Share The Article
Let’s be honest—baggage fees are the worst!
You’ve already paid for your flight, and now you have to cough up another $35 or more just to bring your suitcase along? We could once count on airlines like Southwest having our backs here, but even that is changing!
No, thank you. But here’s the good news: you can often check a bag for free if you know the right tricks.
Whether you’re flying with a major airline like Delta or United or a budget carrier like Spirit, there are ways to dodge those fees.
In this guide, we’ll break it down by airline, keeping it simple and easy to follow.
1. Delta Air Lines: Multiple Ways to Check a Bag for Free
Delta offers several ways to avoid baggage fees:
- Credit Cards: If you have a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card (Gold, Platinum, or Reserve), you get one free checked bag. This also applies to up to eight people traveling with you on the same reservation.
- Elite Status: Frequent flyers with Medallion status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond) can check bags for free. The higher your status, the more free bags you get.
- Fare Class: If you’re flying in Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin (domestic), you get one free checked bag. Premium cabins like Delta One or First Class include free bags with a higher weight allowance.
- Military: Active-duty military personnel also get free checked bags.
- Certain Routes: Flights to Panama City and San Salvador from the U.S. and Canada include a free checked bag—unless you’re in Basic Economy.
Best Tip: If you fly Delta often, their SkyMiles credit card is a no-brainer for free checked bags.
2. American Airlines: Elite Members and Credit Cards Win
American Airlines gives you several options to check bags for free:
- Credit Cards: If you have an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card, you get your first checked bag free on domestic flights.
- Elite Status: AAdvantage elite members get free bags based on their tier:
- Gold → 1 free bag
- Platinum → 2 free bags
- Platinum Pro & Executive Platinum → 3 free bags
- Fare Class: Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares include free checked bags.
- Military: Active-duty military personnel and their dependents get up to 5 free bags when traveling on orders and 3 free bags for personal travel.
- Oneworld Status: Emerald members get 3 free bags, Sapphire gets 2, and Ruby gets 1.
Best Tip: If you fly American regularly, getting an AAdvantage credit card will save you on baggage fees every time.
3. Southwest Airlines: The Former Free-Bag King
Southwest Airlines was famous for its “bags fly free” policy, but starting May 28, 2025, they’re introducing baggage fees for most customers.
However, some travelers will still get free bags:
- Business Select Fares: Still include two free checked bags.
- Rapid Rewards Elite: A-List Preferred members get two free bags, while A-List members get one free bag.
- Credit Card Holders: If you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, you’ll get one free checked bag.
Best Tip: If you’re a loyal Southwest flyer, the Rapid Rewards credit card will help you hold onto that free-bag perk.
4. United Airlines: Loyalty Pays Off
United also offers multiple ways to avoid baggage fees:
- Credit Cards: United offers several credit cards (like the United℠ Explorer Card) that give you and a companion one free checked bag.
- Elite Status: United MileagePlus members with Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Premier 1K status get free bags. The higher your status, the more free bags you get.
- International Flights: On many international routes, the first checked bag is free (such as flights over the Pacific, excluding China and Tahiti).
- Military: Active-duty military personnel and dependents traveling on orders get free checked bags.
Best Tip: The United Explorer Card is worth it if you frequently check bags—it covers you and one travel companion.
5. Alaska Airlines: Loyalty and Credit Cards Are Key
Alaska Airlines offers several ways to check bags for free:
- Credit Cards: Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders get their first checked bag free—plus up to six travel companions on the same reservation.
- Elite Status: Mileage Plan elite members get between one and three free checked bags, depending on their tier.
- First Class: If you’re flying First Class, your checked bags are free.
- Military: Active-duty military members also get free bags.
Best Tip: If you travel to Alaska or the West Coast often, the Alaska Visa card offers great baggage perks.
6. JetBlue Airways: Pick the Right Fare or Card
JetBlue offers a few simple ways to avoid baggage fees:
- Fare Class: If you buy a Blue Plus or Mint fare, you’ll get free checked bags (1 for Blue Plus, 2 for Mint).
- Loyalty Program: Mosaic members get free checked bags.
- Credit Cards: If you hold the JetBlue Plus or JetBlue Premier Card, you get one free checked bag.
Best Tip: If you’re a frequent JetBlue flyer, getting their co-branded credit card easily pays for itself with free bags.
7. Hawaiian Airlines: Free Bags for Premium and Loyalty Flyers
Flying to Hawaii? You might be able to check your bag for free with Hawaiian Airlines:
- Credit Card: The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard offers two free checked bags on flights booked directly with the airline.
- Elite Status: Pualani Gold and Platinum members get 2-3 free checked bags.
- Fare Class: First Class includes free checked bags.
- Military: Active-duty military and their dependents get two free bags for personal travel and five free bags when traveling on orders.
Best Tip: If you fly to Hawaii frequently, the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard offers solid baggage perks.
8. Budget Carriers: Not So Free
Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and Sun Country are ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), which means you’ll rarely find free baggage perks. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Spirit Airlines: Free Spirit Gold members get one free checked bag.
- Other Budget Airlines: You’ll have to pay for every bag, including carry-ons, unless you have elite status or special offers.
Best Tip: Always pay for your bags in advance with budget carriers—it’s cheaper than paying at the airport.
Final Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees
- Use a travel credit card
- Fly light: Stick to carry-ons to avoid baggage fees altogether.
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs: Even low-tier status can sometimes earn you free checked bags.
- Check routes and promotions: Some airlines offer free bags on specific international routes or during special promotions.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to pay for checked bags if you’re strategic.
Airline credit cards, elite status, and even certain routes or fare classes can help you dodge those pesky fees.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just want to save a few bucks, knowing the tricks of the trade can make your travel experience a whole lot cheaper.
Tyler Fox
Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor