How to avoid baggage fees when flying in the US
International travelers, you’ll want to read this if you’re traveling with these US companies
Traveling is expensive. For us, and probably for you too if you’re reading this, it’s a worthwhile way to spend hard-earned money. Experiencing new cultures and meeting people from different countries, trying foreign food, or even just catching some sun – there are many reasons you can have for hopping on a plane and getting away. It certainly can be an expensive pastime, though, so the last thing you need is to incur unnecessary bag fees. This guide will help to explain how to avoid excess charges when flying around the United States – we’ll discuss the carry-on fee on every airline and the best ways around a crazy charge.
Frontier
On Frontier airlines, you are allowed one personal item, like totes, computer bags, briefcases, or a small backpack. For larger carry-on luggage, such as duffle bags, small suitcases, etc., of 24″H X 16″W X 10″D (61cm x 40.6cm x 25.4 cm) and less than 35 lbs (15.8kg), you should buy this option when you book your ticket – that’s always the cheapest. For a carry-on bag, again, to avoid any extra fees buy this baggage option when you make your booking, and make sure it’s not overweight. Anything over 40 lbs (18.1 kg) will incur extra charges when you check in at the airport. You can, however, avoid any Frontier baggage fee by purchasing the WORKS bundle or the PERKS bundle, which offers seat selection, free refunds, and no baggage costs.
Jet Blue
Jet Blue allows a free small bag that fits under your seat. If you buy a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, and Mint ticket rather than the “Basic Blue” fare, you also get a free carry-on bag that fits in the overhead compartment. You save money on checked cabin bags by booking them online when you originally bought your ticket. Checked baggage exceeding 62″ (157.5 cm) in dimensions (length + width + height) or 50 pounds (22.68 kg) will also be charged extra, so make sure you take this into account!
American Airlines
American Airlines have recently changed its policy. In addition to a smaller under-seat item, all air travelers (Basic Economy included) are now allowed one free carry-on bag to all destinations. On a basic economy ticket, checking in a heavy cabin bag usually costs $30, while you can check in bags for free if you fly in Premium, Business, or First Class. Prices change depending on where you’re flying to and from, so check out their more comprehensive guide if you have more questions!
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a brilliant option for avoiding bag charges when flying – they allow you two check in bags for free and carry-on options. The carry-on options are a small personal item and a bag no larger than 24″H X 16″W X 10″D (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm). Your check bags can be up to 50 lbs (22.6 kgs) or 62” (157.5 cm) in size (length + width + height). Anything bigger than this, or excess bags, will incur a cost of $75 dollars. Therefore, this is one of the cheapest ways to travel with luggage!
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines also accept for free a small personal item and a piece of carry-on luggage up to 25 lbs, or 11 kg, with dimensions of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56cm x 35.5 cm x 23 cm). In addition, you’re allowed two free check in bags if you’re flying internationally or with a first class ticket. Otherwise, the fees depend on how many bags you’re checking in and where you’re going. You can’t pre-pay, so purchase these options when you check in. The price of overweight baggage also depends on where your destination is; look at the guide here.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit is a budget option, often much cheaper than competitors, so they charge for carry-on luggage and checked bags (although a personal item is permitted). The fee for a larger carry-on bag depends on when it is purchased; it’s generally $37 when purchased at the time of booking, $45 at the same time as online check-in, $55 at the airport, or $65 at the gate, so be careful, and remember this when you see their cheap ticket prices! Again, check-in bag prices vary as to the number of bags being checked in and when these are purchased – have a look here for a comprehensive guide for the baggage fees for 2023.
Alaska Airlines
You can bring a free carry-on bag and a personal item with Alaska Airlines. For check-in bags, the cost is $30 for the first bag you check in, $40 for the second, and $100 for every bag after that. Extra charges apply for any bag that weighs over 50 lbs (22.6 kg) or over 62” linear dimensions (157.5 cm).
We hope you’ve found this little guide on airline rules for baggage handy and that it might save you a little bit of money as you travel around the States! There is, of course, another option for your luggage – Nannybag! If you have luggage in New York, for example, but you want to take a flight to another city for a quick visit, you can leave bags you don’t need to take with you in storage. For example, you might be in Times Square on your last evening in New York, and you can drop a bag at one of our partner locations there, have a little trip away to another city, and then pick it up once you get back from the airport! This option could be cheaper and easier for you as you travel around.
Nannybag is a collaborative luggage storage network that enables business and leisure travelers to safely store luggage all around the world for a few hours or more. Working with local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, travelers can use the Nannybag website or app to book the left luggage service that suits them best and enjoy their stay 100% hands-free!
