If you’re trying to check baggage on your next airplane trip you might want to pay close attention to your airline. You may have to pay an extra $50 to check just one of your bags. That’s $200 for you, your spouse, and your two kids. The median price for your first checked bag is now $25, and $35 for your second, according to a MONEY survey.
Ten years ago travel was much more affordable with no extra charges, especially by big carriers like United, American, and Delta. But as you can see, times really have changed. The standard fees for checking bags at the ticket counter for US domestic flights is as follows.
It’s no shocker that Spirit Airlines is number one on this list. They have more complications than you want to deal with sometimes, especially when it comes to your baggage. That’s the last thing you want to be worrying about right before your trip. Fees vary with your destination, the date, and whether or not you buy them ahead of time. If you check a bag at the gate, it costs you $100. Don’t think you can get away with just your carry-ons. At least not for free. One small item is free, but another bag costs $55 unless you buy online ahead of time. You would be smart to take advantage of their $9 fare club to get somewhat of a discount.
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The media relations manager for Spirit says that since the airline offers such low fares, Spirit customers pay less overall, even after taking baggage fees into account. “We believe that customers should only have to pay for what they need, and many choose to travel lighter and save money on their trip,” he says.Make sure you check your travel dates and routes online to make sure you’re prepared for the fees before you book your flight.
There’s only one airline that can boast no baggage costs. Southwest was voted Platinum winner for Best Airline in MONEY’s Best in Travel Awards. Southwest saw that other airlines were nitpicking their every fee and decided to keep its free baggage policy regardless. This move made people feel that at least one of the airlines still had some integrity. “You don’t feel like you’re getting slapped around,” says cofounder of the travel site Skift Jason Clampet.
Alaska Airlines consistently charges $25 for each checked bag and is one of the best airlines when it comes to baggage fees. Their award-winning frequent flier program also offers no extra fees for elite status members.
JetBlue isn’t the baggage fee refuge anymore for ones trying to stay away from high fees. Not very long after the prices started to rise, they announced their new baggage fees for their cheapest seats. BlueFlex tickets are a little extra but you can bring two extra bags for free. Their frequent flier program also has no fees for two extra bags. It was voted Best Frequent Flier Program at MONEY’s Best in Travel awards.
Sourced from: Travel and Leisure
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