You’re in the middle of booking a flight online, excited about a fantastic low price you’ve just found. As you review the details, you see a confusing phrase next to the fare: “No Baggage Included” or “No Baggage In Flight.”
A moment of panic can set in. Does this mean you’re not allowed to bring any bags at all? Can you not even bring a purse or a backpack?
First, relax. This airline lingo is not as scary as it sounds. It does not mean you are forbidden from bringing luggage.
In nearly all cases, “no baggage in flight” or “no baggage included” is simply the airline’s way of telling you that your base ticket price does not include a free checked bag. If you want to check a suitcase, you will have to pay an additional fee.
This guide will break down exactly what this term means for your wallet, what you can still bring for free, and how to navigate these common fares without getting hit by surprise charges.
The Simple Definition: It’s About the Fee, Not the Permission
The phrase “no baggage” is all about the price, not about permission. It’s a key feature of the “unbundled” tickets that are now common across the airline industry. These fares, often called Basic Economy on major airlines or the standard tickets on budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier, are designed to offer the lowest possible starting price.
To achieve this, the airlines “unbundle” services that used to be included. Think of it like a build-your-own pizza: the base price gets you the crust and sauce (your seat on the plane), but every topping (like a checked bag, a carry-on, or seat selection) is an optional extra with its own fee.
So, What Baggage Can I Bring? (The All-Important Details)
This is the most critical question. Here’s a breakdown of the three types of baggage and how they are treated on a “no baggage included” fare.
Checked Baggage (Goes in the cargo hold)
- The Rule: You can almost always bring a checked bag.
- The Catch: You have to pay for it. For a typical domestic U.S. flight in 2025, expect to pay around $35-$40 for your first checked bag and more for your second. It’s always cheaper to pay for your bag online in advance than at the airport.
Carry-On Baggage (Goes in the overhead bin)
- The Rule: This is where the rules get tricky and you must check the specific airline.
- For Most Major Airlines (Delta, American, Alaska, JetBlue): Even on their cheapest Basic Economy fares, you are usually still entitled to one free full-sized carry-on bag.
- The Major Exception: On budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, and on United Airlines’ Basic Economy tickets, a full-sized carry-on is NOT free. It will also cost you an extra fee, and the fee is very high if you wait to pay at the gate.
Personal Item (Goes under your seat)
- The Rule: This one is almost always free!
- The Good News: Virtually every airline ticket, no matter how basic, allows you to bring one free personal item. This can be a purse, a laptop bag, a tote, or a small backpack. As long as it can fit under the seat in front of you, you can bring it on board at no extra cost.
A Quick Reference Chart: What “No Baggage” Means by Airline
This simple chart breaks down the typical allowances for the cheapest fares.
| Airline Type | Checked Bag (Cargo) | Carry-On Bag (Overhead Bin) | Personal Item (Under Seat) |
| Southwest Airlines | 2 FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Most Major Carriers (Delta, American, etc. on Basic Economy) | Fee Applies | FREE | FREE |
| Budget Carriers (Spirit, Frontier) & United Basic Economy | Fee Applies | Fee Applies | FREE |
What Should You Do?
- Read the Fine Print Before You Book. During the booking process, the airline will show you exactly what is and is not included with your fare. Pay close attention to this screen before you click “purchase.”
- Do the “Total Cost” Math. A $200 Basic Economy ticket plus a $40 bag fee costs $240. If a “Main Cabin” ticket on the same flight is $250 but includes a free checked bag and seat selection, it might be the better value.
- Pack Smart. The easiest way to take advantage of these low fares is to avoid the fees altogether. By mastering the art of packing everything you need into a personal item or a free carry-on (depending on your airline’s rules), you can fly for the lowest advertised price.
Conclusion: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
Seeing “no baggage in flight” for the first time can be confusing, but it simply means you need to be a more informed traveler. It’s a signal to check the specific rules for your ticket and to be aware that a suitcase will cost extra.
By understanding this airline lingo, you can avoid surprise charges and make the smartest choice for your trip. Better yet, you can learn to pack light enough that baggage fees—and confusing terms like this—become a thing of the past.
