JetFools / Airlines
US airline guides: bag fees, rules, and roasts
Most major US airlines now charge about $45 to $50 for a first checked bag on domestic flights. Frontier and Allegiant charge for overhead carry-ons too, with prices that change by route and timing.
Last checked October 2026. Ordered by our Fool Rankings, most foolish first.
Frontier#1 Fool. Frontier is only cheap if you travel with just a personal item.United#2 Fool. On most domestic United flights a first checked bag costs about $45 to $50 and a second about $55 to $60, depending on when you pay.American#3 Fool. American charges about $50 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second at the airport on most domestic flights, about $5 less each when you pay online.Allegiant#4 Fool. Allegiant sells cheap fares to smaller cities, often on limited schedules, and charges for carry-ons and checked bags at prices that vary by route and timing.Southwest#5 Fool. Southwest ended free checked bags on May 28, 2025.JetBlue#6 Fool. On off-peak dates JetBlue charges about $45 for a first checked bag and $59 for a second on most routes, more on peak dates, and up to $10 less per bag if you add them more than 24 hours before departure..Delta#7 Fool. Delta charges $45 for a first checked bag and $55 for a second on most domestic flights.Alaska#8 Fool. Alaska charges $45 for a first checked bag and $55 for a second on most domestic flights, with lower fees on flights between Hawaiian islands.Spirit (retired)Shut down May 2, 2026. What happened and what to fly instead.
Quick comparison
| Free carry-on on every fare | Delta, Southwest, Alaska |
|---|---|
| First checked bag about $45 | Delta, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue (off-peak) |
| First checked bag about $45 to $50 | United, American (cheaper online) |
| Carry-on costs extra | Frontier, Allegiant |
| Free Wi-Fi | JetBlue (everyone), Delta (SkyMiles members) |