Best Airline Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags
Overview
Traveling can be exciting, but the added costs of checked bags can quickly dampen the experience. Thankfully, some airline credit cards can help you save money by offering free checked bags as a perk. This article by Academic Block highlights the best airline credit cards with free checked bags, helping you maximize savings and benefits every time you travel.
Why Choose Airline Credit Cards with Free Checked Bags?
Before diving into the top picks, let’s understand why these cards are worth considering:
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Cost Savings : Checked bag fees can range from $25 to $50 per bag for a round trip, making this feature a significant money-saver for frequent flyers.
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Convenience : Free checked bags can make trips more comfortable, as you can pack everything you need without worrying about extra fees.
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Added Perks : These cards often come with other travel benefits, such as priority boarding, travel insurance, or miles-earning opportunities.
Best Airline Credit Cards Offering Free Checked Bags
1. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
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First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
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Earn 2x miles on Delta credit card purchases and at restaurants, including U.S. supermarkets.
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No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
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Annual fee : $0 intro for the first year, then $99.
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Who It’s Best For : Travelers who frequently fly with Delta Airlines and value earning SkyMiles while enjoying free checked bags for their group.
2. United℠ Explorer Card
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Enjoy one free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation.
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Earn 2x miles on United Airlines Credit Card purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
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Receive up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit.
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Priority boarding for cardholders.
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Annual fee : $0 for the first year, then $95.
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Who It’s Best For : United Airlines Credit Card loyalists who want added travel perks, including free checked bags and expedited airport security.
3. American Airlines AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
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Get your first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on the same booking.
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Earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas stations.
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Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.
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Annual fee : $0 intro for the first year, then $99.
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Who It’s Best For : Regular American Airlines travelers looking for a balance of earning opportunities and checked bag savings.
4. Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature Credit Card
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First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 6 companions.
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Earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines Credit Card purchases.
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Get an annual companion fare starting at $122 (includes taxes and fees).
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No foreign transaction fees.
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Annual fee : $95.
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Who It’s Best For : West Coast travelers or those loyal to Alaska Airlines credit card who want both free checked bags and a discounted companion ticket annually.
5. JetBlue Plus Card
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First checked bag free for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation.
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Earn 6x points on JetBlue credit card purchases, 2x at restaurants and grocery stores.
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Receive 50% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases.
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Annual fee : $99.
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Who It’s Best For : JetBlue fans who value free checked bags, high point-earning potential, and inflight savings.
6. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
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First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions.
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Access to Admirals Club® lounges, enhancing your airport experience.
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Earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases.
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Includes travel protection benefits such as trip cancellation and delay insurance.
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Annual fee : $595.
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Who It’s Best For : Frequent American Airlines travelers who prioritize premium benefits like lounge access in addition to free checked bags.
7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
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Enjoy two free checked bags (a Southwest Airlines Credit Card standard benefit for all flyers).
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Earn 2x points on Southwest Airlines credit card purchases, local transit, and rideshares.
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Receive 7,500 bonus points annually on your card anniversary.
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Annual fee : $149.
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Who It’s Best For : Southwest Airlines enthusiasts who value earning points while taking advantage of Southwest’s no-fee checked bags policy.
What to Look for in an Airline Credit Card
When selecting the best airline credit card for free checked bags, consider the following:
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Airline Loyalty : Choose a card that aligns with the airline you frequently fly with.
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Group Benefits : Some cards extend free checked bags to companions, making them ideal for families or groups.
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Additional Perks : Features like lounge access, priority boarding, or travel insurance can add extra value.
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Annual Fees vs. Savings : Ensure the annual fee is justified by the savings and perks you’ll receive.
How Much Can You Save with Free Checked Bags?
Let’s break it down:
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Domestic Flights : Most airlines charge $30-$35 for the first checked bag. For a round trip, this adds up to $60-$70 per person.
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International Flights : Fees can range from $50-$100 per bag, per flight, depending on the airline and destination.
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Family of Four Example : For a domestic round trip, a family of four can save up to $280 (4 bags x $35 each way).
Over time, the savings on checked bag fees can far exceed the annual fee of your credit card, making it a valuable investment.
Tips for Maximizing Airline Credit Card Benefits
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Book Flights Using Your Credit Card : Most cards require you to pay for your ticket using the airline credit card to unlock free checked bag perks.
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Link Loyalty Accounts : Ensure your frequent flyer number is linked to your card and reservations for seamless benefits.
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Understand Companion Rules : Check the maximum number of companions eligible for free checked bags.
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Track Annual Fees : Regularly assess if the benefits outweigh the cost of the card.
Final Words
Airline credit cards with free checked bags can make a significant difference for frequent travelers, providing cost savings and added conveniences. Whether you’re loyal to Delta, United, American Airlines, or another carrier, there’s a card tailored to your travel needs.
When choosing the right card, evaluate your travel habits, airline preferences, and the additional perks offered. With the right airline credit card, you can travel smarter, save money, and enjoy the journey even more. Hope you enjoyed reading about Airline Credit Cards with Academic Block, please provide your insightful thoughts to make this article better. Thanks for Reading!
This Article will answer your questions like:
Free baggage allowance refers to the weight or number of luggage pieces an airline permits passengers to carry without extra charges. This benefit often depends on the airline’s policies, class of travel, or credit card perks. It can include checked bags, carry-ons, or both. Understanding the specific terms of your ticket or credit card ensures you avoid unexpected fees and optimize your travel budget effectively.
Yes, certain American Airlines credit cards offer free checked baggage as a perk. Typically, the benefit applies to the cardholder and sometimes companions on the same reservation. This feature is ideal for frequent travelers, helping them save on baggage fees. Ensure you meet the conditions, such as booking the flight with the eligible credit card, to access this cost-saving advantage and maximize your travel experience.
Many airline credit cards offer free checked bags for the primary cardholder and accompanying passengers on the same reservation. The number of eligible companions varies by card and airline policy. This feature significantly reduces travel costs for families or groups. To qualify, ensure the flights are booked using the eligible credit card and adhere to any specified terms. Review the card’s benefits for details on how to use this feature effectively.
Airlines offer credit cards to strengthen customer loyalty and drive revenue. These cards provide travelers with benefits such as free baggage, flight discounts, and loyalty points redeemable for future travel. Partnerships with banks allow airlines to share profits from interest charges and fees. For travelers, these cards offer convenience and value, while airlines gain recurring revenue streams and long-term customer engagement through their credit card programs.
Several airline credit cards offer free baggage as a key benefit. Examples include the American Airlines AAdvantage® Card, Delta SkyMiles® Card, and United Explorer Card. These cards typically provide free checked bags for the primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation. Always verify the card’s terms and conditions, including annual fees, to ensure the benefit aligns with your travel habits and provides maximum value.
In addition to free baggage, airline credit cards offer perks such as priority boarding, travel insurance, in-flight discounts, and lounge access. Many cards also provide reward points or miles for purchases, redeemable for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays. These benefits enhance travel convenience and value. However, consider the card’s annual fee and spending requirements to ensure the perks align with your travel needs and spending habits.
Several airlines offer free checked baggage, particularly for specific ticket classes or loyalty program members. Southwest Airlines includes two free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of ticket type. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Delta, extend this benefit to credit cardholders or frequent flyers. Reviewing the airline’s baggage policy or associated credit card terms ensures you fully leverage these benefits and save on travel expenses.
The best credit card to earn flight miles depends on your travel preferences. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture Rewards, and airline-specific cards such as Delta SkyMiles® and United Explorer offer substantial rewards for frequent travelers. Look for cards with high earning rates, valuable sign-up bonuses, and flexible redemption options. Assess your preferred airlines and spending habits to choose a card that aligns with your travel goals and maximizes your rewards potential.
Credit card companies partner with airlines to attract frequent travelers and boost customer loyalty. These partnerships offer exclusive benefits such as flight rewards, free checked baggage, and priority boarding. Airlines benefit from increased bookings and revenue sharing, while credit card issuers gain from transaction fees and interest payments. For consumers, these cards combine travel perks with financial convenience, making them a win-win solution for all parties involved in the collaboration.
Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines often allow two free checked bags for international routes, depending on ticket class and destination. U.S.-based airlines, such as Delta and United, may offer this benefit to premium cabin passengers or loyalty program members. Verify baggage policies when booking, as weight and size restrictions can vary. Additionally, certain credit cards may extend this benefit for eligible flights, offering significant cost savings.
The best airline credit card for international travel is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® due to its flexible points redemption, no foreign transaction fees, and travel protections. Alternatively, the American Express® Platinum Card offers luxury benefits like lounge access and travel credits. For specific airlines, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum and United Explorer cards provide international perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. Choose a card based on your preferred airline and travel needs.
Top credit cards for airline miles and hotel points include Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture Rewards, and American Express® Gold. These cards offer high rewards rates on travel and dining, generous welcome bonuses, and flexible redemption options for flights and stays. Co-branded cards like Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum focus on specific hotel and airline perks. Choose a card that complements your travel style and maximizes your rewards across categories.
To avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines, use airline credit cards offering free baggage perks or book tickets in higher fare classes. Joining loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles or American Airlines AAdvantage can also waive fees. Southwest Airlines offers free checked bags as a standard policy. Additionally, consolidating luggage or leveraging elite status benefits can reduce or eliminate baggage costs, saving money on domestic travel.
No, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not directly offer free checked bags. However, its points can be redeemed for travel, including airline tickets that may include baggage perks. Additionally, the card offers significant travel rewards, no foreign transaction fees, and flexible redemption options. If free checked baggage is essential, consider co-branded airline credit cards that explicitly provide this benefit as part of their perks.
Yes, most airline credit cards require you to pay for the flight using the card to qualify for free checked bags. This ensures the benefit is applied automatically at check-in. Always verify the card’s terms and conditions, as some programs may extend the benefit to reservations linked to your frequent flyer account, even if booked through alternative payment methods.
Certain credit cards offer free airline luggage allowances as a loyalty incentive for travelers. These benefits reduce travel costs and encourage frequent bookings with specific airlines. To use them, ensure you book flights with the eligible card and follow airline policies for applying perks. Check the terms for any restrictions or limitations. These perks are particularly valuable for frequent flyers, making travel more affordable and convenient.