US airline baggage fee comparison
After the April 2026 fee increases, first-checked-bag fees on the major US carriers (American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska) now run about $45 prepaid online, with second bags at $55; airport-paid rates are a few dollars higher. JetBlue starts lower at $39 off-peak, and ultra-low-cost Frontier sells bags dynamically from about $29 at booking. A full-size carry-on is now free on every fare at American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue (including Basic/Blue Basic); United Basic Economy still excludes it, and Frontier charges for carry-ons. Elite status and co-branded credit cards remain the main ways to waive checked-bag fees. Always confirm on the airline's site for your fare and route.
Source: Airline published 2026 fee schedules; cross-checked with NerdWallet and US DOT BTS baggage-fee data. Data as of June 2026 (reflects April 2026 fee increases).
Checked- and carry-on bag fees by airline
| Airline | Carry-on (basic fare) | 1st checked | 2nd checked | Overweight 51–70 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | $29 | $29 | $59 | $100 |
| JetBlue | Free | $39 | $59 | $150 |
| American Airlines | Free | $45 | $55 | $100 |
| Delta Air Lines | Free | $45 | $55 | $100 |
| United Airlines | Free | $45 | $55 | $100 |
| Southwest Airlines | Free | $45 | $55 | $100 |
| Alaska Airlines | Free | $45 | $55 | $100 |
Source: Airline published 2026 fee schedules; cross-checked with NerdWallet and US DOT BTS baggage-fee data. Data as of June 2026 (reflects April 2026 fee increases).
Notes by airline
- Frontier Airlines: Ultra-low-cost: only a personal item is free. Carry-on and checked-bag fees are dynamic ($29 and up at booking; far higher at the gate) and depend on route and date — the figures shown are the cheapest at-booking rates. Bundles (UpFront Plus / the Works) include bags.
- JetBlue: First bag is $39 off-peak / $49 peak when prepaid online; within 24 hours of departure or at the airport adds $10. A carry-on and personal item are free on every fare, including Blue Basic.
- American Airlines: First/second checked-bag fees shown are the prepaid-online domestic main-cabin rates (Apr 2026 increase); airport rates are $5 higher. A full-size carry-on is free on every fare, including Basic Economy. Basic Economy bags booked on/after May 18, 2026 add $5 per bag.
- Delta Air Lines: Checked-bag fees rose to $45/$55 in April 2026. A carry-on and personal item are free on every fare, including Main Basic. SkyMiles Medallion status and Delta co-brand cards can waive checked-bag fees.
- United Airlines: Prepaid-online domestic rates shown (April 2026 increase); at the airport it is $50/$60. Domestic Basic Economy does NOT include a full-size carry-on — only a personal item — so a carry-on incurs a gate fee.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest ended its free-checked-bags policy in May 2025; first/second bags rose to $45/$55 on April 9, 2026. Two free bags remain for Choice Extra fares and A-List Preferred members. Carry-on is free on all fares.
- Alaska Airlines: First/second checked-bag fees rose to $45/$55 for flights booked on or after April 10, 2026. A carry-on and personal item are free on every fare. Mileage Plan elites and the Alaska Visa card can waive checked-bag fees.
How to avoid baggage fees
The reliable ways to skip checked-bag fees on US carriers are: hold elite frequent-flyer status, carry the airline's co-branded credit card (many waive the first bag for the cardholder), buy a premium-cabin or higher main-cabin fare, or travel carry-on only on a carrier that includes it. On ultra-low-cost carriers, pre-paying bags at booking is always cheaper than adding them later.
Frequently asked questions
Which US airline has the cheapest checked-bag fee?
Among the carriers compared, Frontier Airlines has the lowest first-checked-bag fee at $29 (online prepaid, domestic). Ultra-low-cost carriers can be cheaper on the base fare but charge for carry-ons.
Do any airlines still include free checked bags?
On most major US carriers a free checked bag now requires elite status, a co-branded credit card, or a premium-cabin/main-cabin fare. Southwest ended its blanket free-checked-bags policy in 2025, so a free first bag is no longer the norm.
Is carry-on free?
A full-size carry-on is free on every fare at American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue (including Basic Economy / Blue Basic). United's domestic Basic Economy still excludes a full-size carry-on. Ultra-low-cost Frontier charges for carry-ons except a small personal item.
Why are the fees shown lower than what I see at the airport?
Fees shown are the lower online/prepaid rates for domestic itineraries. Airlines typically charge more if you pay at the airport, and international fees differ. Always confirm on the airline's site for your specific route and fare.
Last updated: 2026-06-13