The landscape of air travel has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, particularly concerning baggage policies. A time when complimentary checked baggage was a standard amenity offered by airlines has largely faded into memory. The shift began with the introduction of baggage fees by low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, a move that prompted a ripple effect across the industry. Today, only one major U.S. carrier, Southwest Airlines, continues to buck the trend by offering two free checked bags to each passenger.
Navigating the diverse and often complex web of baggage policies can be a daunting task for travelers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the checked luggage policies for the top U.S. airlines, focusing on standard coach fares and excluding considerations for elite frequent flyer status. We will delve into the specifics of each airline’s policies, including fees, weight and size restrictions, and potential penalties for exceeding these limits. Understanding these nuances is crucial for planning your trip effectively and avoiding unexpected costs at the airport. This is The Rundown on Policies for Checked Luggage at the Top U.S. Carriers.
Decoding the Baggage Policies: A Carrier-by-Carrier Guide
Here’s a detailed look at the checked baggage policies of several major U.S. airlines:
Allegiant Air: This Las Vegas-based carrier presents a tiered pricing system for checked baggage, incentivizing passengers to purchase baggage allowances in advance. Travelers are permitted to check up to four bags per person, with each bag adhering to a weight limit of 40 pounds and maximum linear dimensions (height + width + length) of 80 inches. The fees vary depending on when and where the baggage allowance is purchased. The most economical option is to pre-pay online, with fees starting at approximately $20 per bag, per flight segment. Purchasing baggage allowance at the airport can significantly increase the cost, potentially reaching $50 per bag. Overweight and oversized baggage incur additional charges, ranging from $50 to $75 per bag. The fees associated with Allegiant Air are usually the cheapest when purchasing them online.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers a straightforward baggage fee structure for domestic flights. The first and second checked bags are priced at $25 each, while a third checked bag incurs a significantly higher fee of $75. Exceeding the standard weight or size limitations results in an additional charge of $75 per bag for both overweight and oversized items. Notably, Alaska Airlines stands out with its "Baggage Guarantee," a customer-centric initiative that promises timely baggage delivery. If your checked bags are not available at the baggage claim area within 20 minutes of your flight’s arrival at the gate, the airline offers compensation in the form of a $25 discount code for future travel or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan bonus miles.
American Airlines: As one of the largest U.S. carriers, American Airlines maintains a tiered baggage fee structure for domestic flights. The first checked bag costs $25, the second $35, and the third escalates to $150. Passengers exceeding the weight or size limits for checked baggage can expect to pay between $150 and $200 per bag in overweight and oversized fees. Carefully measuring and weighing your luggage before heading to the airport can save you a significant amount of money. This information is The Rundown on Policies for Checked Luggage at the Top U.S. Carriers.
Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines, another major player in the U.S. aviation industry, mirrors American Airlines’ domestic baggage fee structure. The first checked bag is priced at $25, the second at $35, and the third at $150. Overweight and oversized baggage fees range from $100 to $200 per bag, depending on the severity of the violation. Delta, like other airlines, provides detailed information on its website regarding acceptable baggage dimensions and weight limits.
Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines, a Denver-based low-cost carrier, employs a dynamic pricing model for checked baggage, with fees varying based on the purchase channel. The most cost-effective option is to purchase baggage allowance online, where the first bag costs approximately $30, the second $40, and the third $75. Purchasing through the call center incurs slightly higher fees, at $35, $40, and $75 respectively. Buying at the ticket counter or kiosk increases the price further, to $40, $45, and $80. The most expensive option is to purchase baggage allowance at the gate, where the cost jumps to $60 per bag. Planning ahead and purchasing baggage allowance online is crucial for minimizing travel expenses with Frontier Airlines.
JetBlue: JetBlue’s baggage fee structure is intricately linked to the fare type purchased. Passengers traveling on the "Blue" fare are required to pay $20 for the first checked bag when booked online or at a kiosk, or $25 at the ticket counter. The "Blue Plus" fare includes one free checked bag, while the "Blue Flex" fare offers two free checked bags. Regardless of the fare class, a third checked bag incurs a fee of $100. Overweight and oversized bags are also subject to a $100 fee each. JetBlue has partnered with Bags VIP to offer a unique service that allows passengers to have up to 10 pieces of luggage delivered directly to their destination of choice, providing a convenient alternative to traditional baggage handling.
Hawaiian Airlines: For flights within North America, Hawaiian Airlines charges $25 for the first checked bag, $35 for the second, and $100 for the third. The maximum permissible dimensions for checked bags are 62 linear inches, with a weight limit of 50 pounds. Bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds incur an additional fee of $50, while bags weighing between 71 and 100 pounds incur a $100 surcharge. Bags exceeding 100 pounds are not permitted. When flying with this airline it’s important to know The Rundown on Policies for Checked Luggage at the Top U.S. Carriers.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines distinguishes itself from other major U.S. carriers by offering two free checked bags to each passenger. However, exceeding the two-bag allowance or violating the weight or size restrictions results in a fee of $75 per bag for each additional, overweight, or oversized item. Southwest’s generous baggage policy remains a significant draw for travelers seeking to avoid baggage fees.
Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is known for its unbundled pricing model, where baggage fees are charged separately from the base fare. The fees vary significantly depending on when and how the baggage allowance is purchased. First bag fees range from $30 to $100, second bags from $40 to $100, and third bags from $85 to $100. Overweight baggage fees are also tiered, with bags weighing between 41 and 50 pounds incurring a $25 charge, 51-70 pounds a $50 charge, and 71-99 pounds a $100 charge. Oversized baggage fees range from $100 to $150. Understanding Spirit’s complex baggage fee structure is essential for avoiding unexpected costs.
Sun Country Airlines: Sun Country Airlines, a Minneapolis-based low-cost carrier, charges $25 for the first checked bag when purchased online or at the airport. The second bag costs $30 online and $35 at the airport, while additional bags are priced at $75. Bags weighing between 50 and 99 pounds incur an extra charge of $75, as do bags exceeding 62 linear inches in dimensions.
United Airlines: United Airlines charges $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. Overweight bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds incur a $100 fee, while those weighing between 71 and 100 pounds are subject to a $200 charge. Oversized bags incur a $100 fee.
Planning Ahead: Minimizing Baggage Fees
As this The Rundown on Policies for Checked Luggage at the Top U.S. Carriers illustrates, navigating the maze of airline baggage policies requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips for minimizing baggage fees:
- Weigh and measure your bags: Use a luggage scale and measuring tape to ensure your bags comply with the airline’s weight and size restrictions.
- Pack strategically: Consider packing lighter items in your carry-on bag to reduce the weight of your checked baggage.
- Purchase baggage allowance in advance: Many airlines offer discounts for purchasing baggage allowance online or through their mobile app.
- Consider shipping your luggage: If you have a significant amount of luggage, shipping it to your destination may be a more cost-effective option.
- Fly Southwest Airlines: If your travel plans are flexible, consider flying Southwest Airlines, which offers two free checked bags to each passenger.
- Obtain airline credit card: Most airline branded credit cards will allow for at least one free checked bag.
By carefully considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can significantly reduce your baggage fees and enjoy a more stress-free travel experience.
