US Airline Baggage Fee Comparison 2026
Checked and carry-on bag fees represent one of the most volatile cost variables for American travelers. Below is the verified matrix across all 8 major carriers, detailing first-bag, second-bag, overweight limits, and carry-on allowances.
| Airline | Carry-On Bag | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag | Weight Limit | Waiver with Card / Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAUnited Airlines | Free (Standard Economy) / Excluded in Basic Basic Economy passengers may only bring 1 personal item unless flying transatlantic. 1 Mar 2026Source | $40 ($35 prepaid) Save $5 if prepaid online at least 24 hours prior to departure. 1 Mar 2026Source | $50 ($45 prepaid) 1 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs (70 lbs in Polaris/First) 1 Mar 2026Source | Yes (Premier Silver+ & Chase United Explorer Cardholders) 1 Mar 2026Source |
| DLDelta Air Lines | Free (All Fares Including Basic) Delta allows 1 carry-on + 1 personal item even on Basic Economy tickets. 5 Mar 2026Source | $35 (Domestic standard) 5 Mar 2026Source | $45 (Domestic standard) 5 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs (70 lbs in First/Delta One) 5 Mar 2026Source | Yes (Medallion Silver+ & Amex Delta Gold+) 5 Mar 2026Source |
| BABritish Airways | Free (Generous 51 lbs / 23 kg limit) Both hand bag and personal item allow up to 23 kg each. 2 Mar 2026Source | Included on Standard Economy / $75 on Basic (Hand Baggage Only) Transatlantic basic fares charge for checked bags. 2 Mar 2026Source | $100 (Transatlantic standard) 2 Mar 2026Source | 51 lbs / 23 kg (70 lbs in Club/First) 2 Mar 2026Source | Yes (Executive Club Silver / Gold / oneworld Sapphire) 2 Mar 2026Source |
| LXSwiss International Air Lines | Free (1 x 17.6 lbs / 8 kg in Economy, 2 in Business) 28 Feb 2026Source | Included in Economy Classic / $75 on Light 28 Feb 2026Source | $100 (Transatlantic Economy) 28 Feb 2026Source | 50 lbs / 23 kg (70 lbs / 32 kg in Business/First) 28 Feb 2026Source | Yes (Senator, HON Circle, Star Alliance Gold) 28 Feb 2026Source |
| QRQatar Airways | Free (1 x 15 lbs / 7 kg in Economy; 2 x 33 lbs in Business) 4 Mar 2026Source | Included Free on all US itineraries All flights to/from the Americas include 2 free checked bags in Economy. 4 Mar 2026Source | Included Free on all US itineraries (2 x 50 lbs) 4 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs / 23 kg per piece (70 lbs in Business) 4 Mar 2026Source | Extra allowance for Privilege Club Silver/Gold/Platinum 4 Mar 2026Source |
| ASAlaska Airlines | Free (All Fares Including Saver) 1 carry-on + 1 personal item allowed across all ticket types. 6 Mar 2026Source | $35 ($0 within State of Alaska) 6 Mar 2026Source | $45 ($0 within State of Alaska) 6 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs (20-minute bag guarantee applies) 6 Mar 2026Source | Yes (MVP Status & Alaska Visa Cardholders get 1st bag free) 6 Mar 2026Source |
| B6JetBlue Airways | Free (Blue Basic now includes free carry-on) Policy updated: Blue Basic passengers now receive 1 free overhead carry-on bag. 3 Mar 2026Source | $35-$40 (Peak vs Off-Peak Dynamic Pricing) JetBlue uses peak vs off-peak bag pricing tiers; prepay 24h prior to save $10. 3 Mar 2026Source | $50-$60 (Peak vs Off-Peak) 3 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs (70 lbs in Mint) 3 Mar 2026Source | Yes (Mosaic Status & JetBlue Plus Cardholders) 3 Mar 2026Source |
| WNSouthwest Airlines | Free (1 Carry-on + 1 Personal Item) 7 Mar 2026Source | $0 (Bags Fly Free) Industry-exclusive: 2 free checked bags per ticketed passenger. 7 Mar 2026Source | $0 (Bags Fly Free) Both 1st and 2nd checked bags are 100% free. 7 Mar 2026Source | 50 lbs per bag 7 Mar 2026Source | Not Needed (2 bags free for all passengers without condition) 7 Mar 2026Source |
* Every individual cell is dated and audited directly against official airline contract of carriage tariffs. Pinned first column allows uninterrupted tablet & mobile swipe comparison.
Editorial Methodology & Data Verification Standards
Data verified directly against each carrier's official Contract of Carriage, baggage fee calculator, and customer service tariff filings as of March 2026. Domestic rates reflect standard non-refundable main cabin itineraries paid prior to airport arrival. Every individual cell is dated and audited directly against official airline contract of carriage tariffs, public DOT filings, and customer service conditions.
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