Checking a bag used to be simple. Now it costs money on almost every big U.S. airline, and the price changed again in 2026. Southwest, which once let you check two bags for free, now charges too. That means a round trip with one bag can add up fast. In this guide, we compare Delta, United, American and Southwest side by side. You’ll see what each charges, who is cheapest, and how to avoid paying at all.
Quick Fee Overview
Here are the main domestic fees for one bag, each way. Prices are for U.S. domestic flights and can change, so check your airline before you book.
| Airline | First Bag | Second Bag | Third Bag |
| Delta | About $45 prepaid, $50 at the airport | About $55 | About $200 |
| United | About $45 prepaid, $50 at the airport | About $55 prepaid, $60 at the airport | About $200 |
| American | About $45 prepaid, $50 at the airport | About $55 prepaid, $60 at the airport | Check airline |
| Southwest | About $45 | About $55 | Check airline |
Last checked: [23-10-2026].
Why Did Checked Bag Fees Go Up in 2026?
Airlines raised fees by about $10 per bag in the spring of 2026. Reports link the change to higher fuel costs. The new prices came in one after another, in early April. The big shift was Southwest. It was the last big airline with free bags, and now it charges, like the rest. So the old tip, “just fly Southwest to save on bags,” is not as simple as it used to be.
- Higher costs: Airlines say fuel and other costs went up.
- Everyone moved together: When one airline raises a fee, the others often follow.
- Southwest changed too: Free bags ended, so all four now charge.
How Much Does Delta Charge for a Checked Bag?
Delta first bag costs about $45 if you pay online and about $50 at the airport. The second bag is about $55, and a third can cost around $200. Delta also charges for bags over 50 pounds. Basic Economy fares still pay the bag fee, so a cheap ticket does not mean a free bag.
- First Bag: About $45 online, and a bit more at the airport.
- Second Bag: About $55.
- Free Bag: Some Delta credit cards and elite members get a free first bag.
How Much Does United Charge for a Checked Bag?
United’s prices are almost the same as Delta’s. The first bag is about $45 online and about $50 at the airport. The second is about $55 to $60. A third bag is about $200. United also gives a free bag to some credit cardholders and to elite members.
- First Bag: About $45 online, about $50 at the airport.
- Second Bag: About $55 to $60.
- Tip: Pay online. It is cheaper than the airport.
How Much Does American Airlines Charge for a Checked Bag?
American’s prices are close to United and Delta, but sources disagree on the exact numbers, so check the website. paying online saves a few dollars on each bag, and American has changed its airport price more than once this year. American also has a lot of overweight tiers, so a bag at 53 pounds costs different from one at 70.
- First Bag: Around $45 to $50.
- Second Bag: Around $55 to $60.
- Overweight Fees: American charges by weight band, so weigh your bag at home.
How Much Does Southwest Charge for a Checked Bag Now?
Southwest used to let you check two bags for free, and many people still think that is true. It is not true on most fares anymore. Southwest now charges about $45 for the first bag and about $55 for the second. Some fares and some members still get free bags. For example, the higher Choice Extra fare includes two bags, and A-List members and some credit card holders get the first bag free.
- First Bag: About $45.
- Second Bag: About $55.
- Free Bags: Check your fare type. Higher fares and some members still get them.
Which Airline Is Cheapest for Checked Bags?
For a normal ticket, the four airlines are now very close, usually within about $5 of each other on the first bag. So the cheapest airline is the one with the lowest total ticket price, including bags. Add the bag fee to the ticket, then compare. A cheap ticket plus two bag fees can cost more than a slightly pricier ticket with a free bag.
- Do the Math: Ticket price plus bag fees, each way.
- Look for Free Bags: Credit cards, status and some fares remove the fee.
- Round Trip Adds Up: One bag each way means paying twice.
What Are the Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees?
Bag fees only cover bags under the weight and size limits. The usual limit is 50 pounds and 62 inches. Above that, you pay extra. On Delta, for example, a bag between 51 and 70 pounds is about $100 extra, and 71 to 100 pounds is about $200. American charges in smaller steps. If your bag is over 100 pounds, most airlines will not take it.
| Airline | Overweight (51–70 lb) | Overweight (71–100 lb) |
| Delta | About $100 | About $200 |
| United | About $100 | About $200 |
| American | Charges by weight band, check airline | About $200 |
| Southwest | About $100 | About $200 |
How Can You Avoid Checked Bag Fees?
You don’t have to pay full price. A few simple habits can save you real money.
- Use a Credit Card: Many airline cards give you a free first bag, and sometimes for people on the same booking.
- Pay Online: Adding bags before you go costs less than paying at the airport.
- Pack Light: A carry-on and a personal item are free on most fares, but not on Basic Economy, so check.
- Weigh at Home: A cheap scale saves you from a $100 fee.
- Think About Status: Elite members often get free bags.
Conclusion
Checked bag fees went up in 2026, and Southwest joined the others. Delta, United, American and Southwest now charge nearly the same, roughly $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second. The smart move is to check each airline’s current price, pay online, and use a card or status to skip the fee if you can. A few minutes of planning can save you $100 or more on a trip.
FAQ
Q.1 How much is a checked bag in 2026?
Ans: On major U.S. airlines, a first bag costs about $45 to $50 each way, and a second bag about $55 to $60. Check your airline for the exact price.
Q.2 Does Southwest still have free checked bags?
Ans: Not on most fares. Southwest now charges for checked bags, though some higher fares and some members still get them free.
Q.3 Which airline has the cheapest checked bag?
Ans: The four airlines are within a few dollars of each other. Compare your total ticket price plus bag fees.
Q.4 Is it cheaper to pay for a bag online?
Ans: Yes. Paying before your flight usually costs a few dollars less than paying at the airport.
Q.5 How can I get a free checked bag?
Ans: You may qualify through an airline credit card, elite status or a higher fare type. Check the rules for your airline.
Q.6 How much is an overweight bag?
Ans: On many airlines, a bag between 51 and 70 pounds is about $100 extra, and 71 to 100 pounds is about $200 extra.
Q.7 Why did airlines raise bag fees?
Ans: Airlines raised prices in spring 2026, and reports point to higher fuel costs.