Baggage Policies - Free Checked Luggage

Low Cost Airlines

Airlines have increased restrictions, and decreased luggage allowances a lot over the years.

The ones who have been least affected are those traveling on executive/business/first class airfares, or some top tier members of frequent flyer programs who have long enjoyed a bit more flexibility with luggage allowances.

Unless otherwise noted, wheelchairs are checked in as free baggage, and do NOT count toward the free luggage allowance. Some airlines allow strollers for free and do not require you to use up part of the free luggage allowance. Most airlines, regardless of excess baggage fees that you may be willing to pay, will not accept bags that weigh more than 100 lbs as checked luggage.

Southwest Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance- Southwest allows two checked pieces at a maximum of 50lbs per piece. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage start at $25 and run up to a bit over the hundred dollar range.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier and larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $50 per direction. NO pets allowed. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

JetBlue
Free Baggage Allowance- The free checked in allowance is 50lbs, 1 bag, and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage start at $20 and can run close to the hundred dollar range. A fee of $20 is assessed for checking in a second piece of luggage.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Most sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. A fee items may be checked for a fee between $25 and $50 per direction.
Baggage Policy

Midwest Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance- None, first checked is $15, second is $25 and an additional 50lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage start at $25 up to $80.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Heavier and larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $80 per direction. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Virgin America
Free Baggage Allowance - first checked bag is $20 and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Subsequent checked bags are $20, and a maximum weight of 50lbs. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage start at $10 to $50.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier and larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $50 per direction. Pets allowed in cabin only. Strollers/car seats do not count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Air Tran
Free Baggage Allowance- None, first checked is $15, second is $25 and an additional 40lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage are $25 - $65.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Start at $15 if it is the first checked piece, to $50. Heavier and larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for an additional fee on top of the checked luggage fee between $39 and $79. Pets are allowed in cabin only.
Baggage Policy

Frontier Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance- None - 2 pieces of checked luggage at a weight of up to 50lbs per bag (1st is $20, 2nd is $30), and an additional 35lbs maximum of carry on luggage. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage start at $50 and can run up to the hundred dollar range.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- Several sports items may be checked in for free and count toward the free luggage allowance. Heavier and larger equipment, for the most part, may be checked for a cost of $50-$100 per direction. Strollers/car seats count toward the free luggage allowance.
Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines
Free Baggage Allowance- NONE. First and second checked baggage charges are $19 web/$25 airport, and $25 web/$25 airport respectively - luggage can weigh a maximum of 50lbs each. Excess baggage fees for extra luggage/oversized luggage/overweight luggage are $25-$150. Carry on luggage is free.
Sports Items/Other Baggage Restrictions- $75 per direction.
Baggage Policy