Don't Get Surprised by Overweight Baggage Fees at the Airport
Overweight baggage fees can add a painful surprise to your travel budget. US airlines typically charge $25–$100 per pound over the limit depending on the airline and route — a bag that's 10 lbs too heavy on an international flight can cost an extra $500 or more at the check-in counter. This calculator lets you estimate your fee before you arrive at the airport, so you can repack or prepay online instead.
The single best way to avoid overweight charges is to prepurchase extra baggage allowance online before your trip. Most airlines charge 30–50% less for add-on baggage purchased online versus at the airport. If your bag is only slightly over, redistributing a few items to your carry-on is often the simplest fix — check your airline's carry-on weight limit first.
Note: The rates shown here are approximate estimates. Airline baggage policies change frequently and vary by fare class, frequent flyer status, and route. Always confirm the exact fee on your airline's website before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most US carriers allow 50 lbs (23 kg) per checked bag in economy class. Bags between 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) incur an overweight fee; bags over 70 lbs (32 kg) may be refused or charged as heavy baggage at a higher rate.
It depends. If you're already paying for two bags, splitting can save money. But if your second bag is a new addition, you'll pay the checked bag fee for it. Compare the overweight fee vs. the second bag fee before deciding.
On most itineraries, baggage fees apply per ticketed journey, not per leg. However, if your route involves two separate tickets (e.g., on different airlines), each carrier's fee policy applies independently.