Full Comparison
| Airline | Carry-On Policy | First Checked Bag Fee | Second Bag Fee | Seat Selection Fee | Family Seating Guarantee | Stopover Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Carry-on and personal item free (basic economy allows both) | USD $35 | USD $45 | Fees for preferred or extra-legroom seats; free at random assignment | Yes | No dedicated stopover program |
| Delta Air Lines | Carry-on and personal item free | USD $35 | USD $45 | Fees for seat selection in basic economy | No | No dedicated stopover program |
| United Airlines | Basic economy limited to personal item; carry-on costs extra | USD $35–$40 | USD $45 | Fees for seat selection; free at random assignment | No | No dedicated stopover program |
| Southwest Airlines | Carry-on and personal item free | Policy changing; historically free, but from May 28 2025 first checked bag costs USD $35 | USD $45 (second bag) | Open seating; no seat fees | Yes | No dedicated stopover program |
| JetBlue Airways | Carry-on and personal item free except Blue Basic (personal item only) | USD $35–$40; surge pricing may apply on busy days | USD $50–$60 | Seat selection fees on Basic fares | No | No dedicated stopover program |
| Alaska Airlines | Carry-on and personal item free | USD $35 | USD $45 | Fees for exit-row or Premium seats | Yes | No dedicated stopover program |
| Frontier Airlines | Carry-on costs extra; one personal item free | USD $55–$100+ depending on route and prepayment | USD $75–$100+ | Fees for any seat assignment | No | No dedicated stopover program |
| Spirit Airlines | Carry-on costs extra; one personal item free | USD $55–$100+ depending on prepayment | USD $65–$100+ | Fees for any seat assignment | No | No dedicated stopover program |
| International Carriers | Varies by airline; many include a checked bag on long-haul flights | Many include one free bag; subsequent bags cost USD $70–$100 | Fees can exceed USD $100 | Seat selection fees common; free on full-service tickets | N/A | Yes – programs by Qatar, Emirates, Turkish, Icelandair etc. |
Category Winners
Best Airline for Low Fees: Alaska Airlines
While most U.S. carriers now charge around USD $35 for the first checked bag, Alaska Airlines stands out because its baggage and seat selection fees remain on the lower end and it continues to offer a carry-on and personal item free of charge. Alaska also guarantees family seating for children under 13 without an additional fee. These policies offer families and budget-conscious travelers relief compared to the sky-high fees charged by ultra-low-cost carriers.
Best Stopover Program: Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways allows passengers flying through Doha to spend up to four nights in the city at heavily discounted rates or even free. The airline’s stopover package includes a hotel stay and optional city tours, effectively giving travelers two vacations for the price of one and demonstrating how international carriers use stopovers as a loyalty incentive.
Best for Flexible Booking: Delta Air Lines
Delta consistently scores high for customer service and offers generous change and cancellation policies—often allowing free same-day standby and flexible rebooking. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, all airlines must provide either a 24-hour hold or free cancellation if a ticket is purchased at least seven days before departure. Delta typically extends that policy by allowing cancellations until midnight the day after purchase, providing more breathing room for travelers.
Best for Families: Southwest Airlines
Though Southwest will begin charging USD $35 for the first checked bag from May 28 2025, it remains a family favorite thanks to open seating (no seat selection fees) and a guaranteed adjacent seat for children under 13. Southwest’s open boarding process and free snacks make it easy for families to sit together without worrying about extra fees.
Realistic Math Examples
Hidden fees add up quickly. Here are three realistic scenarios comparing base fares and total costs across different airlines. All figures are illustrative and assume one round-trip flight within the continental U.S. booked 30 days in advance.
Scenario 1: Frontier vs. Legacy Carrier
You find a round-trip ticket on Frontier for USD $120. Adding a carry-on bag (USD $80), a checked bag (USD $80), seat selection (USD $20) and payment surcharges brings the total to roughly USD $300. In contrast, a Delta ticket priced at USD $250 includes a carry-on and personal item free; adding a checked bag (USD $35) and seat selection (optional) yields a total around USD $285. Despite the higher base fare, the legacy carrier is actually cheaper once you account for Frontier’s fees.
Scenario 2: Using a Co-Branded Credit Card
You book a round-trip flight on United for USD $220 and plan to check one bag each way. Without any perks, you’d pay USD $35 per flight segment, or USD $70 total. By carrying the airline’s co-branded credit card, you and your companion both receive a free checked bag. The card’s annual fee of USD $99 is offset after one trip, saving you USD $41 compared to paying bag fees. If you fly multiple times a year, the savings multiply, making this scenario the clear winner.
Scenario 3: Stopover Adventure
A round-trip flight from New York to Bangkok on Qatar Airways costs USD $1,200. You can add a four-day stopover in Doha at no extra airfare cost and pay USD $100 total for a four-night hotel package. Had you booked separate tickets to Doha and Bangkok, the combined cost could exceed USD $1,600. By taking advantage of the stopover program, you save roughly USD $300 and get to explore two destinations.
Gotchas You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Dynamic pricing spikes: Airlines use algorithms to adjust fares based on demand and seat availability. Prices often increase closer to departure, and there’s no universally “cheap day” to buy.
- Surge pricing for baggage: Some carriers, notably JetBlue, now impose higher bag fees on peak travel days. Prepay your bags online at least 24 hours before departure to lock in lower rates.
- Weight limits on checked bags: Ultra-low-cost carriers limit checked bags to 40 lbs, and overweight or oversized bags can cost more than the ticket itself.
- Seat selection traps: Basic economy tickets usually do not include seat assignments. Unless you pay extra, you risk being separated from your party. Check if the airline guarantees family seating for children under 13.
- Credit and debit card surcharges: Some carriers add a 1–3% fee for paying with a credit card. Choose payment methods carefully or book through agencies that waive these fees.
- Check-in and printing fees: Budget airlines may charge to print boarding passes at the airport or even to check in with an agent. Save by checking in online and printing your pass ahead of time.
- Change and cancellation fees: While U.S. rules require a 24-hour cancellation window, most airlines charge fees after that period except in special circumstances. Understand the fare rules before booking.
How We Picked
- We analyzed fee structures across major U.S. and international airlines, referencing primary sources like the U.S. Department of Transportation and reputable travel publications. Baggage and seat selection fee data were drawn from charts compiled by The Points Guy and Condé Nast Traveler.
- We examined hidden fee disclosures mandated by the Biden–Harris Administration’s new rule requiring airlines to list baggage, carry-on, and cancellation fees upfront. This helped evaluate carriers on transparency.
- Family seating policies were compared using the DOT’s Family Seating Dashboard, which identifies airlines guaranteeing adjacent seats for children.
- Stopover programs were assessed by reviewing airline promotions and travel expert guides. Qatar Airways, Emirates, Icelandair, and Turkish Airlines offer some of the most generous stopover packages.
- Customer flexibility and protections, such as the 24-hour free cancellation requirement, were considered using DOT regulations and consumer advocacy articles.