5 Ways to Avoid Checked Bag Fees on Major Airlines
KEY POINTS
- Baggage fees for your first checked bag on a domestic flight will cost you anywhere from $15 to $45 each way.
- Airline-branded credit cards often include free checked bags as a perk.
- If you fly on a premium ticket, the baggage fee will likely be waived.
Traveling is exciting. But let's be honest -- the dreaded checked bag fee can put a damper on even the most exciting travel plans. In fact, you can expect to pay about $15 to $45 each way to check your first bag when flying economy class on a domestic route on a major U.S. airline. But fear not, savvy travelers. Here are five ways to dodge those pesky checked bag fees and keep your hard-earned cash where it belongs: in your wallet.
1. Use credit card perks
Many travel credit cards offer perks that can save you from those pesky baggage fees. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides the first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation (terms apply).
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- Free checked bag
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- Earn a Flight Credit
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- Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
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- Terms Apply.
This perk alone can save you $30 per bag each way on a Delta flight. And other branded credit cards could do the same. Just make sure to read the fine print and ensure your flight booking is linked to your card benefits.
2. Pack light and carry on
This might seem like an obvious move, but the best way to avoid checked bag fees is simply not to check a bag. Most major airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on and one personal item on board for free. The trick is to pack strategically. Use packing cubes to maximize space, roll your clothes to minimize wrinkles, and wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
For example, if you're flying with American Airlines, its carry-on size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. Stick to this, and you'll breeze through with no extra charges. Invest in a lightweight, durable carry-on bag that's within the size limits but still offers ample storage.
3. Join an airline loyalty program
If you frequently fly with a particular airline, it's worth joining its loyalty program. Airlines often reward their loyal customers with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and other travel benefits.
Take United Airlines, for example. Its MileagePlus program offers free checked bags for Premier Silver members and above. Even better, achieving elite status can be easier than you think, especially if you're a frequent flyer or can take advantage of status-matching offers from other airlines.
4. Travel with low-cost airlines' bundle deals
While budget airlines are notorious for charging extra fees, they also offer bundle deals that can actually save you money in the long run. These bundles often include a checked bag, seat selection, and other perks for a single, often lower, price.
Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost fares, offers the "Bundle It" package. For one fee, you get one checked bag, one carry-on, seat selection, and priority boarding. The key is to book these bundles at the time of your initial booking, as adding services later can be more expensive.
5. Book a premium ticket
Yes, flying in a premium cabin means spending more upfront, but if you have points or miles to use, it can be a smart move. Booking a business- or first-class ticket often includes multiple checked bags as part of the fare, along with other perks like priority boarding, lounge access, and enhanced in-flight service.
For example, United Airlines Premium Plus includes up to two checked bags for free, saving you $60 or more per trip on a United flight. If you're a frequent traveler with a stash of miles, upgrading to a premium cabin can provide not only comfort but also significant savings on baggage fees.
By leveraging these strategies, you can navigate the often confusing world of airline fees with confidence knowing you won't exceed your travel budget.
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