AirTran
Even budget carriers are beginning to charge for checked luggage, and Atlanta-based AirTran is no exception. The carrier charges $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second bag and $50 for each additional bag. Military personnel traveling on official orders will have all luggage fees waived by the carrier, up to 100 pounds.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air
Alaska and Horizon Air charge $15 for the first checked bag, $25 for the second, $50 for the third and $100 for each additional bag. Mileage Plan™ MVP, military personnel traveling on official orders and unaccompanied minors have all fees waived on their first two bags. The carrier also waives luggage fees for flights to and from Guadalajara and Mexico City, as well as flights originating and ending within the state of Alaska.
American Airlines
You will pay $20 to check your first bag on American Airlines and $30 for a second bag. The fee for the third through fifth bag rises sharply to $100, with any excess bags costing $200 each. The carrier does waive luggage fees for AAdvantage® and Oneworld® members with MVP status, first and business class tickets, military personnel traveling on official orders and certain international routes.
Continental Airlines
Continental charges $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second and $100 for each additional bag. Fees are waived for OnePass Elite™ members, first and business class tickets and active-duty military personnel. The carrier will also waive luggage fees on one child car seat or one stroller, but not both.
Delta and Northwest Airlines
Delta charges $15 for the first bag and $50 for the second, if you check in and pay the baggage fees online. An additional $5 surcharge is levied if you check in at the airport. Exceptions are made for SkyMiles® and WorldPerks Elite® members, first and business class tickets, and active-duty military personnel. In addition, certain international destinations allow one or two bags to be checked without fees.
United Airlines
If you check in and pay luggage fees online, United charges $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second. An additional $5 surcharge is levied on each bag checked at the airport. Like most carriers, fees are waived for active-duty military personnel, first and business class tickets, and mileage MVP members. International travelers also enjoy no fees on their first two bags, with mileage MVP members and active military personnel allowed and additional, third bag, at no charge.
