How to avoid baggage fees when  flying in the US

International travelers, you’ll want to read this if you’re traveling with these US companies 

Traveling is expensive. For us, and probably for you too if you’re reading this, it’s a worthwhile way  to spend hard-earned money. Experiencing new cultures and meeting people from different  countries, trying foreign food, or even just catching some sun – there are many reasons you can  have for hopping on a plane and getting away. It certainly can be an expensive pastime, though,  so the last thing you need is to incur unnecessary bag fees. This guide will help to explain how to  avoid excess charges when flying around the United States – we’ll discuss the carry-on fee on  every airline and the best ways around a crazy charge. 

Frontier  

On Frontier airlines, you are allowed one personal item, like totes, computer bags, briefcases, or a  small backpack. For larger carry-on luggage, such as duffle bags, small suitcases, etc., of 24″H X  16″W X 10″D (61cm x 40.6cm x 25.4 cm) and less than 35 lbs (15.8kg), you should buy this option when you book your ticket – that’s always the cheapest. For a carry-on bag, again, to avoid any  extra fees buy this baggage option when you make your booking, and make sure it’s not  overweight. Anything over 40 lbs (18.1 kg) will incur extra charges when you check in at the  airport. You can, however, avoid any Frontier baggage fee by purchasing the WORKS bundle or  the PERKS bundle, which offers seat selection, free refunds, and no baggage costs. 

Jet Blue  

Jet Blue allows a free small bag that fits under your seat. If you buy a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra,  and Mint ticket rather than the “Basic Blue” fare, you also get a free carry-on bag that fits in the  overhead compartment. You save money on checked cabin bags by booking them online when  you originally bought your ticket. Checked baggage exceeding 62″ (157.5 cm) in dimensions  (length + width + height) or 50 pounds (22.68 kg) will also be charged extra, so make sure you  take this into account! 

American Airlines  

American Airlines have recently changed its policy. In addition to a smaller under-seat item, all air  travelers (Basic Economy included) are now allowed one free carry-on bag to all destinations. On  a basic economy ticket, checking in a heavy cabin bag usually costs $30, while you can check in  bags for free if you fly in Premium, Business, or First Class. Prices change depending on where you’re flying to and from, so check out their more comprehensive guide if you have more  questions! 

Southwest Airlines  

Southwest Airlines is a brilliant option for avoiding bag charges when flying – they allow you two  check in bags for free and carry-on options. The carry-on options are a small personal item and a  bag no larger than 24″H X 16″W X 10″D (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm). Your check bags can be up  to 50 lbs (22.6 kgs) or 62” (157.5 cm) in size (length + width + height). Anything bigger than this, or  excess bags, will incur a cost of $75 dollars. Therefore, this is one of the cheapest ways to travel  with luggage!

Hawaiian Airlines  

Hawaiian Airlines also accept for free a small personal item and a piece of carry-on luggage up to  25 lbs, or 11 kg, with dimensions of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56cm x 35.5 cm x 23 cm).  In addition, you’re allowed two free check in bags if you’re flying internationally or with a first class ticket. Otherwise, the fees depend on how many bags you’re checking in and where you’re  going. You can’t pre-pay, so purchase these options when you  check in. The price of overweight baggage also depends on where your destination is; look at the  guide here. 

Spirit Airlines  

Spirit is a budget option, often much cheaper than competitors, so they charge for carry-on  luggage and checked bags (although a personal item is permitted). The fee for a larger carry-on  bag depends on when it is purchased; it’s generally $37 when purchased at the time of booking,  $45 at the same time as online check-in, $55 at the airport, or $65 at the gate, so be careful, and  remember this when you see their cheap ticket prices! Again, check-in bag prices vary as to the  number of bags being checked in and when these are purchased – have a look here for a  comprehensive guide for the baggage fees for 2023. 

Alaska Airlines  

You can bring a free carry-on bag and a personal item with Alaska Airlines. For check-in bags, the  cost is $30 for the first bag you check in, $40 for the second, and $100 for every bag after that.  Extra charges apply for any bag that weighs over 50 lbs (22.6 kg) or over 62” linear dimensions  (157.5 cm). 

We hope you’ve found this little guide on airline rules for baggage handy and that it might save  you a little bit of money as you travel around the States! There is, of course, another option for  your luggage – Nannybag! If you have luggage in New York, for example, but you want to take a  flight to another city for a quick visit, you can leave bags you don’t need to take with you in  storage. For example, you might be in Times Square on your last evening in New York, and you  can drop a bag at one of our partner locations there, have a little trip away to another city, and  then pick it up once you get back from the airport! This option could be cheaper and easier for  you as you travel around. 

Nannybag is a collaborative luggage storage network that enables business and leisure travelers to safely store luggage all around the world  for a few hours or more. Working with local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, travelers can use the Nannybag website or app to  book the left luggage service that suits them best and enjoy their stay 100% hands-free!