How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees

Now that virtually all U.S. airlines charge some type of fee to passengers who want to check a bag, travelers search for new ways to get around these fees without having to sacrifice luggage space. In order to save the $25, $50 or even $100 on checked bag fees, consider the options below.

Airline credit cards

Some rewards programs include waived checked bag fees as part of their perks. For example, cardholders of American Airlines’ platinum-level cards (such as the Citi/AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard) can check up to five bags for a return flight, a value of $250. Delta’s SkyMiles members who own the Gold card can check one bag for free, plus one bag for each additional passenger on the same reservation, for up to eight bags in total.

Other Credit Cards

Not only do airline rewards programs offer these discounts and freebies, but certain major credit cards do as well. Holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card who book a flight using the card can earn travel credits which can be applied to future bag fees for certain flights.

If you’ve been loyal to your airline for dozens of years and thousands of dollars, members of certain card programs who achieve frequent-flyer status can earn the right to avoid bag fees altogether.