New 2024 Airline Baggage Fees: How to Avoid Surprise Charges at the Gate
If you are planning a trip this year, you need to budget for the recent wave of checked baggage fee increases. Several major US airlines raised their luggage prices in early 2024, leaving many travelers frustrated. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to bypass these extra costs and keep your travel budget intact.
A Breakdown of the 2024 Fee Increases
Airlines generated billions of dollars in baggage fees last year, and they are looking to increase that revenue. Between January and March of 2024, nearly every major domestic carrier increased the cost of checking a bag. Understanding exactly what your airline charges is the first step to avoiding a surprise bill at the airport.
Here is what you can expect to pay for a standard domestic economy flight:
- American Airlines: In February, American raised the cost of a first checked bag to $40 if you pay at the airport. You can lower this to $35 if you pay online in advance. A second checked bag now costs $45.
- United Airlines: United also bumped its fees in February. A first checked bag is $40 at the airport counter, or $35 if you prepay online at least 24 hours before your flight. A second checked bag is $50 at the airport or $45 prepaid.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta raised its baggage fees in March. The first checked bag is now $35, and a second checked bag is $45. Delta does not currently offer a discount for prepaying online.
- Alaska Airlines: In January, Alaska increased its fees to $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag.
- JetBlue: JetBlue uses dynamic pricing based on your travel dates. Depending on whether you are flying during a peak holiday period, your first checked bag will cost between $35 and $45. You will pay even more if you wait until you arrive at the airport to check it.
Hold the Right Airline Credit Card
The most consistent way to avoid checked bag fees is to open a co-branded airline credit card. These cards usually come with an annual fee of around $95 to $150, but they can easily pay for themselves after just one round-trip flight with a family.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight other people traveling on the exact same reservation. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard provides a first checked bag free for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines flights.
If you fly United, the United Explorer Card waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and one companion. Keep in mind that United requires you to purchase the flight with your United credit card to get the free bag benefit. American and Delta only require the credit card to be linked to your frequent flyer account.
Pay for Your Bags Online Before You Arrive
If you do not have an airline credit card, your next best defense is to pay for your luggage before you leave your house. Airlines are actively penalizing passengers who require help from an agent at the check-in desk.
By paying for your bags online through the airline’s website or app, you can save $5 per bag on American Airlines and United Airlines. This rule becomes even more extreme if you are flying an ultra-low-cost carrier like Spirit or Frontier. If you wait until you are at the boarding gate to pay for a carry-on or checked bag with Spirit Airlines, you could face a penalty of up to $99. Always add your luggage during the initial booking process to lock in the lowest possible price.
Fly Southwest Airlines
If you want to avoid luggage math entirely, you should book your next flight on Southwest Airlines. Southwest is the only major domestic carrier that still allows every passenger to check two bags completely free of charge.
This policy can save a family of four up to $280 on a single round-trip vacation compared to flying with Delta, United, or American. Southwest also allows items like golf clubs and skis to count toward your two free checked bags, making them an excellent choice for sports-focused vacations.
Beware of Basic Economy Restrictions
Buying the cheapest ticket available can sometimes result in the highest baggage fees. Basic economy tickets strip away many standard flying privileges, and some airlines aggressively restrict what you can bring on board.
If you buy a basic economy ticket on United Airlines or JetBlue, you are not allowed to bring a full-size overhead carry-on bag. You are only permitted to bring one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you show up at the boarding gate with a roller bag on a United basic economy ticket, the gate agent will force you to check the bag. You will have to pay the standard $40 checked bag fee, plus an additional $25 gate handling penalty.
Interestingly, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines still allow basic economy passengers to bring a standard overhead carry-on bag for free. Always read the fine print of your fare class before you finish checking out.
Master the Personal Item
You can bypass checked bag fees and basic economy restrictions entirely by packing extremely light. Airlines define a personal item as a bag that can fit completely under the seat in front of you. While dimensions vary slightly by carrier, a bag that measures 18 by 14 by 8 inches will generally pass without issue.
Many travelers use specialized travel backpacks from brands like Cotopaxi or Osprey that maximize these exact dimensions. By using compression packing cubes and rolling your clothes tightly, you can easily fit enough clothing for a three-day weekend into a standard personal item backpack. Because personal items are always free, you will never have to worry about gate agents charging you extra fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did airlines raise baggage fees in 2024?
Airlines stated that the fee increases were necessary to cover rising operational costs. This includes higher aviation fuel prices, increased ground handling costs, and new, more expensive contracts for unionized airline employees.
Does TSA PreCheck or CLEAR give you free checked bags?
No. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are dedicated airport security screening programs. They expedite your time waiting in the security line, but they do not provide any airline-specific benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.
Can I gate check my bag for free?
Sometimes. If a flight is completely full, gate agents will often announce that they are out of overhead bin space and ask for volunteers to check their carry-on bags for free. However, you should never rely on this as a strategy. If you bought a basic economy ticket on an airline that restricts carry-ons, the agent will charge you a penalty instead of offering a free gate check.
Do military members get free checked bags?
Yes. Almost all major US airlines offer generous free baggage allowances for active-duty military personnel. For example, American Airlines allows active-duty military members to check up to five bags for free when traveling on orders, and up to three bags for free when traveling for personal leisure. You will need to present your active military ID at the check-in counter to receive this benefit.