Checked Bag Fees for Airline Passengers

What it Costs to Check Luggage when Flying the Airlines

Sep 9, 2009

The TSA limits carryon luggage to one bag plus a personal-type item; additional bags must be checked. Find out what Delta, United and other airlines charge to check bags.

In addition to packing smart, business travelers also need to be aware of baggage restrictions before heading to the airport. Each airline may have different size and weight requirements for carryon and checked baggage, and charges different rates for checking baggage.

Here is a rundown on what some of the large U.S.-based carriers currently charge for checking bags for domestic flights. For the latest information be sure to contact the airline directly. In addition, some exclusions apply to frequent travelers holding elite or high status with various airline rewards programs.

American Airlines to Charge $20 for First Checked Bag

Travelers who purchase domestic economy class tickets for travel on American Airlines on or after August 14, 2009, will be charged $20 each way for the first checked bag and $30 each way for the second checked bag. For tickets that were purchased prior to August 14, 2009, the airline will charge $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag.

No Charge for First Two Checked Bags on Southwest

Southwest Airlines does not charge a fee for the first two bags a passenger checks. However, effective June 17, 2009, the charge for checking a third bag or a bag weighing 51-70 lbs. is $50. This charge applies to travelers who purchased or changed their reservation on or after June 1, 2009. Customers who made reservations before this date will pay $25 for checking a third bag or any bag weighing 51-70 lbs.

US Airways Offers $5 Discount when Checking Bags Online

Passengers traveling with US Airways are allowed one carryon bag and one personal item. Personal items include a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. For all flights except transatlantic, the charge for the first checked bag is $15 online or $20 at the airport; the second checked bag is $25 online or $30 at the airport; and the third or more is $100 and must be paid for at the airport.

Delta Waives $5 Surcharge when Checking in Online

Those traveling within the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico on Delta Air Lines who purchased a ticket on or after November 6, 2008, will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag.

For tickets purchased on or after July 16, 2009, for travel on or after August 4, 2009, a $5 fee on each of the first two checked bags will be required when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. There is no surcharge for bags prepaid during online check-in on the Delta Web site.

Check First Two Bags Free on United

United does not charge passengers for the first two checked bags. Rates for additional bags vary by destination – check with the airline for details.

Charges for carryons vary by air carrier; be sure to research the airline's policies ahead of time before traveling.

Checking Luggage Vs. Carrying on Bags - Deciding whether to check luggage when traveling can be confusing. Consider when travel occurs, checked bag fees and TSA regulations when deciding whether to check bags.

The copyright of the article Checked Bag Fees for Airline Passengers in Business Air Travel is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish Checked Bag Fees for Airline Passengers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.