Michael Turner
Add checked baggage online or in the mobile app at purchase or before check-in to lock in the lowest fee. For most U.S. domestic economy fares the standard charge is $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second; paying ahead via the website or app is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Published allowance for standard checked items: up to 50 lb (23 kg) and maximum linear dimensions of 62 in / 157 cm. Overweight surcharges commonly begin at $100; bags exceeding 100 lb frequently incur higher fees or require freight shipment instead of standard handling.
How to add a bag: open the airline site, enter your reservation code and last name, choose “Manage My Trips”, select “Add baggage” or similar, confirm quantity and dimensions, then pay. At airport, use a self-service kiosk or ticket counter to print tags and drop checked items; kiosks accept card payments for last-minute additions.
Waivers and exemptions: premium cabin tickets, elite-status travelers and holders of the carrier’s co-branded credit cards typically receive one or more free checked items on domestic routes. International allowances vary by fare class and route – always verify the fare rules for your specific itinerary and note that sports equipment, instruments and oversized goods often require separate declarations and fees.
Reserve checked baggage with the carrier
Prepay checked items through Manage My Trips or the mobile app at least 24 hours before departure; typical U.S. domestic fees are $30 for the first checked piece and $40 for the second when purchased online.
Fees, weight and size limits
| Category | U.S. domestic (typical) | International (typical) | Weight limit | Size limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First checked piece | $30 (prepaid) | Varies by route/fare; some transatlantic fares include first piece | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) for economy | Linear dimensions ≤ 62 in / 157 cm |
| Second checked piece | $40 (prepaid) | Varies | Up to 50 lb (23 kg) for economy | Linear dimensions ≤ 62 in / 157 cm |
| Overweight (51–100 lb / 23–45 kg) | $100 | Higher or route-dependent | 51–100 lb (23–45 kg) | May still apply if within linear limit |
| Overweight (101–150 lb / 46–68 kg) | $200 | Higher or route-dependent; some items prohibited | 101–150 lb (46–68 kg) | May be restricted |
| Oversize (linear > 62 in / 157 cm) | $200 | Higher or route-dependent | Varies | Linear > 62 in / 157 cm |
Practical steps and tips
1) Add a checked piece at reservation checkout or via the Manage My Trips page – prepaying online avoids higher counter handling charges.
2) Use the carrier mobile app to attach payment and electronic receipts; the app also shows applied waivers from elite status or co-branded cards.
3) Hold the carrier’s co-branded Gold card to waive the first checked-piece fee for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation; verify cardholder benefit on the itinerary before travel.
4) For sports equipment, bikes or instruments, declare them before travel; many count as one checked piece but may incur oversize/overweight surcharges and require advance inspection or packaging.
5) At the airport self-service kiosk you can add a piece and pay, but expect higher fees and more limited mitigation for size/weight problems; escalate to the ticket counter for clarifications.
6) If carrying multiple connecting carriers or codeshare segments, confirm the most restrictive checked-item rules apply to your full itinerary and purchase/add accordingly.
7) Keep baggage claim receipts and use the carrier app to track checked items; file any damage or loss claim within the carrier’s specified timeframe shown on the receipt.
Verify baggage allowance and fees for your specific fare
Check your reservation on the carrier’s Manage Reservation page or mobile app immediately using your confirmation code and last name to display the exact bag allowance, weight/dimension limits and per-piece fees for your itinerary.
What to confirm in the reservation details
Fare code: note the letter code (e.g., BE, M, Y, F) – that determines whether a free checked piece is included and which size/weight limits apply.
Included pieces: number of free checked items and carry-on allowance for your specific route and fare class; some economy fares exclude free checked pieces on domestic sectors.
Weight and size limits: standard checked-bag maximums used by major U.S. carriers are 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 linear inches / 158 cm; premium cabins or higher status can permit 70 lb (32 kg) or larger linear totals – confirm the exact numbers shown in your reservation.
Fees: typical U.S. domestic fees on many itineraries are about $30 for the first checked piece and $40 for the second, with overweight and oversize surcharges commonly in the $100–$200 range; international permitted pieces vary widely by region and fare code.
Waivers and perks: elite frequent‑flyer status, military travel and most airline co‑branded credit cards can waive checked‑piece fees for the cardholder (often extending to companion travelers on the same PNR) – verify whether your card number or status is linked to the booking.
If the displayed policy looks incorrect
Take a screenshot of the Manage Reservation page, then contact the carrier via official phone or chat with your confirmation code; ask the agent to confirm the allowance and to attach any complimentary waivers or card benefits to the PNR.
Prepaying checked pieces online via your reservation typically prevents surprises at the airport and speeds up drop‑off; add the pieces before web check‑in when available.
Avoid relying solely on third‑party travel sites for exact fees – always use the airline’s policy page linked from your reservation for final amounts.
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Add a checked bag while booking online or in Manage My Trips
Add the checked item during the online reservation flow or in Manage My Trips, complete payment immediately, and verify the updated itinerary and receipt before arriving at the airport.
Step-by-step: during the reservation
- Select your fare and look for the baggage or “Add bags” option on the same page; choose piece count and continue to payment.
- Pay with a major credit/debit card or supported digital wallet; the charge posts to the card used for the reservation.
- Save the confirmation page and screenshot the itinerary line showing the checked-piece charge – this is the proof agents accept at the counter.
Step-by-step: Manage My Trips (web or app)
- Open Manage My Trips, enter confirmation code and last name, then select the relevant reservation.
- Tap “Add Bags” (or similar baggage option), set the number of checked pieces, and complete payment.
- Once paid, the itinerary updates and you receive an email receipt; screenshot the updated trip on your device for airport staff.
- If the Add Bags control is missing, confirm the reservation is ticketed and not a partner-operated flight – for codeshares or special tickets contact customer service or your travel agent.
- Modifications are possible in Manage My Trips up until check-in closes (check-in windows commonly close 60–45 minutes before departure for domestic flights); after that, add at the airport counter or self-service kiosk.
- Online or app purchases are usually cheaper than pay-at-counter rates; pay online to avoid higher airport fees.
- Keep the card used for the purchase available at check-in in case agents request verification of payment.
- Traveling with infants or small children? Consider a compact stroller for gate checks: best lightweight umbrella stroller for twins.
Troubleshooting: if the paid bag doesn’t appear on the boarding pass, show the email receipt and the updated itinerary screenshot at the counter; agents can issue the bag tag after matching payment to the PNR.
Pay for checked bags ahead via the airline website or mobile app
Pay online at least 24 hours before departure using the airline’s official website or mobile application to lock in the online checked-bag rate and avoid higher airport kiosk charges.
As of 2024, typical U.S. domestic fees are $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second; international charges differ by route and fare class. Waivers apply for certain elite status members, military travelers, and holders of the carrier’s co-branded credit cards – verify eligibility on your account page before paying.
Payment methods and practical tips
Use the official app (update to the latest release) or the carrier website. Payment options usually include major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Add the payment method to your profile for one-click checkout next time. When paying, enter confirmation number and last name exactly as on the reservation so the fee attaches to the correct record. If your booking came from a travel agent or third-party site, complete the payment on the airline site to ensure linkage.
What to keep after you pay
Save the confirmation email and take a screenshot showing “baggage paid” on your trip summary. Online prepaid fees cover standard size/weight limits; oversize or overweight items still incur additional airport charges. Refunds for prepaid fees are uncommon; request a refund through the airline’s refund form or customer service if you cancel the reservation before departure. For compact stroller protection and a lightweight rain shield while travelling, consider a travel accessory like best inexpensive newborn stroller umbrella.
Oversized, sports and musical-instrument items: special handling and charges
Declare oversized, sports, or instrument items at least 48 hours before departure via the carrier’s special-handling desk or dedicated baggage-specialist phone line and obtain a confirmation number for the request.
Dimensions and weight thresholds: measure linear size (length + width + height). Items over 62 linear inches (157 cm) are typically treated as oversized; many carriers impose an oversize surcharge for items between 62″ and 115″ and will route items exceeding ~115″ through air cargo. Weight limits: items above 50 lb (23 kg) often trigger an overweight fee; items above 100 lb usually must travel as cargo. Expect oversize fees roughly in the USD 150–400 range and overweight fees in the USD 100–300 range depending on route and carrier.
Sports equipment – examples and preparation
Common rules by equipment type: skis/snowboards usually count as one piece if packed in a proper bag; golf clubs are frequently classified as one checked item; bicycles normally require a bike box or hard case, pedals removed and handlebars turned, and may incur an oversized/equipment fee. Surfboards or windsurf gear often attract oversize charges and may require a protective hard case or padded bag.
Packing checklist: use a hard case for fragile gear where possible, secure moving parts, partially deflate tires for bicycles, wrap edges with foam or tape, and label the case with contact info and “FRAGILE” if applicable. Photograph items before handing them over. Arrive at check-in 60–90 minutes earlier than normal for domestic flights and 90–120 minutes for international flights when handling specialized equipment.
Musical instruments – cabin vs checked options
If the instrument fits within carry-on size limits and stows safely in an overhead bin or under the seat, bring it aboard as a personal/carry-on item at no extra charge. If it does not fit, three common options exist: purchase an adjacent seat for the instrument (seat cost equals the current fare for that cabin), check it as a standard checked item (subject to checked-item weight/size surcharges), or ship it as cargo. Reserve an extra seat and notify the special-handling desk at least 48 hours prior to ensure space and compliance with FAA requirements.
Protection and liability: use a rigid case, add internal padding and straps, and pad headstocks/braces for stringed instruments. Check the carrier’s liability rules for checked items; consider third-party transit insurance for high-value instruments. At the gate, request a gate-check only if staff confirm the item cannot fit in cabin storage; accept a gate-check tag and retain the receipt for claims.
Final operational tips: obtain written confirmation of any special-handling agreement, keep measurements and weights in your booking record, and retain photographic evidence of condition before travel. If traveling with valuable or oversized items frequently, consult the carrier’s cargo service for dedicated solutions and price quotes in advance.
