Airline Carry-On and Baggage Fees

Sadly, airlines have done away with complimentary pillows and blankets as well as free sandwiches and meals during flights in order to cut back on costs to companies.  The disappearance of once complimentary services began around May 2008, as American Airlines promoted our downhill descent into now-routine baggage fees by imposing a new “checked-bag” fee.

At the beginning of these fee hikes, we saw $15 one way checked-bag fees; this has slowly increased to $25 and even $35 for some airlines.  These fees were said to be based on the fact that airlines needed to recoup some of their losses for increased jet fuel prices.  Airlines have used continued with this explanation for some time, stating that additional flight-related fees are necessary for them to recoup revenue due to increased jet fuel prices.

Unfortunately, these costs are passed on to us as the consumer in the form of carry-on and checked baggage fees.  As airlines struggle to remain profitable, customers can expect to pay these fees (along with others); however, knowing baggage fees for airlines can help cost-save when planning family vacations.  While some airlines still do not charge for baggage fees (Southwest Airlines is one of our favorites for this reason),  others only allow fliers to circumvent fees through select credit card memberships or status on an airline.

For those considering a flight in the near future, current airline baggage fees are listed below:

Air Canada (AC)	United States to Canada 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $100 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Alaska Airlines (AS)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $25 3rd Bag: $75 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Allegiant Air (G4)	Domestic: United States Carry-on Fees: $15 – $50 1st Bag: $18 – $50 2nd Bag: $18 – $50 3rd Bag: $18 – $50 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
American Airlines (AA)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $150 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Delta Airlines (DL)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $150 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Frontier Airlines (F9)	Domestic: United States Carry-On Fees: $30 – $60 1st Bag: $25 – $60 2nd Bag: $40 – $45 3rd Bag: $75 – $80 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Hawaiian Airlines (HA)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $100 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
JetBlue Airways (B6)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $100 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Southwest Airlines (WN)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: Free 2nd Bag: Free 3rd Bag: $75 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Spirit Airlines (NK)	Domestic: United States Carry-on Fees: $35 – $100 1st Bag: $30 – $100 2nd Bag: $40 – $100 3rd Bag: $85 – $100 Maximum Weight 40lb/19kg
United Airlines (UA)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $150 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg
Virgin America (VX)	Domestic: United States 1st Bag: $25 2nd Bag: $35 3rd Bag: $150 Maximum Weight 50lb/23kg

Baggage fees are one of the first but definitely not the last in airline conveniences that are disappearing every day.  Slowly we are seeing more airlines reduce the leg room space by inches, making it even more uncomfortable (especially for 6-foot 5-inch gentlemen like myself) to fly, all so they can squeeze in one extra seat to made a few additional dollars.  I myself am counting down the days until they start charging for overhead bin space, and the floor space beneath the seat in front of you.

Hopefully you and your family are able to use this list to help decide what airline is right for you on your next getaway, possibly saving you some money along the way.