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If you’ve flown lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of checked bag fees. Most airlines now charge $30 to $40 per bag, each way. And if you’re traveling with someone else, you’re looking at paying up to $160 just to bring your clothing and toiletries on your trip.
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Luckily, there are several legit ways to avoid paying for checked bags in 2025 — some with a little planning, others just by picking the right travel tools. Here are three easy options to try before your next flight.
1. Get a travel credit card with free bag perks
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to get free checked bags is picking the right credit card. Several airline-branded and premium travel credit cards include free checked bags as part of their benefits. Some even cover bags for your travel companions.
The savings can be huge. If you take two round-trips per year and usually check a bag, that’s about $120-$160 saved per person, every year. If you’re not sure where to start looking, check out our list of the best credit cards with free checked bags.
2. Earn airline elite status
Frequent flyers can earn elite status with their preferred airline — and one of the first perks you’ll unlock is free checked baggage.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- American Airlines AAdvantage Gold — Free checked bag
- Delta Silver Medallion — First bag free
- United Premier Silver — One free checked bag
If you fly several times a year with the same airline, it’s worth checking how close you are to hitting elite status. Airline credit cards can help you achieve elite status even faster.
3. Use an airline fee credit
Premium travel cards come with annual travel credits that can be used toward baggage fees — even if they don’t cover the bags directly. So while you’re still technically paying for the bag, the cost gets erased from your card statement. It’s a great workaround if you’re not loyal to just one airline.
The best travel credit cards can also come with additional perks like airport lounge access, big welcome bonuses, and extra redemption value when booking through the card’s travel portal.
Never pay to check a bag again
Checked bag fees aren’t going away — but paying them doesn’t have to be your reality. Whether you open a new travel credit card, earn status, or take advantage of airline fee credits, there are plenty of ways to fly without baggage fees in 2025.
Want to make your next flight cheaper? Check out our list of best travel credit cards now.
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