What you need to know about the major airline’s new baggage policies

Delta Airlines and American Airlines both announced on September 20, 2018, that they have increased the fee for baggage – the first checked bag will now cost $30 (up from $25) and the second bag will cost $40 (up from $35).

United and JetBlue also raised their baggage pricing this month matching Delta Airlines.

Southwest is the only major carrier that does not charge baggage fees. Their policy allows each flyer to check up to two bags for free, providing each weigh less than 50 pounds.

Some airlines such as Spirit have already changed their fee to $30 while others including Spirit, Sun Country, and Frontier even charge for carry-on bags.

Allegiant charges $30 for one checked bag when you book a flight, $45.00 prior to departure and $50 if you wait until you check in at the airport. Sun Country charges $20 for a checked baggage but $30 for a carry-on bag for the same flight.

Don’t forget to double check your Airline frequent flyer benefits offering free or reduced baggage fees. This may be applied to everyone traveling with you and booked on the same itinerary (usually with a maximum number of travelers).

Airline credit cards may have the same cost-saving benefits for luggage fees. Currently, the standard for most airlines is to offer free baggage for business class and first class tickets for yourself and anyone traveling with you on the same itinerary (usually with a maximum number of travelers as well).

These major airlines just changed their baggage fee policies.

Air Canada

Tickets issued on/after August 21, 2018, for travel on/after October 5, 2018, within Canada, between Canada and the US, or to/from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean:

1^st Checked Bag: $30

2^nd Checked Bag: $50

Weight Limit: 50 lbs