Checked Bag Fees in 2026: What Every US Airline Charges (and How to Pay $0)
Checked bags now cost $45 or more each way on most US airlines. Here is what each airline charges in 2026 and the simplest way to stop paying.
In 2026 a first checked bag costs about $45 each way on most big US airlines (American $45–$50, Delta $45, United $45–$50, Southwest $45, Alaska $45, JetBlue $39–$59). That is roughly $90 or more per round trip. The easiest way to pay $0 is to travel with one carry-on that holds everything, such as Voyagers™.
Checked bag fees went up again this year. Southwest, the last big airline with free bags, started charging in 2025, and several carriers raised prices in spring 2026. If you fly a few times a year, bags can quietly cost more than a flight.
How much is a checked bag in 2026?
| Airline | 1st bag | 2nd bag |
|---|---|---|
| American | $45 online / $50 airport | $55 / $60 |
| Delta | $45 | $55 |
| United | $45–$50 | $55–$60 |
| Southwest | $45 | $55 |
| Alaska | $45 | $55 |
| JetBlue | $39–$59 (by date) | $59–$79 |
Standard economy, domestic, one way, as reported in spring–autumn 2026. Fees vary by route, date and fare; elite status and some airline credit cards include free bags. Always check your airline before booking.
What it adds up to
| Trips per year | Checked bag (round trip) | Carry-on only |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trip | ~$90 | $0 |
| 3 trips | ~$270 | $0 |
| 5 trips | ~$450 | $0 |
| 10 trips | ~$900 | $0 |
And that is for one person with one bag. A couple checking two bags on five trips a year spends close to $900.
One bag, zero fees. Voyagers™ holds about a week of outfits and fits as a carry-on.
Shop Voyagers™ — $99.90Free shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee6 ways to avoid checked bag fees
Pack everything in one carry-on
The simplest fix. Most US fares (except basic economy on some airlines) include a full-size carry-on plus a personal item for free. A 20–35 L bag that packs efficiently replaces a checked suitcase for trips up to about a week. Our guide shows how to pack a week in a carry-on.
Choose a bag that keeps outfits neat
Many people check a bag only because their dress or suit would get crushed in a carry-on. A bag that opens flat like a garment bag solves that, so the nice outfit comes too.
“Went to Italy for a wedding. It fit both my dress and my partners suit in the garment portion and was easy to zip into the bag for my extra clothes.”— Mia, customer review
Use your personal item well
Your free personal item (a tote or small backpack under the seat) can hold your laptop, toiletries and a change of clothes, which frees space in the main bag.
Wear your bulkiest items
Wear the jeans, sneakers and jacket on the plane. That alone can save a third of the space in your bag.
Check card and status perks
Some airline credit cards and elite tiers include a free first checked bag. Worth it if you fly one airline often.
Prepay online if you must check
If you do need to check a bag, paying online before the airport is usually $5 cheaper (American, for example).
Why Voyagers™ makes carry-on only easy
- Opens flat like a garment bag, so dresses and suits travel neat.
- 20–35 L, enough for about a week.
- 20.5" × 9.8" × 12.6", within the common US carry-on size when not overstuffed.
- Rolls on the optional trolley, or slides onto your suitcase handle.
“Perfect for plane rides. Had zero issues getting it through Spirit Airlines as a carry-on bag and I fit everything I needed!”
Margaret · US
“Cute garment bag for a trip! My sister gave me this as a birthday present: a cute pink bag! I love the design. I used this garment bag to attend my friend's wedding. I put my dress in this bag, and it can make my clothes wrinkle-free, which was something I struggled with before with other bags. TSA even asked me where I got it 😂”
Sophia · US
Voyagers™ Convertible Carry-On
★★★★★ 4.9 · 162 reviews
- Opens flat like a garment bag — outfits arrive neat
- Carry-on size: 20.5" × 9.8" × 12.6"
- Holds 20–35 L — about a week of outfits
- Slides onto your suitcase handle, or add the trolley
- Shoulder strap included · 3 colors
$99.90$179.90
Frequently asked questions
How much does a checked bag cost in 2026?
About $45 each way for a first bag on most major US airlines, and $55 or more for a second bag. JetBlue varies from $39 to $59 by date.
Does Southwest still have free checked bags?
No. Southwest started charging for checked bags on bookings from May 28, 2025. Some fares and elite members still get free bags.
Is a carry-on free?
On most US fares a full-size carry-on and a personal item are free. Some basic economy fares only include a personal item, so check your ticket.
How can I avoid checked bag fees?
Travel with one carry-on that fits everything, wear bulky items, use your personal item, or use a card or status that includes free bags.
Can I fit a week of clothes in a carry-on?
Yes. A 20–35 L bag like Voyagers™ holds about a week of outfits, two pairs of shoes and toiletries.
Fee information compiled from airline baggage pages and 2026 travel news reports (including U.S. PIRG and Afar). Fees change often. Reviews are quoted word for word from the Voyagers™ product page.
