- Most US airlines charge $30 or $35 each way for the first checked bag on domestic flights.
- Many airline credit cards offer a free checked bag as a benefit, and some include your companions.
- Some premium credit cards offer travel credits you can use toward airline checked bag fees.
- Read Insider's guide to the best travel rewards credit cards.
Nobody likes paying checked bag fees. Originally introduced in 2008 during the height of the recession, they quickly became standard procedure and have stuck around since. Most domestic airlines charge $30 or $35 for the first checked bag, so the cost can add up fast, especially if you're traveling with others.
Fortunately for travelers, there are plenty of ways to avoid checked bag fees. One of the easiest methods is by getting a credit card that offers free checked bags — and many of these will also waive the bag fee for your companions on the same reservation, too.
Whether you're a business traveler or only make one family pilgrimage a year, the money you'll save can make these cards more than worth it.
Airline credit cards with free checked bags
Plenty of airlines offer credit cards with a free checked bag, but those cards often offer other benefits too. These include priority boarding, discounts on inflight purchases, and even a fast-track to elite status.
American Airlines AAdvantage has partnered with two different banks to offer co-branded AA credit cards for every type of traveler. If you're simply looking for a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines or American Eagle flights, the
To get a free first checked bag with American Airlines credit cards, you don't need to pay for your flight with the card, but it must have been opened (and your AAdvantage number attached to your reservation) at least seven days prior to departure.
It's important to note that American Airlines' free checked bag benefit only applies to domestic itineraries — though that list includes the US, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the US Virgin Islands.
American Express offers several different Delta credit cards for both personal and business customers. There's no need to pay for your ticket with your card to get your free checked bag; you'll just need to have your Delta SkyMiles number attached to your reservation.
Delta's free checked bag is good for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, no matter which credit card you have. This benefit is available on Delta and Delta Connection flights.
There are four different United credit cards available that offer free checked bags, and unlike Delta and American airlines, you do have to pay for your ticket (or the taxes and fees on an award ticket) with your credit card in order to get a United free checked bag.
This benefit applies to flights operated by United and United Express.
Credit cards with annual travel credits
If you're not especially loyal to any one airline, it may make more sense for you to get a credit card that offers annual travel credits instead of a co-branded airline credit card.
Some, like the
Carissa Rawson is a personal finance and credit cards expert who has spent the last five years helping consumers make informed decisions. Before launching a career as a journalist, she spent seven years in the US Air Force as an Arabic translator, which included a deployment with special forces.
