Checked a bag lately? Then you know airline baggage fees are no joke. What started as a small nuisance has become a costly travel trap.
But you don’t need to hand over your money so easily. If you’re tired of racking up charges every time you fly, there are smarter ways to pack and plan.
Know Your Airline’s Policy Before You Book
Each airline plays by different rules. What’s free on one flight might cost $70 on another.
Always check:
- Carry-on limits: Some budget airlines don’t allow free carry-ons.
- Personal item dimensions: Backpacks may be denied if they’re too large.
- Weight limits: Bags over 40 or 50 pounds often trigger an extra fee—even in checked luggage.
Don’t assume a personal item means the same thing across airlines. For example:
- Southwest: Free carry-on and personal item. Two checked bags also fly free.
- Frontier or Spirit: Personal item is free, but you pay for carry-ons and checked bags.
- Delta and American: Free carry-on and personal item. Checked bag usually $30+ each way.
A 10-minute check can save you $60 or more.
Pack a Personal Item Like a Pro
A personal item is your loophole. Even budget airlines let you bring one for free. But it must fit under the seat in front of you.
The key: bring a “personal item” that packs like a suitcase.
Best choices:
- Small hiking backpacks (35L or less)
- Large tote with a zip-top
- Duffel bag with soft sides
Avoid roller bags. Even if they technically fit, gate agents may challenge them.
Try this packing trick:
- Pack the bulkiest items on the bottom.
- Use packing cubes for clothes and essentials.
- Stuff socks and underwear in shoes to save room.
You can pack for 3 to 5 days if you’re smart about it.
Ship Your Bag Ahead for Less
Flying with a big suitcase? Consider sending it ahead instead.
Shipping services like UPS, FedEx, or LugLess can sometimes beat airline fees—especially for large or overweight luggage.
You may pay:
- $20–$40 for ground shipping across the country
- Less stress at the airport
- Door-to-door delivery, no baggage carousel
This works best if:
- You’re planning ahead (3–5 days for ground shipping)
- Your items aren’t urgently needed
- You’re flying a basic economy fare with steep baggage fees
Compare your shipping cost vs. airline fees before deciding.
Weigh and Measure Your Bag at Home
Overweight and oversize bags cost more. Some airlines charge $100+ for exceeding weight or size limits.
Avoid this shock by measuring and weighing your bag before you leave.
Use:
- A home luggage scale (costs $10–$20)
- A bathroom scale (weigh yourself, then with luggage)
- A soft tape measure to check dimensions
Stay under common limits:
- 50 pounds: Typical max for checked bags on U.S. airlines
- 22x14x9 inches: Standard carry-on dimensions
If you’re close to the limit, remove heavy items—or transfer to your carry-on before arriving at check-in.
Wear the Heaviest Items
Your shoes and jacket carry serious weight—especially boots or outerwear.
If your bag is close to the limit, wear your bulkiest stuff on the plane.
Layer your clothes:
- Wear a hoodie instead of packing it
- Put snacks, books, and chargers in your coat pockets
- Slip on hiking or winter boots, even if they’re clunky
No airline charges you for extra clothes on your body.
Use the Airline’s App to Stay Informed
Most major airlines let you track flights, check-in, and see baggage allowance info via app.
Before you travel, download the app for your airline and log in.
Why it helps:
- Get real-time alerts on checked bag pricing and policies
- Prepay for bags, which is sometimes cheaper than at the airport
- Track your checked luggage post-check-in
American, Delta, United, and others even show the aircraft layout, letting you plan where your bag will go if you’re carrying on.
Book With Airlines That Include Bags
Some fares include bags automatically. Focus on value, not price alone.
- Southwest: Two free checked bags and no change fees.
- JetBlue Blue Plus: One free checked bag included in fare.
- International carriers: Many include checked bags, even in economy.
Compare total flight prices with luggage vs. base fares.
A $30 cheaper ticket may cost you more once you add in bags.
Join Airline Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyer perks often include waived baggage fees.
Many airline credit cards also offer free luggage options—without needing elite status.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold Card: First checked bag free for cardholder and companions
- United Explorer Card: Same benefit, plus early boarding
- American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Card: Checked bag perks and more
You don’t even need to fly often. Just book the flight with the linked card, and enjoy luggage perks on every booking.
Even Spirit has a Free Spirit loyalty program that can lower luggage costs as you earn status.
Use a Credit Card That Covers Baggage Fees
Premium travel cards often reimburse you for things like baggage fees.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $300 annual travel credit applies toward airline fees
- The Platinum Card from Amex: Choose one airline and get up to $200 per year in fee reimbursement
- Capital One Venture X: Use miles to “erase” baggage fee charges from your statement
These cards come with annual fees, but you may save hundreds yearly if you fly often.
Split Your Stuff With a Travel Buddy
Traveling with a partner or family member? Share luggage space.
Example:
- One person checks a large suitcase for all clothing
- The other brings a carry-on and personal item only
Total cost: One checked bag fee instead of two. That alone could save $60 per leg of the trip.
Just weigh the collective suitcase carefully to stay under the limit.
Buy Baggage in Advance
Pre-paying for baggage usually costs less than paying at the airport.
Many airlines charge $5 to $10 more when you wait to pay during check-in.
Check discounted rates:
- Spirit: Cheapest if you pay at booking—most expensive at gate
- Frontier: Charges vary based on when you pay
- Delta, United, AA: Small discounts for paying when checking in online or through app
Fly Basic Economy Only if You Pack Light
Basic economy fares look cheap—but usually exclude full-size carry-ons and seat selection.
Expect fees if you don’t follow rules.
Choose this fare only if you can travel with:
- A small backpack or purse that fits under the seat
- No suitcase or overhead bin item
If you can’t pack light, the cost of adding luggage defeats the “budget” deal.
Stack Your Strategy and Save Big
Combine these tactics to save the most:
- Fly with Southwest or JetBlue when possible
- Pack only a personal item for short trips
- Use a credit card with baggage perks
- Earn elite status via loyalty programs
- Ship luggage for longer stays or special trips
A few minutes of planning can save you $60 to $200 per trip.
Start treating baggage fees like a variable cost you control—not a travel rule you must follow.
