The Hidden Costs of Air Travel (And How to Avoid Baggage Fees, Seat Surprises, and Carry-On Confusion)
The Hidden Costs of Air Travel
Your Complete Guide to Avoiding Baggage Fees, Seat Surprises, and Carry-On Confusion
The $300 Airport Surprise
Last week, I dropped my aunt off at the airport for what should have been a smooth trip. Instead, she got an unexpected crash course in the high costs hidden in the fine print of modern air travel.
Three checked bags, one carry-on, and a couple of personal items later—she was hit with $300 in extra baggage fees. On top of that, she discovered she and her husband weren't seated together, even though they purchased their tickets in the same transaction.
Her mistake wasn't unusual: she assumed that booking together meant sitting together, and that carry-ons and checked luggage would be straightforward. In 2025, that's rarely the case.
1. Carry-On Fees in 2025: The Complete Breakdown UPDATED
Most major U.S. airlines still include a free carry-on bag plus a personal item—but Basic Economy fares and budget carriers are the big exceptions.
| Airline | Carry-On Policy | Watch Out For | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Free carry-on & personal item | Basic Economy may have restrictions | Always Free |
| Delta Air Lines | Free carry-on for most fares | Basic Economy restrictions on some routes | Always Free |
| United Airlines | Free for standard fares | Basic Economy = $35-60 fee | Always Free |
| Southwest Airlines | Free carry-on & personal item | Checked bags now cost extra (as of May 2025) | Always Free |
| Alaska Airlines | Free carry-on always | Weight limit ~25 lbs | Always Free |
| JetBlue | Free carry-on always | Basic fares have smaller personal item limits | Always Free |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Free carry-on always | Weight limit ~25 lbs | Always Free |
| Frontier Airlines | $34-60 fee | Only personal item included in base fare | Free (underseat only) |
| Spirit Airlines | $26-65 fee | Charges for overhead bin space | Free (underseat only) |
2. Checked Baggage Fees: The Price of Overpacking
In my aunt's case, the hefty fees weren't just for standard luggage—they were for oversized and overweight bags. Here are the current standard checked bag fees for 2025:
| Airline | 1st Bag (Online) | 2nd Bag | Overweight (51-70 lbs) | Oversized |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $35 | $45 | $100 | $200 |
| Delta Air Lines | $35 | $45 | $100 | $200 |
| United Airlines | $35 | $45 | $100 | $200 |
| Southwest Airlines | $35 NEW | $45 | $75 | $75 |
| Alaska Airlines | $35 | $45 | $100 | $150 |
| JetBlue | $35-40 | $50-60 | $150 | $150 |
| Frontier Airlines | $55-100 | $73-94 | $75-100 | $75-100 |
| Spirit Airlines | $50-80 | $60-90 | $75 | $100 |
3. Seat Assignment Reality: Why Couples Get Split Up
Buying tickets together doesn't guarantee you'll be seated together—especially in Basic Economy. Most budget-tier tickets either:
The Seat Assignment Truth
• Assign seats at check-in with no choice in location
• Charge $10-50+ per seat for advance selection
• Group passengers only if seats happen to be available
• Premium seats can cost $25-200+ depending on route and aircraft
Seat Selection Avoidance Strategies
Pay for seat selection at booking - Usually cheapest option
Choose the next fare tier above Basic Economy
Use frequent flyer status or co-branded credit cards for free preferred seating
Check-in exactly 24 hours early for better seat options
4. Money-Saving Credit Card Strategies
Airline-Specific Cards (Best for Loyal Flyers)
| Card | Annual Fee | Free Bags | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold AMEX | $0 Year 1, then $150 | First bag free | Priority boarding, 20% savings on inflight purchases |
| United℠ Explorer Card | $0 Year 1, then $150 | First bag free | Priority boarding, 25% back on inflight purchases |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus | $99 | First bag free NEW | A-List perks, anniversary points |
| American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator® Red | $0 Year 1, then $99 | First bag free | Preferred boarding, 25% inflight savings |
| Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® | $95 | First bag free | Famous Companion Fare certificate ($99 + taxes) |
Premium Travel Cards (Best for Multi-Airline Travelers)
| Card | Annual Fee | Travel Credit | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | $300 annual travel credit | Priority Pass lounges, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | $300 annual travel credit | Priority Pass lounges, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry |
| Amex Platinum Card® | $695 | $200 airline fee credit | Centurion Lounges, Delta/Amex lounges |
• Alaska & United cards require you to pay with the card for bag benefits
• Most other airline cards just need your loyalty number attached
• Premium cards' travel credits can cover baggage fees on any airline
• Annual fees are often justified by just 2-3 trips per year
💰 Baggage Fee Reference Guide
Common Fee Scenarios
| Scenario | Major Airlines | Southwest | Budget Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Checked Bag | $35 | $35 | $55-80 |
| 2 Checked Bags | $80 | $80 | $128-170 |
| 1 Overweight Bag (55 lbs) | $135 | $110 | $130-180 |
| Carry-On + Personal Item | Free | Free | $26-65 |
• Weigh bags at home - overweight fees are expensive
• Consider paying for next fare tier vs. individual fees
• Credit card benefits often pay for themselves after 2-3 trips
5. The 2025 Traveler's Pre-Flight Checklist
Before You Click "Book"
- Verify the fare class – Is it Basic Economy? If yes, review baggage & seat policies carefully.
- Pre-pay for bags online – Avoid counter fees and last-minute surprises.
- Confirm seat arrangements – Pay for seat selection if you want to sit together.
- Know your carry-on dimensions – Airlines are cracking down on size and weight limits.
- Factor in airport rules – Some airports have stricter policies about personal items.
- Check elite status benefits – Your frequent flyer status might waive fees.
- Calculate total trip cost – Include all fees in your price comparison.
What's Changed in 2025?
Major Industry Updates
Southwest Airlines Policy Change: As of May 28, 2025, Southwest began charging for checked bags, ending their 50+ year "Bags Fly Free" policy. This affects most passengers except those with A-List Preferred status or Business Select fares.
Stricter Size Enforcement: Airlines are increasingly strict about carry-on dimensions and weight limits, with more frequent gate checks.
Dynamic Pricing: Baggage fees now vary more by route, season, and demand—similar to ticket prices.
Smart Packing Strategies That Actually Work
International Flight Exceptions
Some carriers allow free carry-ons even in Basic Economy for long-haul international flights. Always check the specific route requirements.
Gate-Check Timing Strategy
If overhead bins are full, many airlines gate-check carry-ons for free. Board later in the process if you don't mind checking your bag at the gate.
Southwest's New Workarounds
• A-List Preferred status (36 flights or 50,000 points annually)
• Business Select fares
• Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards
Hidden Fee Avoidance Masterclass
Pack Smart Strategies
Weight Distribution: Pack heavier items in your carry-on to keep checked bags under 50 lbs. Airlines rarely weigh carry-ons.
The "Wear Your Heaviest Items" Rule: Boots, heavy coats, and thick sweaters don't count toward bag weight when you're wearing them.
Personal Item Maximization: A large backpack that fits under the seat can hold as much as a small suitcase. Look for bags specifically designed for airline personal item dimensions.
Booking Timing Tricks
Family Travel Hacks
Child Allowances: Children over 2 get the same baggage allowance as adults. Use their allocation for family items.
Stroller and Car Seat Rules: These usually don't count toward your baggage limit and can be gate-checked for free on most airlines.
Business Travel Benefits
Corporate Card Perks
Many business credit cards offer better travel benefits than personal cards:
• Higher annual fee credits
• More flexible point transfers
• Enhanced travel insurance coverage
• Priority customer service lines
When Things Go Wrong: Know Your Rights
Oversold Flights and Baggage Compensation
If you're involuntarily bumped from a flight, airlines must refund any baggage fees for bags that don't make it to your destination on time.
Delayed Baggage Rights
Damaged Baggage Claims
Report damaged bags immediately at the airport. Airlines are required to repair or compensate for damaged luggage, but you must report it before leaving the airport.