Checked Bag Fees by Airline in 2026: Every Major US Carrier

Airlines do not make this easy. Every carrier buries its bag fees in calculators, fare-class tables, and credit card footnotes. This page puts the 2026 domestic fees for every major US airline in one place, with the verified numbers, who gets a free bag, and the fastest ways to avoid paying.

Fees verified from official airline sources in September 2026. Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026 and is not included.

Quick Reference: Checked Bag Fees by Airline

Airline	1st Bag	2nd Bag	Free if
Alaska	$30	$45	Elite status, Alaska CC
Southwest	$45	$55	Choice Extra, A-List Preferred
JetBlue	$45	$59	Mint fare
Delta	$45	$55	Medallion, Delta Amex
American	$45 prepaid / $50 airport	$55 prepaid / $60 airport	AAdvantage CC (1st only)
United	$45 prepaid / $50 airport	$55 prepaid / $60 airport	Explorer Card (1st only)
Frontier	Variable	Variable	Frontier Mastercard (2 bags)

All figures are for domestic US flights in standard Economy. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) carry additional fees at all carriers.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska has the lowest checked bag fees of any traditional US carrier, at $30 for the first bag and $45 for the second. The weight limit is 50 pounds and the size limit is 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height).

Alaska Airlines credit card holders check their first bag free, as do Mileage Plan elite members and active-duty military. Alaska merged with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, but bag fees for Alaska-operated flights follow the Alaska schedule.

If you fly Alaska frequently from the West Coast, the co-branded Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card can pay for itself on a single round trip.

For the full Alaska baggage policy, see Alaska Airlines.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest changed its longtime “bags fly free” model on April 9, 2026. Free checked bags are now limited to specific fare classes and elite tiers.

Current Southwest bag fees (domestic, US mainland):

Fare or status	1st bag	2nd bag
Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred	$45	$55
Choice Extra	Free	Free
A-List Preferred member	Free	Free
A-List member	Free	$55
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember	Free	$55
Active-duty military	Free	Free

If you previously traveled on Southwest assuming bags were always free, note that the April 2026 change affects Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. The Choice Extra fare bundles free bags into a higher ticket price, which often makes it cost-competitive once you factor in two checked bags.

Size limit: 62 linear inches. Weight limit: 50 pounds. Third bag and above: $150 each.

JetBlue

JetBlue charges $45 for the first checked bag and $59 for the second on standard fares, when added at least 24 hours before departure. Adding bags at the airport costs more. During peak travel periods (Thanksgiving, winter holidays, peak summer), fees increase by $4 to $10.

JetBlue Mint passengers get both checked bags included. JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic elite members receive complimentary bags depending on tier.

JetBlue’s fees are comparable to the big three on standard fares, but peak pricing makes it worth adding bags early.

Delta Air Lines

Delta charges $45 for the first domestic checked bag and $55 for the second. The weight limit is 50 pounds and the size limit is 62 linear inches.

Free bags on Delta:

• Delta Medallion Members (Silver and above) get the first bag free; Gold and above get two bags free
• Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders (including the entry-level Blue card) check the first bag free for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation
• Active military receive expanded allowances

The Delta Amex benefit covers the first bag for everyone on the booking, which means it pays for itself quickly on family trips. For a full breakdown of Delta fees and classes, see Delta baggage fees.

American Airlines

American Airlines updated its bag fee structure in May 2026. Fees now depend on how early you pay and which fare class you’re in.

American Airlines checked bag fees (domestic):

	At airport	Prepaid online
Main Cabin (1st bag)	$50	$45
Main Cabin (2nd bag)	$60	$55
Basic Economy (1st bag)	$55	$50
Basic Economy (2nd bag)	$65	$60
Third bag	$200	$200

Prepaying online via aa.com or the American Airlines app saves $5 per bag. Basic Economy adds $5 to each fee.

AAdvantage credit card holders check their first bag free on domestic American flights, for the cardholder and up to four companions on the same itinerary. For a complete breakdown, see American Airlines baggage fees.

United Airlines

United raised its bag fees in April 2026. The structure now mirrors American Airlines closely.

United Airlines checked bag fees (domestic):

	At airport	Prepaid online
Economy (1st bag)	$50	$45
Economy (2nd bag)	$60	$55

United’s Basic Economy passengers pay the same bag fees as standard Economy, but face additional restrictions on seat selection and ticket changes.

Free bags on United:

• United Explorer Card holders: first bag free for cardholder and one companion
• MileagePlus Premier Silver: first bag free
• MileagePlus Premier Gold and above: two bags free
• Business or First class passengers: two bags free

Your MileagePlus number must be on the reservation for status benefits to apply. For more detail, see United Airlines baggage fees.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier uses dynamic pricing for bags, which means fees vary by route, date, and when you purchase. Frontier does not publish a single flat fee schedule. Buying bags at booking is almost always cheaper than buying them at the airport or at the gate.

Frontier Mastercard holders receive two free checked bags on Frontier-operated flights. Active-duty military also receive free checked bags.

If you are flying Frontier without a credit card, use the Frontier bag price checker before booking. On many routes, adding two checked bags brings the total ticket cost close to or above what a standard-carrier ticket costs with bags included.

For more on the tradeoffs with budget carriers, see basic economy vs main cabin.

How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees

Use a carry-on

For domestic trips up to a week, a carry-on bag eliminates checked bag fees entirely. Most airlines allow one carry-on plus one personal item in standard economy. See carry-on size limits by airline for the current dimensions at every carrier.

Get the airline’s co-branded credit card

If you fly one carrier regularly, the co-branded credit card almost always pays for itself on bag fees alone. At $45 to $50 per checked bag each way, two passengers checking bags on a round trip saves $180 to $200 per trip. Most airline cards run $0 to $99 annual fees.

The highest-value cards for bag savings:

• Delta SkyMiles American Express — covers the first bag for everyone on the booking, not just the cardholder
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature — first bag free for cardholder, strong earning rate on Alaska purchases
• United Explorer Card — first bag free for cardholder and one companion

Book the right fare

Southwest’s Choice Extra fare includes free bags. JetBlue’s higher fare tiers include bags. On routes where the fare difference is less than two checked bag fees, the higher fare is the better value.

Add bags online, not at the airport

American and United charge $5 more per bag at the airport compared to prepaying online. On a round trip with two bags, that is $20 saved with a two-minute online task.

Check military status and loyalty program benefits

Active-duty military receive free or expanded bag allowances at every major US carrier. If you have elite status from a loyalty program, your first bag is typically free at your home carrier.

FAQ

Which airline has the cheapest checked bag fees?

Alaska Airlines, at $30 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Among the traditional carriers, Alaska is consistently the lowest for standard domestic fees.

Does Southwest still have free checked bags?

No, not for all passengers. As of April 9, 2026, Southwest charges $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Free bags are still available on Choice Extra fares and for A-List Preferred members and active military.

What happens if my bag is overweight?

All major US carriers add a fee for bags over 50 pounds. Most charge $100 to $200 for a bag between 51 and 70 pounds. A bag over 70 pounds typically is not accepted as a checked bag at all. Weigh your bag before you leave home.

Can I save money by prepaying for checked bags?

Yes on American and United, which charge $5 less per bag when you prepay online. On most other carriers, the online vs. airport price is the same, but it is always worth checking on your booking confirmation page.

Are baggage fees refundable if my flight is canceled?

If the airline cancels your flight and you do not travel, bag fees paid in advance should be refunded. If you cancel a ticket voluntarily, refund eligibility depends on the fare type and the airline’s policy. For more on cancellations, see what US airlines owe you when a flight is canceled.

The Bottom Line

Domestic checked bag fees in 2026 cluster around $45 for the first bag and $55 to $60 for the second at the major carriers. Alaska Airlines is the outlier at the low end. JetBlue and Southwest are comparable to the big three. Frontier is unpredictable without checking its pricing tool.

The fastest ways to reduce what you pay: carry a bag that fits overhead, get the airline’s credit card if you fly that carrier regularly, or book a fare class that includes bags.

For free-bag options across all carriers, see airlines with free checked bags for every current path to a complimentary bag.