Luggage: Understand the latest airline baggage rules before you fly
(By Elizabeth Tuico) Southwest Airlines will no longer allow every passenger to check two bags for free, marking the end of an era. There are exceptions, but for reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply.
Baggage fees add up.
Forbes reported that airline revenue from baggage fees surged to $33 billion in 2023. On United Airlines, domestic checked bag fees are $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second piece of luggage. We are lucky that Southwest Airlines kept their generous baggage policy for 30 years. To stay competitive, the airline must charge for luggage – and passengers should adapt or pay up.
Rumors persist that the major U.S. airlines will enforce new luggage size regulations. If you are a frugal traveler, it is important to stay current on baggage rules, so an unwelcome fee is not in your future.
Measure your carry-on luggage and personal item.
It is not safe to assume that your luggage meets the size requirements of every airline. (An Air France gate agent made me check a bag because it did not meet their requirements.)
Below is the latest information from the four major U.S. carriers.
American Airlines: personal item 18 x 14 x 8 inches| carry-on luggage 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Delta Airlines: one personal item must fit under the seat | carry-on luggage 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Southwest Airlines: one personal item must fit under the seat | carry-on luggage 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
United Airlines: personal item 17 x 10 x 9 inches | carry-on luggage 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Consider shipping luggage to your destination.
For my domestic travel, I use a flight attendant bag. TravelPro’s Maxlite 5 Rolling Tote serves me well with its 15.5 x 16.25 x 8.5 inches dimensions. It does not fit under the aisle seat in United’s 737 aircraft, but I always find a spot for it somewhere on the plane.
When packing light is not an option, travelers often ship luggage to their destination. UPS and FedEx retail locations are prevalent in major markets, and a hotel concierge can assist with return shipping. Luggage services are available throughout the United States so do your research.
Roll the dice and check your luggage for free at the gate.
How often have you arrived at the gate to find an agent requesting volunteers to check luggage? Full flights mean full overhead bins for those boarding at the end. Why not use this free-at-the-gate check to your advantage?
Tips for getting checked bags to your destination.
Certain travelers always check bags; often for free if they maintain elite status on an airline. Consider these suggestions the next time you check luggage at the airport:
Clearly mark your bag with items to make it stand out among the rest, i.e., stickers, tape, or something colorful. (Avoid ribbons which can damage airport conveyor belts and baggage handling systems.) Luggage looks alike so always make sure it is really your bag before leaving the airport.
Double check that your contact information is legible on your luggage tag.
Place your contact information inside of the luggage as well.
Take a photo of your luggage.
Know your bag manufacturer.
Make a list of the contents of your luggage before you go to the airport.
Place an Apple AirTag inside your bag to track it in real time.
On a recent international flight, United Airlines’ internal baggage app registered that baggage handlers received my luggage, but no other data became available once I boarded. I thought my bag never got on the plane, but it arrived safely in Argentina. I will purchase an AirTag before my next international flight to avoid future uncertainty.
Read the fine print.
Airlines offer discounted fares in exchange for no luggage. For example, the cheapest seat on United Airlines is Basic Economy. This reduced fare is the result of allowing only one personal item that fits under the seat when flying domestically (and you do not earn mileage either). All other bags must be checked for a $40 fee. To check a carry-on at the gate, you will be charged the standard bag fee plus an additional $25.
If saving money is important, perform a basic search on luggage requirements before you pack that bag and head to the airport.
Elizabeth Tuico owns Rebel Road Creative, a marketing and content consultancy based in Washington, DC.