11 Practical Hacks to Avoid Excess Baggage Charges and Save on Airline Fees

2. Choose fares and airlines that include checked bags

Sometimes the cheapest ticket isn’t the cheapest once you add bags. Some US carriers or fare bundles include checked baggage by default, and choosing those fares can be cheaper than buying a low-cost fare and paying at the gate. For example, Southwest still includes two free checked bags for every ticket, which can make their fares better for families or travelers with heavy luggage. Other airlines sell bundled fares that include one or two bags; compare the bundled price against the base fare plus baggage fees to see what’s truly cheaper. If you travel with bulky items or for more than a week, a fare with an included bag or a carrier with a free-bag allowance can save significant money. When booking, toggle the fare options on the airline site and look for the “bags included” text or a fee breakdown—many airlines show a total trip cost including baggage during checkout. Making this choice at booking avoids higher fees at check-in and reduces the odds you’ll be stuck paying excess baggage charges at the gate.