You’re booking a flight online, excited about the incredibly low fare you’ve just found. As you proceed to checkout, you see a note in the ticket details: “No Free Checked Baggage.” A moment of confusion sets in. Does this mean you’re not allowed to bring a suitcase? What does it actually mean for your trip and your wallet?
First, the good news: you can still bring a suitcase. “No free checked baggage” means exactly what it says: the price of your ticket does not include the cost of checking a bag. If you want to check a bag, you will have to pay an additional fee for it.
This phrase is a key feature of modern air travel, especially on the cheapest fares. Understanding it is the difference between snagging a great deal and getting hit with frustrating surprise fees at the airport.
The “À La Carte” Sky: Why Checked Bags Aren’t Free Anymore
In the past, most standard airline tickets included a “free” checked bag in the price. Today, the industry has shifted to an “unbundled” or “à la carte” model to advertise the lowest possible starting price.
This is the world of Basic Economy. To compete with budget carriers, major airlines like Delta, American, and United created this no-frills fare class. They “unbundled” the ticket, meaning they stripped out all the extras. The low price you see just buys you a seat on the plane. Services like choosing your seat, having flexibility to change your ticket, and, yes, checking a bag, are now considered optional add-ons that cost extra.
The Bottom Line: How Much Will It Actually Cost?
If you have a ticket with no free checked baggage, you will have to pay for each bag you wish to check. The price varies by airline and route, but paying online in advance is always cheaper than paying at the airport.
For a standard domestic flight in the U.S. in 2025, you can expect to pay:
- First Checked Bag: $35 to $40 each way.
- Second Checked Bag: $45 to $50 each way.
Waiting to pay at the check-in counter can add $5 to $10 or more to these fees.
So, What Is Included? Understanding Your Carry-On Allowance
This is the most important question you need to ask next, as the answer can be tricky and varies by airline. What can you still bring on the plane for free?
The Standard Rule (Most Major Airlines)
On a Basic Economy ticket with carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue, you are still entitled to your standard carry-on allowance for free. This includes:
- One full-sized carry-on bag (to be placed in the overhead bin).
- One personal item (like a purse or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you).
For these airlines, “no free checked baggage” is a separate rule that doesn’t affect your carry-on bags.
The Big Exception (Budget Airlines & United’s Basic Economy)
This is the critical “gotcha” you need to be aware of. On the most restrictive carriers like Spirit and Frontier, as well as on United Airlines’ Basic Economy fares, your free allowance is only one small personal item.
You are not allowed a free full-sized carry-on for the overhead bin. If you arrive at the gate with a standard roller bag, you will be forced to check it and pay a steep penalty fee, which can often exceed $75.
The Golden Rule: Before you pack, always go to the airline’s website and read the specific baggage rules for the exact fare type you purchased.
How to Make the Smartest Choice for Your Trip
- Compare the “All-In” Price: That cheap Basic Economy ticket might not be the best deal once you add in fees. Before you book, do the math. A $250 Main Cabin ticket that includes a free checked bag and seat selection is a better deal than a $220 Basic Economy ticket plus a $40 bag fee.
- Plan and Pay Ahead: If you know you need to check a bag, log in to your booking on the airline’s website and pay for it in advance. It’s the cheapest way to do it.
- Master the Art of Carry-On: The best way to beat the system is to not play the fee game at all. By learning to pack efficiently into a regulation-sized carry-on bag, you can confidently book the cheapest fares on most major airlines without ever paying a baggage fee.
Conclusion: The New Rules of Air Travel
“No free checked baggage” is the airline industry’s straightforward way of saying that on their cheapest fares, a suitcase is an optional extra. The key to getting a true bargain is to understand the total cost of your trip, including any fees for the services you need.
By knowing the rules, you can avoid surprise charges and make an informed decision. Or, better yet, you can learn to pack light, embrace the carry-on, and make baggage fees a problem for other travelers.
