
Remember the good old days when every passenger was entitled to two checked bags, one carry on and a personal item? Although it may seem in the distant past, most airlines didn’t make this policy change until 2008. With airlines in direct competition with each other, many are cutting corners to lower their overhead costs in order to provide their customers with low airfare rates. Many times this means cutting out free luggage.
After they began charging for checked bags in 2008, they also started charging for drinks and snacks, and most recently Frontier and Spirit have started charging for carry on bags. In both cases, the price gap between bringing a carry on versus a checked bag, is either the same amount of money or slightly less! At Fine Airport Parking, we understand it can be hard to navigate all these added on expenses while traveling. That’s why we have a comprehensive list of travel hacks below to help you decide whether it is worth bringing that big checked bag, or if you can get by with a small carry on.
Frontier Airlines
Starting November, Frontier is actually lowering their checked baggage price! It will then cost the same amount to check in a bag as it is to carry one on the plane. The only difference is that by checking a bag, you get 20 lb of extra weight, so definitely take up this opportunity for longer trips.
Carry On- $38 under 30 lb
1st Checked Bag- $38 under 50 lb
2nd Checked Bag- $45 under 50 lb
Overweight- $75
Spirit Airlines
Spirit is leading the way for low airfare. And if you’re traveling with them, it is $5 cheaper to check your bag than bringing a carry on plus the 20 lb of extra room. This one seems like a no brainer!
Carry On- $55 under 30 lb
1st Checked Bag- $50 under 50 lb
2nd Checked Bag- $50 under 50 lb
Overweight- $55-100
Delta Airlines
Delta has retained high quality service but has not lowered their ticket prices as much as the other companies have. It is still free to carry on and in addition, they don’t charge as much as other companies for checked bags.
Carry On- Free
1st Checked Bag- $25 under 50 lb
2nd Checked Bag- $35 under 50 lb
Overweight- $150
American Airlines
American airlines is another company who hasn’t lowered their rates but has attained low rates for baggage. Make sure your bags are under the 50 lb mark, because they will charge an arm and a leg for overweight items!
Carry On- Free
1st Checked Bag- $25 under 50 lb
2nd Checked Bag- $35 under 50 lb
Overweight- $100-200
Southwest Airlines
Flying on Southwest is like time traveling back a decade! Not only do you receive a free carry on but you also are entitled to two free checked bags! They have also maintained low prices on airfare so their customers are winners all around.
Carry On- Free
1st Checked Bag- Free under 50 lb
2nd Checked Bag- Free under 50 lb
Overweight- $75
Traveling can be a confusing and stressful time but when you go in prepared, it can make your trip ten times easier. So look this list over, find all the best travel deals, and plan your next adventure today!