Baggage and Fees: Frequently Asked Questions
What is and is not included in an airline ticket, and how to compare the real total price. Prices and rules change, so a specialist confirms the details for your dates before you pay.
Questions and answers
Are bags included in my airline fare?
It depends on the airline, fare level and route. A personal item is usually free, a carry-on bag is included on many but not all fares, and checked bags are often charged per bag and per direction. Ask for the total price with the bags you need.
What is basic economy?
The lowest fare level, often called basic economy or a similar name, can exclude seat selection, changes and sometimes a full-size carry-on. The next fare level up may include them, so price the whole trip rather than the headline fare.
How do I compare the real price of two fares?
Write down how many bags each person needs, each way. Ask for the total price with those bags on each airline, add any seat fees you would pay to sit together, then compare the totals instead of the base fares.
What is included in the total price of a ticket?
A total usually includes the base fare, government taxes, airport charges such as passenger facility charges and security fees, and sometimes carrier surcharges, most often on international tickets. Bags, seat selection and meals are optional extras unless the fare includes them.
Why can the same airline cost a different amount from different airports?
Airport charges and taxes depend on where you fly from and to, so the same airline can have a slightly different total from one airport than another. International tickets add more kinds of taxes.
Are there fees for overweight or oversize bags?
Yes, airlines set weight and size limits, and overweight and oversize fees can be larger than the base bag fee. Check the limits for your airline before you pack.
What about skis, golf clubs and musical instruments?
Sports gear and special items have their own rules and fees on each airline. Ask about them before you book so the total price includes them.
Do military or loyalty program members get extra baggage?
Some airlines give extra baggage allowances to members of the military or to loyalty program members. These vary by airline, so ask when you request a price.
What should I ask before I pay?
Ask for the total price including taxes and the bags you need, whether any service fee is charged and whether it is refundable, and what the change and refund rules are for the fare. See our guides to baggage fees and taxes and fees.