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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a standard domestic economy trip with no baggage benefit and a bag paid for at the airport, Frontier has the highest listed first checked-bag fee in the comparison: $79. The lowest listed first-bag price is Alaska Airlines’ $30 intra-island fee; Alaska’s North America price is $45. Across many comparable mainland routes, $45 is a common baseline, but route, fare, ticket date and payment timing can change the amount.
How much do major U.S. airlines charge for checked bags?
The table compares one-way standard domestic fees for regular fares. The Points Guy comparison assumes airport payment and excludes elite-status and co-branded-card benefits; it notes that international prices may differ. Ticket dates below identify when the listed schedules apply, not a guarantee for every itinerary.
| Airline | First bag | Second bag | Third bag | Ticket schedule noted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | $45 North America; $30 intra-island | $55 North America; $40 intra-island | $200 North America; $50 intra-island | Tickets from April 10, 2026 |
| American Airlines | $50; $45 online in advance | $60; $55 online in advance | $200 | Tickets from April 9, 2026 |
| Delta Air Lines | $45 | $55 | $200 | Tickets from April 8, 2026 |
| Frontier Airlines | $79 | $89 | $150 | Tickets from April 4, 2026 |
| JetBlue | $45–$59, depending on flight and purchase time | $59–$79, depending on flight and purchase time | $200 | Tickets from March 30, 2026 |
| Southwest Airlines | $45 | $55 | $150 | Tickets from April 9, 2026 |
| United Airlines | $45–$50 | $55–$60 | $200 | Tickets from April 3, 2026 |
Source for all figures and ticket dates: The Points Guy’s major-U.S.-airline fee comparison.
Which airline is most—and least—expensive?
Highest listed first-bag fee: Frontier
Frontier’s listed $79 first bag is the highest in this standard domestic comparison. Its second bag is also the highest listed, at $89. The comparison associates these fees with tickets from April 4, 2026; check the carrier’s rules for the specific flight before booking.
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#1 Best Overall
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: Large size best for 2-3 week trips or vacations; measures 20.7 x 12.6 x 30.7 inches, including wheels
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Extra-thick hard shell with scratch-resistant finish guards against impact and rough handling
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 15% for added flexibility and organization
- ORGANIZED INTERIOR: Keep essentials organized with an interior divider and three zippered pockets
- EFFORTLESS TRAVEL: Navigate with ease thanks to four multi-directional wheels, telescoping handle, and short lift handle
Lowest listed first-bag price: Alaska intra-island
Alaska’s $30 first-bag fee applies to intra-island travel, not as a general mainland price. Its listed North America first-bag fee is $45. That distinction matters when ranking the cheapest option: $30 is the table’s lowest raw figure, while $45 is Alaska’s North America price and a common baseline for comparable mainland travel.
Third bags are a different cost category
Third-bag fees in the comparison range from $150 to $200. Frontier and Southwest list $150; Alaska (North America), American, Delta, JetBlue and United list $200. A low first-bag price therefore does not tell you what checking several bags will cost.
Rank #2
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: Large size Best for 2-3 week trips or vacations; measures 20.7 x 12.6 x 30.7 inches, including wheels
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Extra-thick hard shell with scratch-resistant finish guards against impact and rough handling
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 15% for added flexibility and organization
- ORGANIZED INTERIOR: Keep essentials organized with an interior divider and three zippered pockets
- EFFORTLESS TRAVEL: Navigate with ease thanks to four multi-directional wheels, telescoping handle, and short lift handle
Why your actual bag fee may differ
- Route: Domestic, intra-island and international schedules can differ. Alaska’s intra-island price is a clear example; international prices may also vary from the comparison.
- Fare and ticket date: Carriers may have different rules for Basic Economy and other fares, and may apply a fee schedule according to when the ticket was issued. American separates Basic Economy from Main Cabin and uses ticket-issue cutoffs.
- Payment timing: American lists lower prices for some bags paid for online in advance. JetBlue’s listed range varies by flight and purchase time.
- Bag count: The second or third bag may cost substantially more than the first. Check the price for every bag you plan to check rather than multiplying the first-bag charge.
- Weight and dimensions: The comparison says most airlines treat bags over 50 pounds as overweight, while Frontier’s threshold is above 40 pounds. Oversized baggage can also trigger charges. A portable digital luggage scale can help you check weight before leaving, but it cannot guarantee that a fee will be avoided.
- Free-bag eligibility: Premium fares, elite status, qualifying co-branded cards and other rules may include baggage or change the fee. Those benefits are excluded from the comparison table.
- Operating carrier: On an international codeshare, baggage rules may depend on the airline operating the flight, not just the airline whose code appears on the booking.
Examples of policy details to check before paying
Southwest: fare type and travel conditions
Southwest’s policy page lists a $45 first bag and $55 second bag for Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares on U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed or changed on or after April 9, 2026. Choice Extra includes the first two bags. The page also lists separate charges for third and later bags, overweight bags and oversized bags. These details are subject to the page’s stated travel and ticketing conditions: Southwest checked-baggage policy.
American: fare, online payment and ticket issue date
American’s policy distinguishes Basic Economy from Main Cabin, offers online-payment discounts on some routes and uses ticket-issue dates to determine applicable schedules. For covered routes, the page lists a $50 Main Cabin first bag ($45 online) for tickets issued on or after April 9, 2026; some Basic Economy prices differ for tickets issued on or after May 18, 2026. Consult the route and fare details on American’s checked-baggage page.
Rank #3
- Smooth & Easy Mobility: The Sweetcrispy luggage set offers superior smooth & easy mobility with its dual-wheel design, allowing foreffortless movement and ensuring a truly hassle-free travel experience from start to finish
- Spacious Storage Space: With spacious and practical storage, wet and dry mesh areas, X securing straps and expandable storage capacity, this suitcases with wheels offers optimal organization and versatility, designed to meet all your travel needs. The premium zipper closure system gives you peace of mind and convenience when traveling
- Lightweight & Durable: Sweetcrispy checked luggage is crafted with an ABS exterior material that keeps it light for easy handling while offering incredible sturdiness to withstand the rigors of travel
- Enhanced Security with TSA Lock: Sweetcrispy Luggage Set – the integrated lock helps protect your belongings from unauthorized access, providing you with complete peace of mind whether you are traveling on domestic flights or international trips
- Flexible and Resilient Telescopic Handle: The retractable handle of this travel luggage is not only durable, but also offers flexibility, allowing you to easily adjust it according to your preferred height while maintaining its excellent performance
How to compare the real cost for your trip
- Confirm the itinerary and operating airline. Check each flight segment, especially if the trip is international or operated by a codeshare partner. The U.S. General Services Administration advises checking the operating airline’s baggage policy for international codeshare travel: GSA guidance on baggage fees.
- Look up the rule for your fare and ticket date. Make sure the policy matches your fare class, route and ticket issue date rather than relying on a general airline headline.
- Count every checked bag. Compare first-, second- and additional-bag charges for each passenger.
- Check weight and size limits. Include any overweight or oversized charge in your estimate, and weigh bags before travel if possible.
- Apply benefits you actually qualify for. Confirm that a fare, status level or card benefit covers the passenger and itinerary in question.
- Compare the total, not just the first bag. Add all relevant fees for the outbound and return flights; listed prices are one-way, and rules can vary by segment.
United’s April 2026 fee increase is one example of why dates matter: the Associated Press reported that United raised first- and second-bag fees to $45 and $55 on covered routes, quoting the airline’s statement that it was the first bag-fee increase in two years. See the AP report.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Impact Resistant: Durable polypropylene hardshell that’s abrasion-, scratch-, and water-resistant. Expansion gusset provide up to 2" to make packing effortless.
- Smooth & Silent: Spinner wheels offer 360° rolling maneuverability, allowing you to glide smoothly through crowds and busy airports with ease.
- Easy Maneuverability: Navigate with ease using the multi-stage telescopic handle with a push-button lock for adjustable height and smooth control. Top, side, and bottom rubber carry handles ensure effortless lifting and carrying from any angle.
- Travel Sentry TSA Combo Lock: Provides enhanced security by safeguarding your belongings while allowing TSA agents to inspect your luggage without causing damage.
- Space-Saving Interior: Maximize packing efficiency with a spacious main compartment featuring a zippered middle divider and multiple zippered pockets for organized storage. Durable self-mending #10 zippers ensure long-lasting reliability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
