following recent fee increases at Alaska, American, Delta, and United. Basic economy fares often incur the highest fees, while elite status holders or airline credit card holders may check bags for free.
Standard bag
Overweight
Oversized
Extra bag
| Bag type | Typical fee (one way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | $35–$50 | Most legacy carriers now $45 after Apr 2026 increases; free on some airlines with eligible credit card |
| Second checked bag | $45–$60 | Fees increase with each additional bag |
| Third checked bag | $150–$200+ | Varies widely by airline |
| Overweight bag (51–70 lbs) | $100–$150+ | Applied on top of standard bag fee |
| Oversized bag (over 62 in.) | $150–$200+ | Common for ski bags, golf bags, bikes |
| Special / sports equipment | $75–$200+ | Airline-specific policies apply |
Last updated: April 2026, reflecting recent fee increases at Alaska, American, Delta, and United. Fees subject to change. Check your airline's website for current rates before travel.
Real cost examples
Checking one bag on a round-trip flight at a major US carrier now costs around $90. Two bags on a family trip of four can easily exceed $360 in baggage fees before any overweight charges apply.
Typical airline baggage fees (Canadian airlines)
Canadian carriers set their fees in CAD, and prices differ from US airline schedules. The ranges below reflect typical fees charged by major Canadian carriers as of April 2026, following Air Canada's April 13 increase. Paying online in advance secures the lowest rate; paying at the airport counter adds $10–$20 per bag. Elite status holders, co-branded credit card holders, and travelers on higher fare classes may check bags at no charge.
| Bag type | Typical fee (one way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First checked bag | CAD $40–$119 | Air Canada $45 (post Apr 2026), WestJet $40 online / $60 at airport, Flair $69–$119, Porter $40–$51.75 prepaid |
| Second checked bag | CAD $50–$100 | Rises sharply on ultra low cost carriers and at the airport |
| Third checked bag | CAD $100–$225+ | Varies widely by carrier and fare class |
| Overweight bag (51–70 lbs) | CAD $100–$118+ | Charged on top of standard bag fee |
| Oversized bag (over 62 in.) | CAD $118–$225+ | Applies to ski bags, golf bags, bikes |
| Special / sports equipment | CAD $50–$150+ | Airline-specific policies apply |
Note: Fares that include a checked bag (e.g., Air Canada Economy Flex, Porter Flexible and Freedom, Air Transat Club) can be more cost-effective than lower fares plus bag fees. Confirm the included allowance before booking.
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Airline baggage fees by airline
Each carrier sets its own baggage fee schedule. Policies differ based on fare class, loyalty status, credit card perks, and route. The summaries below cover the major US and Canadian carriers. Click any airline for a full breakdown.
US airlines
Canadian airlines
US airlines
Alaska Airlines baggage fees
As of April 10, 2026, Alaska charges $45 for a first checked bag and $55 for a second on most domestic routes (up from $35 / $45). Atmos Rewards elite members and Atmos co-branded credit card holders receive complimentary bags on eligible fares.
Allegiant Air baggage fees
Allegiant is an ultra low cost carrier that charges for both carry-on and checked bags. Fees vary by route and must be purchased in advance online for the lowest rate. Buying at the airport typically costs significantly more.
American Airlines baggage fees
As of April 9, 2026, American charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for a second when paid online ($50 / $60 at the airport). Basic Economy rates are scheduled to rise to $55 / $65 effective May 18, 2026. AAdvantage elite members and co-branded credit card holders may check bags free on eligible fares.
Delta Air Lines baggage fees
As of April 8, 2026, Delta charges $45 for a first bag and $55 for a second on domestic flights (up $10 each). Basic economy fares on some routes do not include a free carry-on. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and co-branded card holders receive complimentary checked bags on eligible fares.
Frontier Airlines baggage fees
Frontier is an ultra low cost carrier where base fares include no bags. Both carry-on and checked bags carry fees that vary by route. Bundled fare options can reduce per-bag costs for travelers with multiple bags.
Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees
Hawaiian Airlines now charges for checked bags on inter-island flights (typically around $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second), ending the previous free-bag benefit. For mainland US routes, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55. HawaiianMiles members and certain credit card holders may still receive complimentary bags.
JetBlue Airways baggage fees
JetBlue's bag fees depend on fare tier and season. In 2026, JetBlue charges $39 for a first checked bag during off-peak travel and $49 during peak travel, with a second bag at $45–$65. Blue Basic passengers pay the higher rates — starting at $45 for the first bag and $59 for the second.
Southwest Airlines baggage fees
Southwest ended its long-running "bags fly free" policy on May 28, 2025. Today, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55 on most fares. Customers on Choice Preferred fares, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, and eligible Rapid Rewards credit card holders still receive complimentary checked bags.
Sun Country Airlines baggage fees
Sun Country is a low cost carrier that charges for checked and carry-on bags. Fees are tiered by timing of purchase. Booking online in advance offers the lowest rates. Bundles may include a bag allowance.
United Airlines baggage fees
As of April 3, 2026, United charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second when paid online, and $50 / $60 when paid within 24 hours of departure. Basic economy fares are the most restrictive. MileagePlus elite members and United co-branded credit card holders check bags at no charge on eligible tickets.
Canadian airlines
Air Canada baggage fees
As of April 13, 2026, Air Canada charges CAD $45 for a first checked bag on Economy Basic and Standard fares, and CAD $60 for a second. Tickets booked before April 13 keep the prior $35 first-bag rate. Economy Flex includes the first bag free. Aeroplan Elite status members and co-branded Aeroplan credit card holders often receive complimentary bags on eligible routes. Sports equipment and overweight bags carry per-piece surcharges that can exceed CAD $118 each way.
Air Transat baggage fees
Air Transat is a Canadian leisure carrier. Econo fares typically do not include a free checked bag on short haul flights, while Club fares include a checked bag. Additional bags and overweight luggage carry per-piece fees that vary by route and fare class.
Flair Airlines baggage fees
Flair is a Canadian ultra low cost carrier. Base fares include no checked bag or carry-on beyond a personal item. First checked bags run approximately CAD $69–$119 at booking, rising to CAD $109–$164 at the gate. Carry-on is an add-on starting at CAD $49–$109 at booking, and up to CAD $99–$154 at the gate. Bundled fare options can reduce per-bag costs for travelers with multiple bags.
Porter Airlines baggage fees
Porter's baggage allowance depends on the fare class. Flexible fares include one free checked bag and Freedom fares include two. On Basic and Standard fares, the first checked bag runs CAD $40–$51.75 prepaid at booking, CAD $45–$63.25 post-purchase, and CAD $50–$69 at the airport. VIPorter members and BMO VIPorter Mastercard holders may receive complimentary bags on eligible routes.
Sunwing Airlines baggage fees
Sunwing is a Canadian leisure and vacation carrier. Most Sunwing vacation packages include a complimentary checked bag, while flight only bookings typically follow a tiered fee structure. Excess baggage fees escalate quickly, with the second bag around CAD $90 and the third at roughly CAD $120. Sports equipment and overweight bags carry separate per-piece surcharges that vary by destination.
WestJet baggage fees
WestJet charges CAD $40 for a first checked bag and CAD $60 for a second on most domestic and transborder routes when paid online in advance, with airport rates running CAD $60 / $80. Premium and Business fares include checked baggage, and WestJet Rewards elite members and eligible WestJet RBC Mastercard holders may receive complimentary bags on qualifying routes.
The true cost of checking a bag
Sticker fees only tell part of the story. The true cost of checking a bag includes time spent at baggage drop, time waiting at baggage claim, the risk of delayed or lost luggage, and the physical strain of hauling bags through the airport, rental car shuttle, hotel lobby, and beyond.
For a family of four flying round trip with two checked bags each, baggage fees alone can run $360–$480 before any overweight or oversized surcharges. Add in tips for skycaps, the cost of a larger rental car to fit the luggage, and potential delay-related expenses, and the total can climb significantly higher.
Example: family of four, round trip, 2 bags each
- 8 checked bags × $45 first / $55 second one way
- 4 first bags × $45 × 2 ways = $360
- 4 second bags × $55 × 2 ways = $440
When fees increase most
Baggage fees are not flat. Several common scenarios push the per-bag cost well above the standard rate:
- Paying at the airport. Most airlines charge $5–$20 more per bag if paid at check-in instead of online during booking.
- Overweight bags. Crossing the 50 lb threshold adds $100–$150+ per direction. Heavier still (over 70 lbs) often refuses acceptance.
- Oversized bags. Anything over 62 linear inches (length + width + height) typically incurs a $150–$200+ surcharge each way.
- Sports and special equipment. Skis, golf bags, and bikes are often charged separately from standard bag allowances.
- Basic economy fares. The cheapest fare class often carries the highest per-bag fees and the strictest carry-on rules.
- Peak travel periods. Some carriers (notably JetBlue) charge more during peak holiday and summer travel windows.
Ways to avoid baggage fees
If checking bags is unavoidable, several strategies can reduce or eliminate the fees:
- Use an airline co-branded credit card. Most major US carriers offer cards that include a free first checked bag for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Frequent flyer status tiers commonly include complimentary checked bags as a benefit.
- Book a higher fare class. Premium economy, business, and first-class tickets typically include one or two checked bags. Air Canada Economy Flex, Porter Flexible / Freedom, and similar Canadian fare bundles also include bag allowance.
- Pack carry-on only. A wheeled carry-on plus a personal item is enough for most short trips, though ultra low cost carriers may charge for carry-ons too.
- Pay online in advance. Always pay during booking or online check-in — airport counter rates are consistently $10–$20 higher per bag.
- Ship your luggage ahead. Door-to-door luggage shipping bypasses airline fees entirely and often costs less than checking multiple bags — especially for sports gear, oversized luggage, or family travel.
Pro tip
For trips with three or more bags, sports equipment, or oversized luggage, shipping is frequently cheaper than checking — before factoring in the time saved at baggage claim.
Shipping vs checking your luggage
Shipping luggage is no longer a niche service. With airline bag fees climbing, door-to-door shipping has become a competitive alternative for many travelers — especially families, golfers, skiers, and anyone hauling more than one bag.
| Checking with the airline | Shipping with LugLess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (1 bag, round trip) | ~$90 | From $39 each way |
| Oversized / overweight | +$150–$200 each way | Often included in flat rate |
| Door-to-door | No | Yes |
| Tracking | Limited | Real-time, every step |
| On-time guarantee | No | Yes, with refund if late |
| Time at baggage claim | 20–45 minutes | Zero |
Real travel scenarios
Golfer flying to a tournament
A golf bag checked as oversized sports equipment can run $150–$200 each way on most major US carriers — $300–$400 round trip for one bag. Shipping the same clubs door-to-door typically costs less and arrives waiting at the resort or club, no airport handling required.
Family of four on a week-long vacation
Two checked bags per person on a round-trip domestic flight runs roughly $800 in baggage fees alone after the April 2026 increases. Shipping the same eight bags often comes in under that total, with the added benefit of skipping the airport luggage haul entirely.
Ski trip with two pairs of skis and boots
Ski bags incur both oversized and special equipment fees on most carriers, frequently $150–$200 each way per pair. Shipping skis door-to-door to the lodge eliminates the oversized handling charge and the awkwardness of dragging skis through connecting flights.
Business traveler with samples or trade show materials
Carrying product samples, banners, or display materials as checked or oversized luggage racks up overweight and oversized fees fast. Shipping the materials directly to the venue is usually cheaper, more reliable, and arrives ready to set up.
Check or ship? Quick guide
A simple rule of thumb based on the most common travel scenarios:
- One small bag, one short trip, no elite status: Checking is usually fine, especially if you have an airline credit card.
- Two or more bags: Compare shipping. Once you cross two bags, shipping is often cheaper and almost always more convenient.
- Sports equipment (golf, skis, bikes): Ship. The oversized surcharge alone usually exceeds the cost of door-to-door shipping.
- Family travel: Ship. Total airline fees for a family of four typically exceed $400 round trip.
- Oversized or overweight bags: Ship. Airline overweight and oversized fees are punitive.
- Tight connections or long layovers: Ship. Skipping baggage claim shaves 30–60 minutes off airport time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to check a bag in 2026?
Most major US airlines now charge $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on domestic flights, following price increases at Alaska, American, Delta, and United in April 2026. Canadian carriers run roughly CAD $40–$60 for the first bag online, with airport counter rates higher.
Are airline baggage fees per flight or per direction?
Baggage fees are typically charged per direction (one way), per bag. A round-trip ticket with one checked bag therefore incurs the bag fee twice — once on each leg.
What weight limit triggers an overweight fee?
Most airlines define a standard checked bag as up to 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags between 51 and 70 lbs incur an overweight surcharge of roughly $100–$150 each way on top of the standard bag fee. Bags over 70 lbs are often refused entirely or carry surcharges of $200+.
Do basic economy fares include a checked bag?
Generally no. Basic economy fares on US carriers typically exclude checked bags, and some restrict carry-ons as well. Always confirm the bag policy before booking, especially on connecting itineraries.
Can I avoid baggage fees with a credit card?
Yes — most major US carriers offer co-branded credit cards that include a free first checked bag for the cardholder and a number of companions on the same reservation. The annual fee is often less than the cost of two round-trip checked bags per year.
Is shipping luggage cheaper than checking?
It depends on the number of bags and the route. For a single small bag on a short trip, checking is often cheaper. For two or more bags, oversized luggage, or sports equipment, shipping is frequently cheaper — and almost always more convenient because it goes door to door.
How far in advance should I ship my luggage?
Standard ground shipping typically takes 3–5 business days door to door. For most domestic trips, scheduling pickup 5–7 days before departure is comfortable. Expedited and express options are available for last-minute trips.