A Rundown Of What These Airlines Flying Out Of The US Charge For Bags

Baggage fees can often be a stressful addition to your travel booking. What starts out looking like a great deal can quickly turn into an expensive ticket once hidden expenses such as onboard meals, seat selection, and checked bags are added. However, not all airlines are alike in how they charge passengers. Some are much more upfront about their costs and charge a flat rate that doesn't change depending on when or how you pay. Other airlines are known for secretly charging hidden fees.

There are lots of hidden fees travelers should know about, but baggage fees shouldn't be one of them. This guide will break down what some of the most common airlines charge for bags so that you can be prepared ahead of time.

10 If You Follow The Rules With Southwest, Your Wallet Will Thank You

Southwest is one of the most generous airlines when it comes to baggage allowance. They allow not one, but two pieces of free checked baggage per ticketed customer, which should be sufficient to satisfy the vast majority of passengers. However, if you exceed the weight or size limits (62 inches and 50 pounds, respectively), you'll find yourself slapped with a $75 charge each way. Still, while Southwest Airlines may have its problems, hidden or excessive baggage fees are not one of them.

9 Delta Gives You A Free Checked Bag For Most Destinations, But Domestic Flights Will Cost You $30

Delta's baggage fees are hard to sum up briefly. Depending on your destination and ticket type, your checked bags could cost you nothing or could come with a $30 price tag for a 50-pound bag, followed by $40 for the second. In general, transatlantic flights will include a free checked bag, and shorter distances usually come with the $30 fee. If you can pack light though, Delta will allow passengers a free carry-on bag and a personal item on all flights.

8 Watch Out For American Airlines' Hidden Baggage Fees With A Basic Economy Ticket

American Airlines is certainly not the only airline to charge the poor peons on the flight for the luxury of a checked bag, but it is worth bearing this in mind next time you book with them. Although they claim that many destinations include a free checked bag, the little asterisk clarifies that this is not available for Basic Economy tickets. In fact, they recently hiked the baggage price for Basic Economy customers on transatlantic flights from $60 to $75.

7 United Charges For Checked Bags On Domestic Flights But Has A Special Money-Saving Offer Online

Much like American Airlines, United also charges Basic Economy customers for their checked bags, no matter the destination. For transatlantic flights, this comes in at $70 for the first bag and $100 for the second. They also charge customers for checked luggage on domestic flights, albeit a slightly less painful fee of $35. Budget-savvy customers can also save $5 on their fees by paying at least 24 hours in advance of their departure.

6 JetBlue's Cheapest Fares Don't Include Checked Bags, But You Can Save Money By Paying In Advance

JetBlue has a stricter limit on the number of checked bags than some other airlines. Passengers are only allowed to book two bags, and any more than that will come with a whopping $150 fee. The same fee applies to any bag not within the 62-inch and 50-pound limits. The standard baggage fee for non-member tickets is a reasonable $35, and passengers paying at least 24 hours in advance online or on the app can get it for $30.

5 Alaska Airlines Allows Free Carry-On But Charges Passengers $30 For The First Checked Bag

For those who have mastered the art of rolling shirts up inside shoes and playing advanced Tetris in their suitcases, Alaska Airlines is an ideal choice. It also has some of the most reasonable baggage fees around, and you don't have to worry about paying in advance to get a better deal either. The first checked bag is charged at $30, and the second at $40. Any overweight or oversized bags will weigh in at $100 though, so be sure to play by the rules.

4 Virgin Atlantic Charges A Hefty $60 Fee For Checked Bags In Economy Light

Virgin flights are not generally known for their great value, and this reputation is also true of their baggage fees. Thankfully, the fees are the same whether you pay online or at the airport, which accommodates for different passengers' preferences. For Economy Light passengers, the first checked bag costs $60 and the second $100. All other ticket fares include a checked bag as standard, as do routes from the US to Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Australia.

3 Lufthansa Includes Free Checked Baggage As Standard For Most Flights

Passengers traveling with Lufthansa will be pleased to hear that even the Economy Class tickets come with a free 23-kg checked bag - in most cases. Their website does include the caveat that certain routes can include separate baggage allowances for Economy Class passengers. All service classes at Premium Economy and above include at least two free checked pieces. For children under two years old, the free allowance also includes a 23-kg bag and a folding stroller.

2 International Flights With Hawaiian Airlines Include Free Checked Bags, But Domestic Flights Will Cost You

As seems to be standard with most airlines, first-class passengers and members of the exclusive club systems are allowed two free checked bags. For everyone else, checked items on a flight between Hawaii and North America will be charged at $30, and overweight items will incur an additional $50 fee. All international flights, however, include at least one checked bag for free, and most routes offer two free checked pieces.

1 Spirit Airlines Will Charge You Baggage Fees At Every Step, And They're More Expensive The Longer You Wait

As is to be expected with budget airlines, the sting is in the added details like onboard meals and checked bags. Spirit Airlines takes that one step further and even charges for carry-on luggage. For a flight from Atlanta to Cancun, carry-on luggage can range from $31 if purchased during the booking to $65 if purchased at the gate. It's actually cheaper to book a checked bag ($26 to $65). You can determine the baggage price for your flight on their website.

Next: These Are The Extra Fees Airlines Add To Your Fare (And How To Avoid These Costs)