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How to Compare Airline Bag Fees Before You Book

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Bag fees vary wildly by airline and route, ranging from free checked bags on some carriers to $35+ per bag on ultra-low-cost airlines. Check your airline's fee structure before booking, factor it into your total ticket cost, and consider whether a slightly more expensive ticket with free bags actually saves you money.

Budget
$0-140 in bag fees per person round-trip, depending on airline and luggage
Duration
15 minutes to compare fees across 3-4 airlines
Best Time
Before you book your ticket, not at the airport
Visa Required
N/A

Step by step

  1. Check the airline's baggage policy page directly

    Go to the airline's official website and search for "baggage fees" or "baggage policy." Do this before you book. The policy page will list fees by route type (domestic vs international), fare class, and loyalty status. Screenshot or note the fees for your specific situation.

  2. Identify what you're actually paying for

    Most airlines charge separately for: carry-on bags (sometimes), first checked bag, second checked bag, overweight bags (over 50 lbs usually), and oversized bags. Basic economy fares often restrict you to a personal item only. Know which category your luggage falls into.

  3. Calculate total baggage cost per person

    If you're checking one bag each way, that's 2 bags. At $35 per bag, that's $70 total. For a family of four checking one bag each, that's $280 round-trip. Add this to your base ticket price to get your real cost.

  4. Compare the total with other airlines

    Always compare total cost, not ticket price alone.

  5. Look for ways to skip the fees

    Airline credit cards often waive first checked bag fees. Elite status does too. Sometimes buying up one fare class gets you a free bag and costs less than paying bag fees. Pack in a carry-on if possible.

Questions people ask

Do bag fees apply to children?

Yes. If a child has their own seat, they're subject to the same baggage rules as adults. Lap infants (under 2) typically don't get a baggage allowance but can usually bring a diaper bag.

Can I add bags after booking?

Yes, but it's usually cheaper to add them during booking or online before your flight. Airport bag fees are typically $5-10 higher than pre-paying online.

What counts as a personal item?

A bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Typical dimensions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Backpack, purse, laptop bag, small tote. Airlines are enforcing this more strictly now.

Are bag fees refundable if I cancel?

Usually yes, if you cancel the entire ticket. But if you prepaid for bags and then decide to travel carry-on only, most airlines won't refund the bag fee without canceling the flight.

Do bag fees apply on connecting flights?

If it's one ticket with one airline, you pay the fee once and your bag is checked through. If you book separate tickets, even on the same airline, you may pay twice.

Packing

  • Digital luggage scale to avoid overweight fees at airport ($10-15 investment pays for itself)
  • Compression packing cubes to maximize carry-on space
  • Soft-sided carry-on that can squeeze into overhead bins on full flights

More on bags and fares: baggage fees, airline change fees and the personal-item-only packing list.