Airline Baggage Fees: Compare Your Total Trip Cost
Add luggage in both directions before deciding which airfare is cheaper.
By Nivegu Editorial · Updated
Start with the bags you will actually take. A lower airfare can cost more once you add luggage for the outbound and return flights. Route, fare, purchase date, loyalty status and card benefits can all affect the amount.
Check three separate allowances
- Personal item: check the under-seat size allowance, including handles and wheels.
- Carry-on: confirm whether your fare includes an overhead bag and check its dimensions.
- Checked bag: check the charge for each bag, weight and size. Overweight and oversized baggage may attract additional fees.
A current Delta example
Delta's official baggage policy, checked September 4, lists $45 for the first standard checked bag and $55 for the second, each way, for domestic Delta Main and Delta Comfort customers without applicable exceptions. Its standard limits are 50 pounds and 62 combined inches of length, width and height. Earlier ticket purchases and eligible benefits can change the charge.
One traveler taking a first standard checked bag in both directions at that rate would budget $90 for luggage. This is a scoped example, not a quote for every itinerary.
When a higher fare saves money
In an illustrative comparison, a $240 return ticket plus $45 baggage each way totals $330. A $300 return ticket including the same bag totals $300, saving $30. These ticket prices are examples, not advertised offers.
For each passenger, add return airfare, outbound baggage, return baggage and any other extras you intend to buy. Compare equivalent luggage and seating needs.
Compare two round-trip totals
Enter ticket prices and each airline's checked-bag charge for one direction. The calculator adds the bag charge twice for a round trip. It does not quote live airline prices.
Fare A total$330.00
Fare B total$300.00
Difference$30.00
Formula: round-trip fares for all travelers + bag charge × bags × travelers × two directions. Add other extras separately.
Find your airline's baggage rules
- Delta baggage fees and estimate
- American Airlines bag policies and fees
- United Airlines baggage information
Use your actual itinerary in the airline's estimator where available. On partner-airline journeys, check the allowance printed on the ticket and confirm how it applies across the trip.
Before you pay
- Count each passenger's bags in both directions.
- Measure and weigh the packed suitcase.
- Check that your fare includes the kind of bag you need.
- Confirm any card or status benefit applies to the booking and passengers.
- Check payment timing and airport charges.
- Save the allowance and payment receipt with the booking.
Recheck baggage conditions when you change routes or fares. Do not assume a previous baggage payment transfers to a replacement booking.
Read more airline news and explainers or estimate your journey with our route distance and flight-time tool.