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Picture this: You’re planning your next vacation, searching for the best deals on flights and hotels. You’ve managed to find an unreal fare — but then you see the baggage fees. Suddenly, your budget-friendly trip isn’t looking so affordable anymore.
Several airlines have recently increased their checked baggage fees, making it harder for travelers to save money. But don’t let these fees ruin your vacation plans just yet!
But there are ways to avoid paying these higher fees — and one of the most effective strategies is to use the right credit card. Here’s how to use travel credits and airline cards to keep more money in your pocket.
Airlines that have raised their baggage fees
Several airlines have recently increased their checked baggage fees between $5-$10. As of 2024, the price to check a bag for a domestic U.S. flight is:
- Delta Airlines: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $45
- American Airlines: First checked bag is $35-$40 (depending on if you check online), second checked bag is $45
- United Airlines: First checked bag is $35-45 (depending on if you check online)
- JetBlue: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $50
- Alaska Airlines: First checked bag is $35, second checked bag is $45
Some airlines charge a lower price if you check your bag online or pay at least 24 hours in advance. It’s a good idea to check your specific carrier’s website to learn more.
These fee hikes can add up, especially for families or those traveling with multiple bags. If a family of four each checked one bag on a roundtrip flight, they would pay roughly $280 alone on baggage fees.
However, there are ways to avoid these costs altogether.
Avoiding baggage fees with travel credits
Some credit cards offer travel credits that can be used to offset various travel expenses, including baggage fees.
Premium travel cards — that charge higher annual fees — typically offer these credits. But the savings can make up for the cost if you travel frequently.
Unlike airline credit cards, which limit rewards to one carrier, flexible travel cards allow you to use travel credits for any airline.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers a $300 annual travel credit that can be used for baggage fees, among other travel purchases. Similarly, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $200 in airline fee credits, which can cover costs like checked bags and in-flight refreshments.
If you already have one of these cards or are considering applying for one, be sure to factor in the potential savings on baggage fees when weighing the card’s benefits against its annual fee.
Redeeming credit card rewards for travel expenses
Travel cards offer more flexibility than airline cards, allowing you to transfer rewards to several airline partners, says Erika Kullberg, social media money expert and attorney. Kullberg has over nine million followers on TikTok, helping consumers understand the fine print on contracts like credit cards and airlines.
Kullberg takes advantage of the flexibility when she plans a flight by “checking different airlines to see what seats they offer on points, then transferring my points to the one with the best offer.”
Before selecting a travel card, ensure the airlines you frequently use are within that card’s transfer program.
Travel cards often offer an array of travel perks in addition to the travel credit. For example, they may reimburse you for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, offer airport lounge access, or provide travel insurance.
However, many of these cards charge a hefty annual fee, and the more perks they offer, the higher the fee will likely be. Consider what airlines you travel with and how often you check when deciding whether an expensive card makes sense.
Cards that offer free checked bags
Another way to avoid baggage fees is using a credit card with free checked bags as a cardholder perk. Many airline credit cards provide this benefit, saving you significant money if you fly with the same airline regularly.
Here are some of the best credit cards that offer free checked bags:
Some airline credit cards that offer free checked bags include:
- Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard: Offers one free checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Provides one free checked bag for you on Delta flights.
- United Explorer℠ Card: Offers one free checked bag for you and one companion on United-operated flights.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: While Southwest already offers two free checked bags for all passengers, this card provides additional benefits like annual travel credits and upgraded boardings.
Using one of these cards saves you a substantial amount on baggage fees over time, especially if you travel with companions.
Choosing the best card for you
Consider your travel habits and preferences when selecting a credit card to help avoid baggage fees.
If you’re loyal to a particular airline, choosing that airline’s co-branded credit card may make sense. However, a general travel rewards card with travel credits might be a better fit if you’re more flexible with your travel plans.
“Depending on where your primary travel hub is, an airline travel card may make more sense, [like if] the flights in and out of your home city are on one specific airline, or if you’re loyal to one specific airline because you like the service,” says Kullberg.
Also, consider the card’s annual fee and whether the benefits justify the cost. Some cards with higher annual fees offer additional perks like lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus rewards on travel purchases, which can provide added value for frequent travelers.
Before applying for any credit card, read the terms and understand the requirements for earning and redeeming rewards. Some cards may have minimum spending requirements or other limitations that could impact your ability to take advantage of the free checked bag benefit.
The bottom line
As airlines continue to raise baggage fees, travelers are looking for ways to avoid these added costs. By using a credit card offering travel credits or free checked bags, you can save significant money on your next trip.
When choosing a credit card, consider your travel habits, the card’s benefits, and its annual fee to determine the best fit for your needs.
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.