How Much American Airline Charge For Baggage

So, you’re thinking about flying. And then you remember the bag. Your bag. The one you actually need for more than a weekend.

Let’s talk about what the big American airlines are charging for that privilege. It’s not pretty, but it’s a conversation we’ve all been forced to have. Grab your coffee, because we’re diving into the fees.

The Big Three: American, Delta, and United

These guys are basically triplets separated at birth. They all follow the same playbook on bag fees. It’s almost cute, if it wasn’t so frustrating.

American Airlines charges $35 for your first checked bag. That’s for a domestic flight, economy, paid at the airport. Pay online, and you get a tiny discount: $30.

Your second bag? That’ll be $40 online or $45 at the airport. Look at that—they reward planning. But seriously, who packs two bags and still pays for a seat?

Delta is a carbon copy: $35 at the airport for the first bag, $30 online. Second bag? $45 at the airport, $40 online. I think Delta and American share a spreadsheet.

United also charges $35 first bag, $30 if you pay ahead. Second bag is $45 at the counter, $40 online. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. It’s the airline tax of friendship.

The Carry-On Conundrum

Basic economy is where feelings get hurt. A carry-on bag used to be sacred. Now? It’s a luxury.

On American, United, and Delta, basic economy tickets don’t include a full-size carry-on. You get a personal item (purse, small backpack). That’s it.

If you try to bring a roller bag? You’re paying at the gate. And guess what? That fee is often higher than checking it. I’ve seen $40 to $65 for the privilege of being wrong.

American Airlines Checked Bag Fees and Allowance for 2025 – National

We’ve all seen that person argue with the gate agent. Don’t be that person. Just pay the fee and mourn your budget.

Southwest: The Baggage Maverick

Southwest is the cool cousin at the family reunion. They still let you check two bags for free. Yes, free. Like, included in the ticket price.

It feels illegal, doesn’t it? You walk up, hand over your bag, and they smile. No fee. No sigh. No digital receipt for your bank account to cry over.

Is Southwest always the cheapest ticket? Not always. But when you factor in two free checked bags, it often is. Do the math, people.

JetBlue and Alaska: The Middle Ground

JetBlue is a little different. Their first checked bag is $35, same as the big three. But their Blue Plus fare includes one free checked bag. And a carry-on is always included.

Alaska Airlines? They charge $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second. But if you have an Alaska credit card, or if you’re elite status, you get a free checked bag. Loyalty pays off—sort of.

Both are slightly nicer about it. But you’re still paying for something that feels like it should be a basic human right. Like water. Or legroom.

American Airlines Charge For Baggage Over 50 Pounds - Free Word Template

Oversized and Overweight: The Wallet Flattener

So you paid for your bag. But if it’s over 50 pounds, you’re not done. That’s when the real fun begins.

Most airlines charge $100 to $200 for bags over 50 pounds. And if it’s over 70 pounds? You might have to ship it freight. Or just leave it at the airport and cry.

Oversized bags (like golf clubs or suitcases over 62 linear inches) cost extra too. Usually $100 to $150 each way. Hope you’re not moving your entire life in one suitcase.

The Fine Print That Bites

Here’s the kicker: fees change by route. A bag from New York to Miami costs one thing. A bag from New York to Tokyo costs a small fortune. International fees are a whole other beast.

For example, American charges $75 to $100 for the first checked bag on flights to Europe. United and Delta are similar. And a second bag on international often hits $100 to $150.

Military members? Usually free. Active duty, that is. Veterans? Not always. Check before you pack your combat boots.

How to Survive (and Save)

First, get a credit card with free baggage benefits. The United Explorer card gives you a free checked bag. Same with Delta’s Platinum Amex. It pays for itself quickly.

What Is Causing An Increase in Current Baggage Fees?

Second, fly Southwest if you can. Two free bags is a superpower in the airline world. Don’t let the lack of first-class seats fool you.

Third, pack lighter. It sounds dumb, but a carry-on and a personal item can get you through a week. I promise you won’t die without that fourth pair of shoes.

Fourth, pay online before your flight. That $5 to $10 savings per bag adds up. Especially if you’re traveling with a family of four.

The Emotional Tax

Let’s be real: the baggage fee isn’t just a cost. It’s an emotional tax. You already paid for the ticket. Now you’re paying to bring your stuff? It stings.

But it’s how airlines make money. Baggage fees brought in over $5 billion last year. Billion with a B. That’s a lot of angry tourists.

So next time you’re at the counter, swiping your card for a bag, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. We’re all paying for the privilege of bringing our underwear.

And hey, at least you’re not checking a surfboard. That’s a whole different story—and a much bigger fee.