When traveling by air, one of the biggest additional costs is checking bags. Most airlines charge fees ranging from $25-$35 for the first checked bag and additional fees for the second, third, etc. This can add up quickly, especially for families traveling together. Many travelers try to avoid these fees by only taking carry-on bags. However, this isn’t always feasible if you need to pack a lot of items.
So is it actually cheaper to pay the baggage fees at the airport versus in advance? Or is it better to pay ahead of time when booking your ticket? There are pros and cons to each approach.
Paying at the Airport
Here are some potential benefits to paying bag fees at the airport:
- You only pay if you end up checking a bag. If you’re able to fit everything into a carry-on, you avoid the fee altogether.
- You have more flexibility if your packing needs change. You don’t have to commit to checking a bag until you arrive at the airport.
- Some airlines offer discounts on baggage fees when paying at the check-in counter versus online. For example, Spirit Airlines charges $37 for the first checked bag online but only $28 at the airport counter.
- If your flight gets canceled or delayed, you may be able to get your baggage fees refunded if you paid at the airport. Fees paid in advance are usually non-refundable.
- You have extra time to evaluate if checking a bag makes the most sense. You can better assess at the airport how full the overhead bins are.
So paying bag fees at the airport counter can be cheaper, especially if you’re able to avoid checking a bag altogether. You’ll also have more flexibility in case your travel plans change last minute.
Paying in Advance
Here are some potential perks to paying checked bag fees when booking your ticket:
- You can take advantage of any discounts for prepaying baggage. Some airlines offer discounted rates for bags if fees are paid in advance online.
- No surprises! You know exactly what your total airfare cost is upfront.
- Less hassle at the airport. You can skip the check-in counter lines and proceed directly to security.
- Peace of mind knowing your bags are already paid for. One less thing to worry about on travel day.
- Prepaying fees means your checked bags will be free if you get bumped from an oversold flight. Paying bag fees same-day doesn’t qualify for compensation.
- Some travel credit cards provide free checked bags as a benefit. You have to pay the fees in advance to take advantage of this perk.
Paying fees upfront ensures there are no surprises cost-wise on your travel day. It can also be less stressful by streamlining the airport experience.
When does it make sense to pay at the airport?
Here are some common scenarios where paying checked bag fees at the airport may be your best bet:
Last-minute or infrequent travel
If you don’t travel very often or are booking a last-minute trip, it likely makes sense to pay at the airport. You probably don’t need to check a bag most of the time. And for last-minute bookings, you may not have the option to prepay bag fees online.
Short trips
For shorter trips, especially long weekends, you can probably fit everything you need into a carry-on bag. No need to prepay for checked bags that you likely won’t need.
Trying to avoid fees
If you are packing light in hopes of avoiding baggage fees, definitely hold off on paying them until the airport. That way if you can fit everything into your carry-on bag, you don’t waste money on fees for bags you end up not checking.
Traveling with little kids
When you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, and young kids, your packing needs can change quickly. It’s hard to predict how much you’ll need to bring. Paying bag fees same-day allows you to better evaluate if you’ll need to check bags as you’re getting kids and all their “stuff” packed.
Group or family travel
Similarly, when traveling in a group or family, it’s difficult to anticipate ahead how many checked bags you’ll need. Depending on how the packing shakes out, some people may be able to fit everything carry-on while others need to check bags. Paying individually at the airport counter lets you pay for only the bags that get checked.
When does prepaying bag fees make sense?
Here are some situations where it likely makes sense to pay checked bag fees in advance when booking your airline ticket:
Long trips
For longer journeys like 1-2+ week vacations, you’ll likely need to check at least one bag. Paying fees in advance can save you time and hassle at the airport.
International travel
Flying overseas usually means you’ll need to check at least one bag. Prepaying fees ensures one less thing to worry about during more complicated international trips.
Flights at busy travel times
During peak holiday travel times, like Christmas or summer break, airports are slammed. Skipping the check-in line by prepaying your bags helps reduce stress.
You qualify for fee waivers
If you have a credit card or airline status that waives baggage fees, be sure to take advantage of the perk by prepaying your fees.
You need to bring special items
If you need to travel with golf clubs, skis, car seats, or other large items, prepaying bag fees ensures your “special” bags are taken care of.
You tend to overpack
If you know you’ll likely go over the carry-on limit and need to check a bag no matter what, you might as well prepay your fees upfront. This also helps curb overpacking!
Tips for deciding when to pay checked bag fees
As you can see, there are good arguments on both sides of whether to pay luggage fees in advance or at the airport. Here are a few tips for deciding the best strategy:
- Be honest with yourself about how much you typically pack for different trip lengths and destinations.
- Scan your itinerary and identify any fee waivers or discounts you may qualify for based on airline status or credit cards.
- Compare the rates for checking bags online versus at the airport counter. Sometimes one method is cheaper.
- Consider the pros and cons and whether peace of mind, convenience, or cost savings is more important to you.
- For complex itineraries, like multi-city or international trips, prepaying fees minimizes confusion.
- You can always prepay for one checked bag and pay for any additional bags at the airport.
Evaluating your personal travel style and priorities will help determine if you should pay luggage fees upfront or wait until the airport. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer that works best for every trip.
What are the standard checked bag fees for major US airlines?
Baggage allowance and fee policies vary quite a bit between airlines. Here is an overview of what major US airlines charge for the first and second checked bag:
American Airlines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $30 | $35 |
2nd checked bag | $40 | $45 |
Delta Air Lines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $30 | $35 |
2nd checked bag | $40 | $45 |
United Airlines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $30 | $35 |
2nd checked bag | $40 | $45 |
Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger. No need to pay fees in advance or at the airport!
Spirit Airlines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $35 | $28 |
2nd checked bag | $45 | $33 |
As you can see, Spirit offers significant savings when fees are paid at the airport counter rather than booked online in advance.
Frontier Airlines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $30 | $35 |
2nd checked bag | $35 | $40 |
The fees are very similar whether paid online or at the airport for Frontier.
Alaska Airlines
Bag | Fee if preppedaid online | Fee if paid at airport |
---|---|---|
1st checked bag | $30 | $35 |
2nd checked bag | $40 | $45 |
Standard baggage fees apply for Alaska.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue allows one free checked bag on all fares. There is a $35 fee for a second checked bag either prepaid online or paid at the airport.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to pay checked baggage fees in advance or at the airport depends on your individual travel situation and preferences. There are benefits to each approach. Frequent travelers checking multiple bags on long trips may find it worthwhile to prepay fees when booking. But occasional travelers on short hops can often avoid fees altogether by paying only for what they use on the spot.
Comparing your airline’s baggage policies in advance and taking advantage of any available waivers or discounts are key. And being realistic about how much luggage you typically need to bring helps decide the best option. With planning and research, you can determine the most affordable way to travel with checked bags.