You’ve seen the headlines by now: Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen airline after airline raise their checked-bag fees, citing rising fuel costs from the current conflict in the Middle East.
It always seems to happen this way, but there’s one simple, smart hack we recommend for beating these nickel-and-dime charges that drive up the cost of your trip: a low-fee airline credit card.
Some quick math: If you pay to check just two or three bags a year at today’s rates, you’re already paying more than you would for a $100-per-year credit card. And the good news is, there’s no shortage of cards that cover free checked bags.
Are you flying United Airlines? This card with a $150 annual fee (which is actually $0 for the first year) covers a free checked bag for you and a companion. And it even comes with a couple of United Club passes. Double score.
American Airlines? This card also has a $0 annual fee for the first year, which rises to $99, and covers a free checked bag for you and up to four companions. Though personally, I’d pay the higher $350 fee for this card, which covers the first checked bag for you and up to eight companions — and has lots of other valuable perks.
Southwest Airlines? If you’re (understandably) salty about paying bag fees now, here’s another $99-per-year card that covers a checked bag for you and up to eight other passengers.
Alaska Airlines? (Or Hawaiian Airlines?) There has actually never been a better time to get this $95-per-year card. In addition to covering a free checked bag on both Alaska and Hawaiian flights for you and up to six companions, it is also sporting its best-ever welcome offer for a limited time.
Keep in mind: This benefit usually only applies to flights that you’ve booked with that card, on that particular airline. So just make sure you check your card’s terms and conditions.
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Photo Credit: CRAIG HASTINGS/GETTY IMAGES.
Hurry! Just 2 days left to get at least $1,000 in travel!
There are only two days left to get this elevated welcome offer on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card worth at least $1,000 in travel. New cardholders can get a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in their first year, and earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends April 13, so don’t miss your chance!
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
