These Airlines Let You “carry On” for Free
As the cost of flights continues to rise, consumers are looking for ways to reduce the overall cost of airfare. One fee you can avoid if you do it right is the honor fee to bring your luggage onto their plane. Each airline has its own set of baggage rules and definitions. What technically is hand luggage? What is a personal item? Which one is free and which one has to be paid for?
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can save you from paying a (most likely unreasonable) fee when you’re at your gate. Here is a breakdown of the country’s largest airlines and their hand luggage and personal belongings policies.
Airlines that allow carry-on baggage and personal effects
American Airlines. American Airlines will not charge you for carry-on baggage or personal items as long as they fit the dimensions shown. Carry-on baggage must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches and your personal items must fit under the seat in front of you (18 x 14 x 8 inches). Diaper bags, soft-sided breast milk refrigerators, pushchairs, and medical or mobile devices are not considered personal items.
Delta Airlines . Delta Airlines allows passengers to carry hand luggage and personal items for free with the purchase of any ticket. Carry-on baggage must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches but is not subject to weight restrictions (if your flight is domestic). Allowed personal items include wallets, briefcases, camera bags, laptop bags or diaper bags. In addition, umbrellas and duty-free items purchased at the terminal are not considered personal items; you can also take them with you on the plane without any hassle.
Hawaiian Airlines. Not only will you get free lei if you fly with Hawaiian Airlines, but you won’t have to pay for hand luggage either. Hawaiian Airlines’ rules are a little stricter than some of their free carry-on counterparts, including a 25-pound weight limit, but the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch size rule applies. Hawaiian Airlines allows an exception to this rule if your carry-on baggage is a musical instrument, provided it fits in the hold. Hawaiian Airlines allows purses, briefcases, laptop bags, or small backpacks as personal items, but they must fit under the seat in front of you.
Southwestern Airlines . If you ever fly with a ton of luggage, your best bet is Southwest Airlines. Not only do they not charge you for your carry-on or personal items, you can also check in two bags for free (as long as their length, width and height do not exceed 50 pounds or 62 inches in total). Southwest allows hand luggage to be larger than its counterparts by posting a rule of 24 x 16 x 10 inches. For personal items, they must fit the dimensions of 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches.
Airlines that only allow a personal item
United Airlines. If you have purchased a United Airlines Basic Economy ticket, you may only take one personal item with you on the plane. Your personal item must measure 9″ x 10″ x 17″. If you choose to bring hand luggage with you, you will have to pay a fee of USD 25. Your bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Jet Blue Airways. If you’re flying on JetBlue, be prepared to put as much as possible into your personal item or it will cost you money. At base fare, JetBlue charges $65 to deliver hand luggage to the boarding gate, and it will still be screened because the airline does not allocate luggage space to its base fare customers.
Airline Spirit. If you are flying with Spirit, make sure all your ducks are lined up before boarding this plane. While you can take your personal items with you for free, hand luggage will cost you between $26 and $65, depending on how and when the fee is paid. Personal items must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Allegian Airlines. If you’re flying Allegiant skies with hand luggage, be prepared to pay for this luxury. Allegiant Airlines charges $35 per bag with surcharges for heavier bags ($75 maximum). Your cabin baggage must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches or you will be charged a $50 “airport baggage fee”.