✈ How to (Still) Get Free Checked Bags, Where Do Your Points Go When You Die? & More From TPG ✈

April 11, 2026

Checking bags? You’re probably overpaying

by Colin Hogan, Senior editor

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.

Delta Air Lines? This is definitely the card I’d go for.

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.

And there are many others out there.

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.

Want to know more? Check out these resources:

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Photo Credit: CRAIG HASTINGS/GETTY IMAGES.

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Today’s top stories

What happens to your points and miles after you die?

When you die, can you leave your points and miles to family or friends? Policies vary across airlines and hotels. Here is what you need to know.

Amex extends Platinum discounts to select economy fares and ends Lufthansa lounge access

American Express expands Platinum member airfares to select economy tickets, while also confirming an end to Lufthansa lounge access this fall.

World of Hyatt wish list: 2 TPG Globalists on their dream program changes

TPG Hyatt fans share their thoughts on changes they'd love to see with the World of Hyatt program.

Europe’s new biometric border system is here — and it could slow you down at the airport

Following a six-month phased launch starting last October, Europe’s new Entry/Exit System border control process is fully operational as of April 10.

A first look at the new Capella Kyoto, a gorgeous tribute to Japan’s art and culture

The new Capella Kyoto combines luxury, culture, fine dining and wellness in one gorgeous package in the heart of Japan's cultural capital.

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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.

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