Saving money. There are those who love it and those who…greatly like it. 

So if there’s a way for you to avoid paying for baggage when you fly, wouldn’t you want to know about it?

Many airline credit cards come along with some sort of free baggage benefit, but every card’s nuances are different. 

Firstly, some airlines offer free baggage for the first checked bag, while some offer two checked bags for free.

Additionally, with some airlines, the benefit can be used by your travel companions as well, and some, are not that generous.

And finally, in order to get the free baggage benefit, you need to book the tickets properly. 

In this post, we’ll go through the various nuances of the free baggage benefit offered by the different airline credit credits

Before we get started, it’s important to note that the benefit of free baggage can’t be used as a coupon. (In other words, it can’t be “clipped” and “saved”.)

When would you want to use it as a coupon? Say your ticket comes along with a free checked bag and you’re traveling with two suitcases, the second bag will not be covered by the credit card if the credit card only offers your first bag checked-free. In other words, the benefit can only be used in a case where the first checked bag is not free.

American Airlines

American Airlines has many credit cards that come along with a free checked bag benefit. 

Do I need to book the flight with my AA card in order to get the free checked bag?

No. As long as you get the card before departure and add your mileage number to your reservation (at least 7 days prior to departure), you will get the benefit.

Which American Airlines credit cards offer free checked bags?

Alaska

Alaska Airlines has two credit cards issued by Bank Of America. Both offer free baggage. 

Do I need to book the flight with my Alaska Airline card in order to get the free checked bag?

No. As long as you get the card before departure and add your mileage number to your reservation. 

Which Alaska Airlines credit cards offer free checked bags?

Delta

Delta has a total of 7 credit cards all issued by Amex. Here is the list of the ones that offer free baggage. 

Do I need to book the flight with my Delta card in order to get the free checked bag?

No. As long as you get the card before departure and add your mileage number to your reservation.

Which Delta credit cards offer free checked bags?

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has a personal and a business credit card. Only the Hawaiian personal credit card offers a free checked bag benefit.

Do I need to book the flight with my Hawaiian Airlines card in order to get the free checked bag? 

As per Hawaiian credit card terms, you will need to book your flight using your Hawaiian credit card in order to be eligible for a free checked bag

Which Hawaiian Airlines credit cards offer free checked bags?

JetBlue

JetBlue cards are issued by Barclays bank and most come along with a first checked bag free benefit. 

Do I need to book the flight with my JetBlue card in order to get the free checked bag? No. As long as you get the card before departure and add your mileage number to your reservation at least 7 days before departure.

Which JetBlue credit cards offer free checked bags?

United

United has 6 credit card products, all issued by Chase. Most of the United credit cards come along with a first or even a second bag checked free. 

Do I need to book the flight with my United card in order to get the free checked bag? Yes. You will need to book the flight using your United credit card. Some readers reported being successful by filing a refund claim by United Refund to get a baggage charge refunded even if they did not use their United credit card when booking.

Which United credit cards offer free checked bags?

The following airlines do not offer free baggage:

Here is the list of airlines that don’t have a credit card that offers a checked bag for free. 

So, grab ‘em luggages and get traveling!