Airline Baggage Fees Comparison: Southwest vs. the Major Airlines (2026)
Every major US airline now charges $35 for the first checked bag. So where does Southwest still win — and where do competitors have the edge? Here's a complete side-by-side comparison.
Checked Bag Fee Comparison
| Airline | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd+ Bag | Overweight (51–70 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | $35 | $45 | $150 | +$100 |
| Delta | $35 | $45 | $150 | +$100 |
| United | $35 | $45 | $150–$200 | +$100 |
| American | $35 | $45 | $150 | +$100 |
| Alaska | $35 | $45 | $150 | +$75 |
| Spirit | $39–$99+ | $49–$109+ | $49–$109+ | +$100 |
Fees are standard prices for economy passengers without status or co-branded credit cards. Spirit fees vary by route and when purchased. Always verify current fees before booking.
Carry-On Fee Comparison
This is where Southwest still holds a real advantage. All Southwest passengers get a free carry-on. On Delta, United, and American, Basic Economy passengers pay for carry-on bags.
| Airline | Carry-on (standard fare) | Carry-on (basic economy) | Personal item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | Free | Free (no basic economy) | Free |
| Delta | Free | $35 | Free |
| United | Free | $35+ | Free |
| American | Free | $35 | Free |
| Spirit | $39–$79+ | $39–$79+ | $6.99+ |
Free Bag Programs by Elite Status
| Airline / Status | Free bags included | Status requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest A-List Preferred | 2 free bags | 40 flights or 70K TQPs/year |
| Southwest A-List | 1 free bag | 25 flights or 35K TQPs/year |
| Delta Silver Medallion | 1 free bag | 25K MQMs/year |
| Delta Gold Medallion+ | 2 free bags | 50K MQMs/year |
| United MileagePlus Silver+ | 1–2 free bags | Varies by tier |
| American AAdvantage Gold+ | 1–3 free bags | Varies by tier |
Southwest vs. Delta: Head-to-Head
Where Southwest wins
- Free carry-on for ALL passengers (no basic economy trap)
- No change/cancellation fees on any fare
- No middle seat assignments (open seating)
- Overweight bags capped at $100 (vs. $100+ on others)
Where Delta wins
- Seat selection included on most fares
- Larger international network
- SkyMiles can transfer to more partners
- Complimentary upgrades for elite flyers
Total Bag Cost: Round-Trip Examples
How much would a round trip with 1 checked bag actually cost on each airline? These are standard economy prices, no status.
| Airline | 1 bag round trip | 2 bags round trip | Carry-on round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | $70 | $150 | $0 |
| Delta (standard) | $70 | $160 | $0 |
| Delta (Basic Economy) | $70 | $160 | $70 |
| United (standard) | $70 | $160 | $0 |
| United (Basic Economy) | $70 | $160 | $70+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest still cheaper than Delta for baggage?
For checked bags, they're the same price ($35 first bag). Southwest is cheaper only if you're comparing carry-on travel: Southwest includes carry-on free on all fares, while Delta charges $35 for carry-ons in Basic Economy. If you're booking Delta standard economy or above, carry-ons are also free.
Which airline should I choose if I have two checked bags?
For two bags, costs are nearly identical. Southwest charges $35 + $45 = $80. Delta, United, and American also charge $35 + $45 = $80. Southwest's second-bag fee ($45) is marginally lower than some legacy carriers' second-bag fees, but the difference is minimal. Consider the base fare, routing, and flight times instead.
Do airline credit cards make bag fees cheaper?
Yes, significantly. Most airline co-branded credit cards (Delta SkyMiles, United Explorer, Southwest Rapid Rewards, American AAdvantage) include 1–2 free checked bags per trip. On a 5-trip year with 1 bag each way, this saves $350 or more — often more than the card's annual fee.
Which airline is cheapest for families with lots of bags?
For families, Southwest may still have a slight edge because of the free carry-on policy (no surprise fees if kids bring backpacks). For checked bags, the pricing is the same across major carriers. The real variable for families is ticket price — compare total cost including bags for your specific route.
Which airline has the cheapest checked baggage fees in 2026?
All four major US airlines (Southwest, Delta, United, American) charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Southwest is no longer cheaper for checked bags. However, Southwest still offers free carry-on bags for all passengers, while Delta, United, and American charge $35 for carry-ons in Basic Economy.
Which airline has the best free bag program?
For free carry-ons: Southwest wins — all passengers get a free carry-on regardless of fare. For free checked bags: All major airlines offer free checked bags through elite status or co-branded credit cards. Southwest A-List Preferred members get 2 free checked bags; Delta Gold Medallion and above get free checked bags; United MileagePlus Silver and above get free bags.
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags compared to other airlines?
No. Southwest ended its free checked bag policy on May 28, 2025. Checked bags now cost $35 (first) and $45 (second) — the same as Delta, United, and American. Southwest remains unique in offering free carry-on bags for all passengers on all fare types.
Which airline charges the most for overweight bags?
Southwest charges $100 for bags 51–70 lbs and $200 for bags 71–100 lbs. Delta and United charge similar overweight fees. American Airlines charges $100 for bags 51–70 lbs. All airlines reject bags over 100 lbs. Southwest's oversize fee ($200 for bags over 62 linear inches) is on par with competitors.
Calculate Southwest Bag Fees
See your exact Southwest baggage cost based on fare type, status, and number of bags.
Open Baggage Fee Calculator →All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
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