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Baggage Fees Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Use a Credit Card to Get Around Them
July 1, 2025
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Those pesky baggage fees are adding up, but savvy travelers know a secret: the right credit card can make airline bag fees disappear. Learn how to dodge baggage charges using credit card perks and keep your travel budget intact.
The Growing Burden of Baggage Fees
Not long ago, checking a bag was free on most flights. Now, nearly every airline charges for checked luggage – and those fees keep rising. In late 2023, major U.S. carriers hiked the typical first checked bag fee from $30 to $35 each way. Some even charge more if you pay at the airport or during peak travel times. For example, JetBlue introduced “surge pricing” for baggage, with higher fees during busy periods. All these increases mean airlines’ bag fee revenues are soaring.
Even Southwest Airlines – famous for its “bags fly free” policy – is joining the fee frenzy. Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will end its free two-checked-bags perk for most travelers, limiting free bags only to elite members and co-branded credit card holders. It’s a sign of the times: baggage fees are everywhere, and travelers need new strategies to avoid these extra costs.
The good news? You don’t have to pay these fees if you plan ahead. By leveraging the perks of certain credit cards, you can check your luggage for free or get fees reimbursed. Here’s how to put your plastic to work and beat the baggage fee system.
Use the Right Credit Card to Dodge Baggage Charges
Airline credit cards and premium travel cards are a traveler’s best friend when it comes to skipping baggage fees. These cards either waive checked bag fees entirely or credit you back for those charges. Let’s break down the two main ways credit cards can save you money on bags:
Some airlines require you to pay with the card (United, JetBlue), while others (Delta, American, Alaska) just need your frequent flyer number linked to your cardholder profile. Always check the terms.
Airline Credit Cards = First Free Checked Bag
If you often fly one particular airline, a co-branded airline credit card might be your ticket to free checked luggage. Most major U.S. airlines offer at least one credit card that includes a free first checked bag for the cardholder as a perk.
In fact, this benefit alone can more than justify the card’s annual fee after just a couple of trips.
Here are some popular airline cards and their baggage benefits:
Delta Air Lines
Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card grant a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1010", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Popular Choice" } ]]
“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”
American Airlines
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to 4 companions.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "572", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Free First Checked Bag"} ]]
United Airlines
The New United℠ Explorer Card gives you and one companion one free checked bag on United flights (requires you to pay for the ticket with the card).
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2406", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Priority Boarding"} ]]
Alaska Airlines
The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card lets you check a bag free for yourself and up to 6 companions.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "20939", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Global Travelers", "headerHint": "3x on Dining"} ]]
JetBlue
The JetBlue Plus Card gives the cardholder and up to 3 companions one free checked bag on JetBlue when the card is used to purchase the tickets.
Others
Frontier, Hawaiian, and even Southwest (as it introduces fees) all tie bag waivers to their branded cards.
Premium Travel Cards with Annual Travel Credits
What if you fly multiple airlines or prefer a more flexible approach? That’s where high-end travel rewards cards shine. Premium cards often come with hefty annual travel credits that reimburse travel expenses – including baggage fees – regardless of airline.
Top examples include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Comes with a $300 annual travel credit that applies to any travel purchase.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
- American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) – Offers up to $200 annual airline fee credit (you pick one airline each year, and incidental charges like baggage fees get reimbursed).
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]
“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite – Features a $325 annual travel credit.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2350", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "5x at Altitude Reward Center"} ]]
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Offers a $300 travel credit (for bookings via Capital One’s portal).
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]
These premium cards carry high annual fees but can more than pay for themselves if you travel often.
Maximizing Your Credit Card Baggage Perks
- Link Your Loyalty Accounts – Always attach your frequent flyer number tied to your credit card when booking.
- Use the Right Card for the Right Airline – Airline card for that carrier, premium card for others.
- Know the Companion Rules – Benefits may extend to 1–8 companions depending on the airline.
- Check International Rules – Some perks apply only on domestic flights.
- Track Your Credits – Keep receipts until credits post, especially for Amex airline selections.
FAQ: Credit Cards and Baggage Fee Waivers
Are there credit cards that cover baggage fees on any airline?
Yes – premium travel rewards cards with flexible credits (like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum) can reimburse bag fees on multiple airlines.
Do I have to pay with my credit card to get the free checked bag benefit?
No – not always. Many airlines only require you to have the card linked to your frequent flyer account (Delta, American, Alaska). United and JetBlue usually require you to pay with the card.
Can I get a free checked bag if I booked with miles or points?
Yes – as long as your frequent flyer number (linked to your card) is on the reservation, the free bag benefit usually applies.
Is it worth getting a credit card just to avoid baggage fees?
Yes – if you fly more than a couple times per year, the savings often outweigh the annual fee. Families traveling together save even more.
Conclusion
Baggage fees may be the new normal, but you don’t have to play along. With the right credit card, you can skip the bag charges and keep more money for your trip. Whether you choose an airline-specific card or a flexible travel rewards card, planning ahead means your bags can fly free.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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