Travel costs seem to be rising every year, so we’re looking out for ya by finding the best ways to save wherever you can!
With Southwest Airlines officially getting rid of its longstanding two free checked bags policy, prospective flyers are now faced with more limitations when it comes to saving on air travel. Fortunately, there are still ways to save — even when it comes to checked bags. For those that don’t know, credit card programs exist that actually let you waive checked baggage fees!
The are several airline loyalty credit card programs you can enroll in that will allow you to check your bags FOR FREE, and for a lot of people, that perk (mixed with all the other card perks) makes getting one of these cards totally worth it. Here are 10 airline credit cards that allow you to check your bags for free:
1. American Airlines
Citi’s AAdvantage Credit Cards let you check your first bag for free on domestic American-operated itineraries along with up to 4 travel companions on the same reservation.
2. Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles American Express cards (Gold/Platinum/others) through American Express allow cardmembers to check their first checked bag free on Delta-operated flights. Some guest/companion coverage can be included, but it depends on the card tier.
3. United Airlines
United MileagePlus co-branded Chase cards (such as United Explorer, Quest, Club Infinite, etc.) allow the primary cardmember and often one companion on the same reservation to check their first bag for free on United/United Express flights.
4. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines Visa cards through Bank of America also grant free checking for the first bag for cardholders and usually up to six other guests on the same reservation. This perk applies to Alaska Airlines-operated flights when you book with your card and requires the primary cardholder to be an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member.
5. JetBlue
JetBlue Plus Cards through Barclays allow primary cardmembers to check their first bag free, along with up to three eligible companions on JetBlue-operated flights.
6. Southwest Airlines
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Chase credit cards still grant free checked bags, even if the airline has done away with the policy. Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card members can get one free checked bag. Additionally, up to 8 others on the same reservation get the same perk. A-List Preferred members and those with Choice Extra fares get two free checked bags. To use the benefit, make sure you plug in your Rapid Rewards number on the reservation when booking.
7. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard through Barclays also allows the primary cardmember 2 free checked bags on Frontier-operated flights.
8. Spirit Airlines
Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard with Bank of America allows primary cardholders to receive up to 2 free checked bags on Spirit flights.
9. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard with Barclays gives the primary cardholder 2 free checked bags on eligible Hawaiian-operated flights.
10. Air Canada
Air Canada’s Aeroplan Cards with TD and American Express BOTH list a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder, as well as up to eight companions when traveling on the same reservation. The travel must originate on an Air Canada flight.
It’s worth noting that in some instances, annual fees may not justify the need to get these cards just to avoid baggage fees. It all comes down to personal preference, spending habits, and what you ultimately want out of the cards. It’s best to do intensive research before committing to any financial responsibility, especially in this case.
We travel quite a bit, so we’re constantly monitoring the best ways to save and take advantage of airline perks. For all the latest tips and updates, keep it posted right here at DFB!
Which Travel Credit Cards Will Get You to Disney World for FREE in 2026?
DON'T DO IT ALONE!
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)
So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂
Do you have a favorite airline credit card? Let us know in the comments!












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