How to Avoid Paying Bag Fees on the Top 7 Airlines in the USA

Air travel costs can quickly add up, especially when you can’t avoid paying bag fees. Many airlines make it tough for passengers to avoid paying baggage fees for carry-on bags, charge extra fees for checked bags, and even charge for personal items. However, savvy travelers can take advantage of various strategies to avoid paying baggage fees altogether. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to avoid paying bag fees on the top 7 airlines in the USA, including specific size restrictions for personal items and any differences in stringency among airlines.

Check out this list of some of the top compact suitcases available to help you hopefully avoid paying baggage fees on your next trip.

American Airlines – Avoid Paying Baggage Fees

American Airlines is one of the major carriers in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. To avoid paying bag fees on American Airlines, it’s important to understand their baggage policies and restrictions if you’re hoping to avoid paying bag fees.

Personal Item Size: American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for a personal item on American Airlines are typically 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This includes items like small backpacks, laptop bags, and purses.

Carry-On Bag Size: If you plan to bring a carry-on bag, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

American Airlines is fairly consistent with these size restrictions, and passengers who adhere to them are unlikely to encounter issues.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is another major carrier in the United States, and they also have specific size restrictions for personal items and carry-on bags.

Personal Item Size: Delta’s personal item dimensions are typically 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43 x 33 x 20 cm).

Carry-On Bag Size: For carry-on bags, Delta allows dimensions of up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

Delta is known for enforcing these size restrictions fairly consistently. However, it’s essential to double-check their policies before your flight, as they may change over time.

United Airlines

United Airlines is a prominent airline in the USA, and like other carriers, they have specific size restrictions for personal items and carry-on bags.

Personal Item Size: United Airlines generally allows personal items with dimensions of up to 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm).

Carry-On Bag Size: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag on United Airlines are typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

United Airlines tends to be consistent with these size restrictions, but it’s always a good idea to check their latest policies before your trip to make sure you will avoid paying bag fees.

Southwest Airlines – Avoid Paying Bag Fees

Southwest Airlines is known for its unique approach to baggage fees, as they offer passengers two checked bags for free. However, they still have size restrictions for carry-on bags and personal items.

Personal Item Size: Southwest Airlines allows one personal item with dimensions up to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches (47 x 22 x 34 cm). This is larger than what many other airlines permit.

Carry-On Bag Size: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag on Southwest Airlines are typically 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm).

Southwest Airlines is more generous with personal item size limits, which can be an advantage for travelers looking to maximize their cabin baggage.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is known for its customer-friendly policies, and their baggage rules are relatively straightforward.

Personal Item Size: JetBlue typically allows personal items with dimensions of up to 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43 x 33 x 20 cm).

Carry-On Bag Size: For carry-on bags, JetBlue permits dimensions of up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).

JetBlue is generally consistent with these size restrictions, making it easy for passengers to plan accordingly to avoid paying bag fees.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost model, but they charge fees for almost everything, including carry-on and personal items. However, with careful planning, you can minimize these fees.

Personal Item Size: Spirit Airlines allows personal items with dimensions of up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Carry-On Bag Size: If you plan to bring a carry-on bag on Spirit Airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm).

It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines can be more stringent about enforcing their size restrictions, and they often charge additional fees for larger personal items or carry-ons.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is another ultra-low-cost carrier in the USA with strict baggage policies. Passengers need to be aware of their size restrictions to avoid paying bag fees.

Personal Item Size: Frontier Airlines allows personal items with dimensions of up to 14 x 18 x 8 inches (35 x 45 x 20 cm).

Carry-On Bag Size: For carry-on bags, Frontier typically permits dimensions of up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm).

Frontier Airlines is known for closely monitoring and enforcing their size restrictions, so travelers should be especially careful when packing for Frontier flights.

Tips to Avoid Paying Bag Fees on These Airlines

Now that we’ve covered the specific size restrictions for personal items and carry-on bags on the top 7 airlines in the USA, let’s explore some effective tips for avoiding bag fees:

1. Travel Light: The easiest way to avoid bag fees is to pack light and only bring the essentials. Choose versatile clothing items and avoid overpacking.
2. Use a Smaller Bag: Opt for a personal item or carry-on bag that is well within the size limits specified by the airline. Measure your bag before your trip to ensure compliance.
3. Leverage Elite Status: Frequent flyers with elite status often receive exemptions from certain bag fees. If you frequently fly with a particular airline, consider joining their loyalty program.
4. Credit Card Benefits: Some airline-branded credit cards offer perks like free checked bags or priority boarding. Check if your credit card offers any such benefits.
5. Bundle Your Fare: Many airlines offer fare bundles that include baggage and other perks. Compare the cost of these bundles to paying for baggage separately to see if it’s a better deal.
6. Pack Strategically: Use packing cubes to maximize space and organize your belongings efficiently. Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
7. Wear Bulky Items: If you’re traveling with bulky items like jackets or boots, consider wearing them on the plane to free up space in your luggage.
8. Ship Items: If you have items that won’t fit within the size restrictions, consider shipping them to your destination ahead of time. It may be more cost-effective than paying oversized baggage fees.
9. Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the baggage policies of the airline you’re flying with. Policies can change, so always check for updates before your trip.
10. Book Early: Airlines often charge higher bag fees at the airport compared to when you book online or during the initial booking process. Save money by adding bags when you book your ticket.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of airline baggage fees can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to size restrictions, you can avoid many of these extra costs. Each of the top 7 airlines in the USA has its own specific size limits for personal items and carry-on bags, so it’s crucial to be aware of these restrictions before you travel.

Remember that while some airlines, like Southwest, offer more generous size limits for personal items, others, like Spirit and Frontier, can be stricter and charge additional fees for larger bags. To minimize expenses and make your travel experience more enjoyable, pack efficiently, stay informed about airline policies, and consider loyalty programs or credit card perks that can help you avoid bag fees. By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective journey on your next flight.