2024 Guide to Airline Baggage Fees: Tips to Reduce or Avoid Fees when Checking Luggage on Your Flights

15.10.2024 - 23:13 / insider.com

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Baggage fees have become a contentious part of air travel, as well as a bargaining chip for airlines to entice flyers into opening airline credit cards and earning elite status in loyalty programs by offering free checked bags. 

Some people avoid checking bags altogether, but sometimes it's a necessity—and airlines are counting on it. Baggage fees are a big part of operating revenue. For passengers, the cost can add up to hundreds of extra dollars, especially for families and groups. That could be meaningful enough to book with a competing airline or stay loyal to the same one.  

American Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag ($35 if you pay online) and $45 for the second when traveling with the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). For travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Guyana, the first checked bag costs $35 and $45 for a second bag. 

Carry-on bags and a personal item are free on most routes, including for Basic Economy tickets.

Overweight bags between 50 and 53 pounds cost $30 for all routes. If your bag is between 53 and 70 pounds, you'll pay $100, except for flights to Cuba, where you'll pay $200. Bags over 70 pounds cost $200 within North America, the Caribbean (excluding Cuba), Central America and South America and $450 to China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India and New Zealand. Bags over 70 pounds aren't accepted on flights to Europe, as well as to Cuba, Israel, Qatar or to/from Australia.    

Oversized bags from 62 to 65 inches cost $30 for all flights. A bag over 65 inches, but not to exceed 115 inches, costs $200 on most routes but $150 on flights to South America (excluding Guyana and Suriname), Panama, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Australia and New Zealand.  

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers a free checked bag for you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation.

You do not need to use your card to pay for the tickets, but you must add the primary card member's American Airlines loyalty number seven days prior to traveling. 

Delta charges $35 for the first checked bag and