Complete guide to airline baggage fees for 20 major airlines. Carry-on rules, checked bag costs, overweight fees, and tips to avoid paying extra for luggage.
Baggage fees can turn a cheap flight into an expensive one if you're not prepared. Airlines have wildly different policies — from Southwest's free 2-bag allowance to Ryanair charging for anything larger than a handbag. This guide covers the major airlines so you know exactly what to expect and how to minimize baggage costs.
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag (55×40×20 cm or similar) plus one personal item (backpack, laptop bag, or purse). Budget carriers are the exception: Ryanair, Spirit, and Frontier only include a small personal item in the base fare — a full-sized carry-on is an add-on purchase. Always check your specific airline's size and weight limits, as enforcement varies. Soft-sided bags are more forgiving at the gate.
Major US airlines charge $30-40 for the first checked bag and $40-50 for the second, each way. Southwest is the notable exception with 2 free checked bags (25 kg each). JetBlue includes a carry-on but charges for checked bags. Delta, United, and American all charge similar fees. However, their co-branded credit cards typically waive the first bag fee — a card that costs $99/year pays for itself in 3 round trips.
Full-service carriers outside the US tend to include checked baggage. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, and ANA all include 23-30 kg checked bags in economy fares. European budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) charge for everything. The gap between budget and full-service is actually bigger for baggage than for the ticket itself.
Exceeding your baggage allowance is expensive — typically $75-200 per bag for overweight (over 23 or 32 kg) and $100-300 for oversized items. Sports equipment (surfboards, bikes, skis) has its own fee structure on most airlines. If you routinely travel with heavy luggage, a premium economy or business class ticket with higher baggage allowance may actually save money versus economy plus excess fees.
Weigh your bags before leaving home. Wear your heaviest items (jacket, boots) to the airport. Consider shipping heavy items separately via a postal service for extended trips — it can be cheaper than excess baggage fees. Join airline loyalty programs for potential baggage perks. Get an airline co-branded credit card if you fly that carrier frequently. Compression packing cubes help maximize space within weight limits.
Here's a snapshot of what major airlines include in their standard economy fare: Emirates (30 kg checked free), Singapore Airlines (30 kg), Qatar Airways (30 kg), Turkish Airlines (30 kg), British Airways (23 kg on long-haul), Delta (no free bag — $35 first), United (no free bag — $35 first), American (no free bag — $35 first), Southwest (2 × 25 kg free), JetBlue (carry-on free, checked from $35), Ryanair (small personal bag only), easyJet (small cabin bag only), AirAsia (7 kg carry-on only), Lufthansa (23 kg), Air France (23 kg), KLM (23 kg), ANA (2 × 23 kg), Korean Air (23 kg), Thai Airways (30 kg), Qantas (23 kg).
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Apply one or two strategies from this guide on your very next flight search. The difference between knowing these techniques and actually using them is where the savings happen — and five minutes of extra research per booking adds up to hundreds saved per year.
The biggest mistake travelers make is booking the first fare they see without comparison shopping. The second most common error is ignoring total cost: a budget airline fare that looks cheap can exceed a full-service carrier once you add baggage, seat selection, and meal fees. Third, many travelers book too late, missing the optimal booking window for their route and ending up paying peak prices.
Another frequent mistake is assuming that expensive equals better. On many routes, the cheapest flight operates the same aircraft type, same terminal, and similar schedule as pricier alternatives. Unless you specifically value a particular airline loyalty program, premium lounge access, or superior service reputation, there is often no practical reason to pay more for an equivalent journey.
Baggage fees are now a significant part of the total flight cost, especially on budget carriers. Knowing each airline's policy before you book prevents surprises at the gate — and prepaying online is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport.
For frequent travelers, investing in a well-organized carry-on setup pays for itself quickly. Most travelers can manage 5–7 days with carry-on only once they refine their packing system.
Pick one tip from this guide and try it on your next flight search. Use the widget above to check fares, and see how the strategies here translate into actual savings on your route.
Southwest Airlines (2 free bags) is the standout in the US. Internationally, most full-service carriers include at least one 23 kg checked bag: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, and others. Budget carriers almost never include free checked bags.
Travel with carry-on only when possible; use a personal item that maximizes allowed dimensions; get an airline co-branded credit card (often waives first bag fee); join the airline's loyalty program for potential perks; book fare classes that include bags; fly airlines with free checked bag policies.