You’re in the process of booking a flight, thrilled to have found a fantastic low price. But as you review the ticket details, you see a confusing phrase listed next to the fare: “No Baggage In Flight” or “No Baggage Included.”
A moment of panic can set in. Does this mean you’re not allowed to bring any bags? Will you be stopped at the airport if you have a purse or a backpack?
First, take a breath. This phrase does not mean you are forbidden from bringing any luggage at all. It is the airline industry’s standard way of telling you one simple thing: the base price of your ticket does not include a free checked bag.
This guide will explain what this term really means for your final cost, what you can still bring for free, and how to navigate these common ticket types without getting hit with surprise fees.
The Simple Definition: It’s About the Cost, Not the Permission
The phrase “no baggage” is all about the price of your ticket, not your permission to bring a bag. It’s a key feature of the “unbundled” fares that are now the standard for the cheapest tickets on most airlines. These are often called Basic Economy on major carriers like Delta and American, or they are the standard tickets on budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier.
To advertise the lowest possible price, airlines have “unbundled” their fares. Think of it like a base model car: the low sticker price gets you the car, but optional features like a sunroof or premium speakers (in this case, a checked bag) are add-ons that cost extra.
Your Baggage Breakdown: What You Pay For vs. What’s Free
Here’s a clear breakdown of the three types of baggage and how they are typically treated on a “no baggage included” ticket.
Checked Baggage (The bags for the cargo hold)
- The Rule: You can absolutely bring a checked bag.
- The Catch: You must pay a fee for it. For a domestic U.S. flight in 2025, you can expect this fee to be around $35-$40 for your first checked bag each way. It’s always cheaper to pay for this online before you get to the airport.
Carry-On Baggage (The bags for the overhead bin)
- The Rule: This is where you need to pay close attention, as the rules vary by airline.
- On Most Major Airlines (Delta, American, JetBlue, etc.): Even with a Basic Economy “no baggage” ticket, you are usually still allowed one free full-sized carry-on bag.
- The Big Exception: On budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, and on United Airlines’ Basic Economy fares, a full-sized carry-on for the overhead bin is NOT free. It will also cost you an extra fee, and that fee is highest if you wait to pay at the gate.
Personal Item (The bag that fits under your seat)
- The Rule: This is the one item that is almost universally free.
- The Good News: Every ticket, no matter how basic, includes an allowance for one free personal item. This can be a purse, a laptop bag, a tote, or a small backpack. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, you can bring it on board at no extra charge.
Quick Reference Chart: “No Baggage” Policies at a Glance
This simple chart breaks down the typical allowances for the cheapest fares in the U.S.
| Airline Type | Checked Bag (Cargo) | Carry-On Bag (Overhead Bin) | Personal Item (Under Seat) |
| Southwest Airlines (The Big Exception) | 2 FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Most Major Carriers’ Basic Economy (Delta, American, etc.) | Fee Applies | FREE | FREE |
| Budget Carriers (Spirit, Frontier) & United Basic Economy | Fee Applies | Fee Applies | FREE |
What to Do When You See This Phrase
- Read the Fine Print Before You Buy: The airline will always provide the specific baggage details for your fare during the checkout process. Take a moment to read them carefully.
- Calculate the Total Cost: Add the price of any bags you need to your ticket price. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive “Main Cabin” ticket that includes a free checked bag can be cheaper overall.
- Pack Strategically: The best way to take full advantage of these low fares is to avoid the fees. Challenge yourself to pack everything you need into the free allowance your specific ticket provides—whether that’s a carry-on and personal item, or just a personal item.
Conclusion: Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Seeing “no baggage in flight” can be confusing, but it simply means that checked bags are an optional extra you have to pay for.
The most important things to remember are to always check the specific carry-on rules for your airline and fare type, and that a personal item is almost always included for free. By understanding this airline lingo, you can avoid surprise charges and become a more savvy traveler. The best strategy of all? Learn to pack light enough that baggage fees—and confusing terms like this—become a thing of the past.
