Airline Checked Baggage Fee Chart

Want to see what the major airlines are charging for ticket change fees, unaccompanied minor fees for kids flying solo ages five thru 17, and fees for carrying your pet on the plane? Please click here for more.

To see what the major airlines are charging for other fees including making reservations by phone, priority seating and meals/drinks, please click here.

The current baggage fees apply only for travel within the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Travelers flying to other international destinations can still check two bags for free.

As of July 1, 2008, Southwest Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that will let passengers check two bags (50 lbs or less) for free for travel within the contiguous 48 states. Alaska Airlines began charging $25 for a second checked bag starting on this date.

Passengers who purchase full fare unrestricted coach, business class or first class tickets can also check two bags for free. Military passengers flying on active duty orders may also still check two bags for free.

If you are an elite member of a frequent flyer program on one of the major airlines, you can still check two bags for free on that carrier. Some airlines also allow passengers who are listed under the same reservation as an elite member to check up to two bags for free. Be sure to check the contract of carriage for your airline for their policies.

Continental Airlines is the only major U.S. airline that lets their One Pass Elite members (and military travelers flying on active duty orders) flying in economy class to check two bags weighing 70 lbs each for free. All other airlines charge extra for bags weighing over 50 lbs. Continental's business class and first class passengers may check up to three bags weighing up to 70 lbs for free.

Virgin America is only U.S. airline that permits your first bag for free that weighs up to 70 lbs. For all other airlines, the cutoff point is 50 lbs for the first bag.

Also note on curbside check-in, many airlines have a $2 per bag check-in fee. Delta has a $3 per bag fee. American Airlines dropped their $2 curbside fee on June 15, 2008, but will start charging $15 for the first checked bag. If you are planning to check two bags and pay the $25 second bag fee, United and US Airways are requiring customers to bring the second bag inside to be checked. You can still check the first bag at curbside and pay a $2 curbside check-in fee.

These are just a few of many fees the airlines have unveiled since February 2008. It's always best to contact your airline or check the contract of carriage on their website for any last-minute changes.

If we had to rank the airline with the more friendly fees, Southwest Airlines wins hands down. Listed below is a chart outlining the airlines baggage fees, as of December 2, 2008. Please note that fees and policies are subject to change at any time.

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