Oversize and overweight baggage fees by airline (2026)

What are the standard weight and size limits for a checked bag?

Every major US airline applies the same baseline thresholds: 50 lbs (23 kg) for weight and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) for size. Any bag that exceeds either limit triggers a per-bag, per-direction surcharge on top of the standard checked-bag fee. Most carriers refuse any bag over 100 lbs; a handful set a lower hard cutoff at 99 lbs. Fees are charged each way — you pay again on the return leg.

• Standard weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Standard size limit: 62 linear inches (L + W + H combined)
• Hard cutoff for most carriers: 100 lbs and 115 linear inches
• Fees apply per bag, per direction — both outbound and return

How much do Delta, United, and American charge for overweight and oversize bags?

The three legacy carriers share identical domestic fee schedules as of June 2026. A moderately heavy bag (51–70 lbs) adds $100; a very heavy bag (71–100 lbs) adds $200. An oversized bag (63–115 linear inches) adds a separate $200. These charges stack independently: a single bag that is both overweight at 71–100 lbs and oversized could cost $400 in surchargesbefore the base bag fee. No bags over 100 lbs are accepted on any of these carriers' domestic routes.

What do Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska charge for heavy or large bags?

Southwest significantly raised its overweight and oversize fees effective April 9, 2026, moving from a $75 flat fee to $100 for bags 51–70 lbs and $200 for bags 71–100 lbs, with oversize bags now also at $200. Importantly, Southwest does not stack fees — if a bag is both overweight and oversized, only the higher applicable fee is charged, capping the total surcharge at $200. JetBlue consolidated to a flat $150 for any overweight bag (51–99 lbs) rather than a tiered structure. Alaska raised its oversize fee from $150 to $200 for bookings made on or after October 14, 2025.

How much do budget and ultra-low-cost carriers charge for overweight bags?

Budget carriers apply their own schedules, and dynamic pricing means amounts vary by route and booking window. Frontier raised its single-tier overweight fee from $100 to $129 for all bookings on or after April 4, 2026, covering bags 51–99.99 lbs; no bag over 100 lbs is accepted. Allegiant charges a two-tier fee ($50 for 51–70 lbs, $75 for 71–99 lbs) and applies a separate $75 fee for bags exceeding 80 linear inches. Breeze keeps it simple with a flat $75 for any bag over weight or size limits up to 99 lbs or 80 linear inches. Hawaiian Airlines charges the lowest domestic overweight rate on intra-Hawaii routes at $35, rising to $100 on North America mainland routes. See the full airline check-in guides for each carrier's current policies and contacts.

Do overweight and oversize fees stack?

At most major US airlines, yes — both surcharges are assessed independently, and they add together. On Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Alaska, Allegiant, and Breeze, a bag that is both overweight and oversized earns both fees. The one meaningful exception is Southwest, which charges only the single higher applicable fee, so a bag that is both 80 lbs and 70 linear inches would incur just the $200 overweight charge rather than $400. Always assume fees stack unless the airline's official policy explicitly states otherwise.

• Stacking carriers (both fees apply): Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Alaska, Allegiant, Breeze
• Non-stacking carrier (higher fee only): Southwest
• Worst-case on legacy carriers: $400 per bag per direction if bag is 71–100 lbs AND 63+ in
• Worst-case on Southwest: $200 per bag per direction regardless of how many limits are exceeded

How can you avoid or reduce overweight and oversize bag fees?

The most reliable tactic is weighing and measuring bags at home before leaving. A $15 hanging luggage scale takes less than two minutes and can save $100–$200. If a bag is borderline, redistribute dense items to a carry-on or spread between two checked bags — two standard bags at $45–$55 each often costs less than one overweight surcharge. For sports equipment or bulky cargo, luggage-forward services such as Ship Sticks, Lugless, or FedEx ground shipping frequently undercut airline oversize fees. Review your airline's check-in and bag drop cutoff times before you head to the airport — some carriers discount overweight fees when pre-purchased online versus at the airport counter.

• Buy a luggage scale ($15–$25) — the fastest ROI in travel gear
• Redistribute weight: move heavy items to a carry-on or split across two checked bags
• Ship ahead: luggage-forward services often beat a $200 airline oversize fee for golf bags, skis, or bikes
• Book fees online: some carriers reduce oversize/overweight charges when paid in advance during booking
• Elite status and co-branded cards rarely waive overweight or oversize fees — they typically cover only the base checked-bag fee

Which airline has the cheapest overweight bag fee in 2026?

Hawaiian Airlines charges the lowest domestic overweight fee on intra-Hawaii routes at $35 for bags 51–70 lbs. Among mainland US carriers, Allegiant is the most affordable at $50 for bags in the 51–70 lb range, though its dynamic pricing means amounts can vary by route and booking timing.

What happens if my bag weighs more than 100 pounds?

Virtually every major US airline refuses to accept bags exceeding 100 lbs as standard checked baggage. Frontier and Breeze set their hard cutoff at 99.99 lbs. If your item exceeds 100 lbs, you will need to ship it via freight carrier, air cargo, or a specialized courier service before your trip. If your item is close to that threshold, ship it ahead of time via a freight or luggage-forward service — it is almost always cheaper than rebooking or leaving cargo behind. Be sure to also review standard checked-bag fee rules so you understand all costs before you pack.

Verified: June 29, 2026. Sources consulted: Southwest travel fees (southwest.com), Frontier bag options (flyfrontier.com), Delta excess/overweight baggage (delta.com), JetBlue legal fees (jetblue.com), Alaska Air checked bags (alaskaair.com) and Alaska news update on bag fees, Allegiant baggage (allegiantair.com); cross-checked via upgradedpoints.com and deeparrival.com fee trackers. Fees are per bag, per direction and subject to change — always confirm at booking.