Baggage allowance is one of the crucial factors defined by airlines for travelers. So, when it comes to checking in bags for flights, it’s essential to know the rules and regulations set by the airline you choose to fly with. Apparently, the number of bags you can check in depends from one airline to another. It even varies according to the type of cabin class you select and also the destination you are traveling to. This is because rules are different in case of international routes.
This article provides you with a fair idea about the checked baggage policy of various major airlines. You can also discover some key tips related to carrying your checked bags easily.
Read further!
How Many Bags Can You Check Per Flight?
Let’s discover guidelines established by the following airlines.
Alaska Airlines
You can check in two bags wherein you need to pay a charge of US$35 and US$45 for the first bag and second bag, respectively. You may choose to bring additional bags at a cost of US$150 per bag. However, the airline may impose restrictions on the number of bags in case it’s a peak travel season.
These charges are meant for bags whose weight is up to 50 lb and their dimension is not more than 62” (linear). However, you need to pay US$100 if your bag weighs from 51-100 lb. Similarly, a charge of US$150 will be applicable if you check in a bag with a linear dimension of 63-115”.
Please Note: Passengers belonging to certain exclusive categories or special classes can also avail a waiver either on the first bag or the second one or both, as per the policy specified on the airline’s official website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows you to bring two checked bags for free, and they can be of 50 pounds each. The size allowed is 62 inches (length + width + height).
If you wish to check in your third bag or more, you need to pay a charge of US$125 per bag. If you bring an oversized bag (not exceeding 80 inches), you need to shell out US$125 per bag. In case of an overweight bag (51 – 70 lbs.), a charge of US$100 per bag will be applied. If you bring an overweight bag of 71 – 100 lbs., you need to pay a charge of US$125 per bag.
Delta Airlines
You can bring two checked bags on a Delta Airlines flight. The airline charges US$35 for your first checked bag not exceeding 50 lbs. or 23 kg. However, you need to pay US$45 for your second checked bag up to 50 lbs. or 23 kg. Please bear in mind that the baggage size must not exceed 62 inches or 158 cm (Length + Width + Height).
Apart from this, if you are a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member or select Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Member, you can check your first standard checked bag without paying any charge. The price for each way changes as per the route of your flight and the fare class you have booked.
Frontier Airlines
You are allowed to bring 2 checked bags on a Frontier Airlines flight. And yes, the airline charges you for the same. More bags can also be brought by paying additional charges per bag, as applicable.
The charges vary as per your route, date of your flight, weight of your bags, and the date on which you buy baggage. Please bear in mind that if you pay for your bags online when your flight reservation is being made, you will surely get the cheapest price. The more you delay, the more you need to pay.
You must bring checked bags whose dimension does not exceed 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Depth). This includes wheels, handles, and straps. Also, the weight must not be more than 40 pounds.
In case of an oversized bag, you need to pay US$75 per bag (for 1 direction) if it is of 63-110 linear inches dimension. The airline does not accept bags whose dimension exceeds 110 linear inches.
Similarly, in case of an overweight bag, you need to pay $75 per bag (for 1 direction), if the bag’s weight is from 41-50 pounds. If the bag weighs from 51-100 pounds, it will be charged $100 per bag (for 1 direction). Please note that bags whose weight goes more than 100 pounds will not be allowed on a Frontier Airlines flight.
However, if you are the primary card of the FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard, you are allowed to bring 2 checked bags free of cost.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines also allows you to fly with 2 checked bags on a chargeable basis. However, you may choose to bring 3 more additional bags by paying the relevant charges. The price of your checked baggage depends on your route, date of flight, date of booking the flight. This is also similar to what we found in the case of Frontier Airlines. If you purchase baggage at the time of making your online booking, you may enjoy cheapest rates, and then they increase.
If you purchase the standard fare at the time of online booking, you need to pay around US$34 for the first checked bag and around US$74 for the second checked bag. In case you bring additional bags, you need to pay US$99 approximately per bag.
If you are a Spirit Saver$ Club member and you add baggage when your online flight reservation is being created, you will have to pay around US$33 for the first checked bag and around US$73 for the second checked bag. The charge for each additional bag will be US$98 approximately per bag.
Now these charges will keep going high if you add baggage before online check-in, at the time of online check-in, when you are at the reservation desk at the related airport, or when you are at the gate. Hence, you may choose to manage the baggage part at the time of online booking itself to save money.
Baggage Waivers for Passengers
Some airlines offer additional baggage allowances for passengers who:
Hold Elite Status or an Exclusive Membership: Elite status members or those who have enrolled in the membership program introduced by their airline may receive additional baggage allowances as a benefit. Thus, they need not pay any charges or may avail discounts on the same.
Fly with Infants or Young Children: Passengers traveling with infants or young children may also get baggage allowances.
Fly on Particular Routes: Airlines may offer additional baggage allowances for passengers traveling on specific routes, as defined on their websites, or during peak travel periods.
Belong to the Military: Most of the airlines offer baggage allowances for military personnel.
Apart from this, you may consider packing light, using a related credit card for payment, and adding baggage at the time of making an online reservation so as to avoid paying more to check in your baggage.
Concluding Words
So, that was all about checked baggage policies of some of the major airlines belonging to the U.S. Some have not even defined the exact amount you need to pay for checking in your baggage, as you can calculate the same on their website, considering your route and other factors. Apparently, there are many more aspects, conditions, and waivers associated with these checked baggage rules, and can be easily found on the official websites of these airlines.
So, the crux is when it comes to checking in bags for flights, it’s important for you to understand your airline’s baggage policy and restrictions. You must adhere to the related guidelines and regulations to enjoy a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Thus, always remember to check the official website of your airline or speak to their customer service department, if you have any questions or concerns about your baggage allowance. Gather all details in advance and make the necessary preparations so that you don’t land up in any trouble at the airport.
If you wish to avoid overweight baggage charges, you may consider certain tips such as packing light, using an applicable credit card, registering for an airline’s membership program, checking one bag for multiple travelers, and wearing bulky items rather than packing them. Happy travels!
Related FAQs!
You can take a look at answers provided to some of the major queries raised by travelers with respect to the checked baggage policies of airlines.
Generally, you are allowed to take 1 checked baggage for free in case of a domestic flight, while 2 checked baggage are allowed for international flights. However, baggage rules may vary from one airline to another, as some of them may charge you for even first and second bags.
You must take checked bags according to the policy defined by your airline, which may also include the type of travel class you. Visit the official website or contact their customer service team for complete guidance.
You are allowed to take 2 checked bags on a Delta Airlines flight, but on a chargeable basis. You need to pay US$35 for the first checked bag (not more than 50 lbs. or 23 kg). The charge for the second checked bag (up to 50 lbs. or 23 kg) is US$45.
Airlines define certain baggage restrictions so as to efficiently manage the flow of passengers and their luggage during peak travel seasons. They limit the number of bags each passenger can check in, as this step helps maintain a smooth and safe operation, reduce the risk of lost or damaged luggage, and minimize delays caused by overloading baggage handlers.
Explosives, flammable items, aerosols, ammunition, toxic substances, pesticides, lithium batteries and other hazardous items that cause danger to life and property are not allowed to be packed in checked bags. You are advised to read through the complete instructions provided on the website of your airline.
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