Airline Excess Luggage Fee Matrix

Baggage Fee Breakdown

Airlines charge fees based on:

• • Checked Bag Fees: 1st bag $0–62, 2nd bag $0–75 (varies by carrier and cabin class; Southwest free, ultra-low-cost carriers highest)
• • Overweight Charges: 50–70 lbs typically costs $75–100; 71–100 lbs costs $100–200
• • Size Penalties: Oversized (62–80") and excess (>80") bags incur additional handling fees
• • Special Cases: Sports equipment and musical instruments often trigger different fees

2026 Airline Updates

As of 2026, fuel surcharges and operational costs have driven significant increases across the industry. Checked bag fees have risen on average from $32 to $38+ per bag since 2024.

Southwest Airlines remains unique by offering free checked bags. Ultra-low-cost carriers (Frontier, Allegiant) require paid advance bag selection but often offer lower base fares. (Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026.) Legacy figures shown are prepaid-online prices from the April 2026 fee round (United/American add ~$5 at the airport); JetBlue first/second bags swing with peak dates, and ULCC base bag prices vary by route and bundle — confirm the exact amount in the carrier's booking flow.