Which Airlines Offer Free Checked Bags? A Complete Guide for Travelers!

Last Updated on Feb 10th, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Increasing costs of air travel due to added checked bag fees. Many airlines do have additional fees for carrying luggage, but a number of airlines continue to offer free checked baggage, particularly on international routes or higher fare classes. Knowing which airlines offer free checked baggage, it can support you in your decision when choosing flights & help in avoiding unexpected charges at the airport.

Why Do Airlines Charge for Checked Bags?

The history of airlines separating baggage from ticket prices has allowed them to provide passengers with lower base fares. Typically, basic or budget economy tickets do not have any checked luggage; however, full-service carriers often have free checked baggage, especially on long-haul international routes.

Whether or not a passenger can check their bags for free typically will depend on one of the following criteria: 

• The airline’s policy. 
• The traveler’s origin and destination (Are they flying domestically or springing for an international trip?
• The type of fare booked. 
• The type of cabin flown. 
• The traveler’s frequent flyer status with the airline.
• Frequent flyer status

Must Read – British Airways baggage allowance

International Airlines with Complimentary Checked Baggage!

Many full-service international airlines are continuing to provide checked-in baggage at no charge for standard economy & higher fare types when travelling internationally.

Emirates – Emirates offers a generous baggage allowance for most economy passengers (20kg-35kg depending on route and fare) & higher fares will also be provided for business & first class passenges. 

Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways generally provides an allowance of 25kg-35kg for checked-in baggage on international economy tickets but also has some destinations that operate using the piece concept allowing 1 or 2 checked bags at no cost.

Singapore Airlines – Singapore Airlines provides a free checked bag (up to 30kg) on most economy fares, premium economy, business & first class customers can expect different amounts.

Turkish Airlines – The maximum weight for checked baggage on international flights operated by Turkish Airlines will be either 20 kg or 30 kg free for the majority of the routes.  Under piece concept, 1 or 2 free checked pieces may be allowed for some routes.

Air India – Air India stands out in its international baggage allowance by allowing 1 or 2 free checked pieces of luggage to most of the routes. Most economy class passengers can expect to check their bags, depending on fare type & the destinations, with a maximum baggage allowance of 23 kg.

British Airways – For long haul, international routes, British Airways typically offers 1 free checked piece of luggage (23 kg) for their economy class passengers; however, if you booked a basic economy fare, then checked baggage may not be included in the price.

Lufthansa – Lufthansa provides one free checked piece of luggage, 23 kg, for their standard economy class fare type. Typically, light or basic fare types do not have any free checked pieces of luggage.

Must Read – Air India Excess Baggage

Airlines Offering Free Checked Bags on International Routes!!

Not all airlines offer free checked baggage with all fare types or with all routes.

• With Etihad Airways, long-haul international flights generally have free checked baggage on many fare types. In general, the amount of free checked baggage ranges from 25 kg to 30 kg in economy class.
• EVA Air usually allows for one or two free checked bags per ticket depending on the fare type and destination for international flights.
• Copa Airlines and Avianca are two other airlines that usually provide one free checked bag for passengers travelling on economy class.

Must Read – American Airlines Cabin Classes and Baggage Allowances

US Airlines – When Do Airlines Provide Free Checked Baggage?

Most US airlines provide free checked baggage on international & higher-priced tickets & charge for checked baggage on domestic flights.

American Airlines

• International economy tickets typically have one free checked bag.
• Domestic basic economy tickets, charge for checked baggage.
• Elite status members or co-branded credit cards get one free checked bag.

Delta Airlines

• Most international economy tickets have one free checked bag.
• Most domestic check baggage is for fee unless you qualify through your frequent flyer status or credit card.

United Airlines

• Most international flights will issue one free checked bag.
• Most domestic flights require payment for checked baggage unless your fare is a special discount fare or you qualify through status.

Alaska Airlines

• Certain fares include one free checked bag as part of the purchase.
• Free checked bags with elite status or Alaska credit cards.

JetBlue

• Free checked bags are included in fares that are greater than the basic price of a ticket.
• Basic fares are generally charged for checked baggage against the customer.

What’s the Deal with Southwest Airlines?

The “2 Bags Fly Free” policy that Southwest Airlines had made them famous is no longer a benefit with most fares.  

Now, checked baggage will typically cost you money unless you:

• Have elite status
• Book premium fare
• Have a particular type of Southwest credit card  

Must Read – Lufthansa Airline Check-in and Baggage Policy

So How can you Qualify for Free Checked Bags When your Fare Doesn’t Include it?

Even if you booked a fare that doesn’t include free checked baggage, here are things to check to see if you qualify for at least one free checked bag:

Frequent Flyer Status 

• Most airlines will give their loyalty program members that have elite status free checked bags regardless of what kind of fare they are booked on.

Airline Credit Cards 

Many of the co-branded airline credit cards have the following benefits:

• One free checked bag for the cardholder
• Free checked bags for the cardholder’s companions traveling on the same reservation.

 Higher Cabin Classes 

• Tickets booked on premium economy, business & first class cabins almost always come with free checked baggage included in the fare.

Must Read – Singapore Airlines baggage allowance for business and economy class 

Airlines That Usually Do NOT Offer Free Checked Bags

Cheap airlines generally incur the cost of baggage as an add-on to a ticket:

• Spirit Airlines
• Frontier Airlines   
• Ryanair
• Wizz Air
• EasyJet

Checked baggage is often included with a package that has been purchased in advance.

Must Read – Etihad Baggage Allowance for carry-on and checked baggage

Airlines That Offer Free Checked Bags!

Conclusion!

When selecting an airline that provides free checked luggage, it can help you save a considerable amount of money on these longer flights, especially if you are traveling internationally. Always verify the fare type and baggage policy prior to booking your ticket since these can differ from airline to airline, between destinations or itineraries. 

If your primary concern is with bags, then generally speaking full-service international airlines and typical economy fares are the best solutions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About Neha | View Posts

Neha Sharma, a passionate travel blogger with more than 2 years and 6 months of experience, captures the beauty of the world through her words. With her adventurous spirit and a keen eye for detail, Neha takes her readers on mesmerizing journeys to exotic destinations. Her vivid descriptions and insightful tips make her the go-to guide for wanderlust seekers. Join Neha as she explores the globe, sharing her love for travel and inspiring others to go on their unforgettable adventures.