With the cost of plane tickets continuing to rise, many travelers are looking for ways to avoid paying excessive fees when booking flights. Airline ticket fees, including baggage fees, seat selection fees, and change/cancellation fees, can quickly drive up the total cost of a ticket. When comparing airlines, ticketing fees are an important factor to consider along with base fares. This article will examine some of the airlines with the lowest fees in 2023 to help travelers find the best deals.
Major US Airlines Ticket Fee Policies
Most of the major US airlines have implemented fees for checked bags, seat assignments, ticket changes, and other services that used to be included in the base fare price. Here is a quick overview of the ticketing fee policies of the largest US airlines:
- American Airlines – First checked bag $30, second checked bag $40; seat selection fees from $10; change/cancellation fee $200
- Delta Air Lines – First checked bag $30, second checked bag $40; seat selection fees from $10; change fee $200 for domestic flights
- United Airlines – First checked bag $35, second checked bag $45; seat selection fees from $10; change fee $200 for domestic flights
- Southwest Airlines – First two checked bags free; no seat selection fees; no change fees
As you can see, the legacy carriers American, Delta, and United have very similar fee structures while Southwest stands out with its free checked bags and no change fees policy.
Low Cost Carriers Ticket Fee Policies
Low cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant rely heavily on ancillary fees as part of their business model. Here is an overview of their ticketing fee policies:
- Spirit Airlines – Carry-on bag $35, first checked bag $40, second checked bag $45; seat selection from $13; change fee $90 domestic, $110 international
- Frontier Airlines – Carry-on bag $40, first checked bag $40, second checked bag $50; seat selection from $8; change fee $99 domestic, $119 international
- Allegiant Air – Carry-on bag $50, first checked bag $55, second checked bag $75; seat selection from $18; change fee $150
These ultra low cost carriers offer very low base fares but add on a la carte fees for bags, seat assignments, and other services to drive up the final ticket cost. Their change and cancellation fees are also much higher compared to full service airlines.
International Airlines with Lower Ticket Fees
For travelers heading overseas, many international airlines have lower fees than US-based airlines. Here are some of the international airlines with lower ticketing fees:
- Norwegian Air – 1 free carry-on bag, first checked bag ~$60, second checked bag ~$100; seat selection from ~$25; flight change fees vary
- Ryanair (Europe) – 1 small carry-on bag allowed for free, checked bags from €/£25, seat selection from €/£5, flight change fees vary
- EasyJet (Europe) – 1 free small carry-on bag, flight change fees vary
- WestJet (Canada) – First checked bag $30 CAD, second checked bag $50 CAD; seat selection from $10 CAD; change fees vary
- AirAsia (Asia) – Checked bags approximately $20-$40 USD each way, seat selection fees vary, change fees vary
Many European and Asian budget airlines allow at least one carry-on bag for free and have lower checked bag fees compared to US airlines. Their change and cancellation fees are still quite high, but overall their fee structures are more affordable.
Tips for Avoiding Airline Ticket Fees
Here are some tips for avoiding expensive airline ticket fees:
- Fly with only a carry-on bag – Avoid checked bag fees by packing light and traveling with just a carry-on bag. Many airlines allow a free small personal item as well.
- Use an airline credit card – Many airline credit cards allow cardholders to check their first bag for free.
- Join airline rewards programs – Elite status in airline loyalty programs sometimes waives baggage and other fees.
- Pay fees upfront vs at the airport – Paying for checked bags, seats, etc. when booking the flight is usually cheaper than paying fees at the airport.
- Compare basic economy vs standard economy – Basic economy fares have lower base prices but you’ll pay more in fees later. Compare total costs.
- Avoid same day flight changes – Change fees are highest for same-day flight changes vs changes further in advance.
Being an informed traveler and understanding airline policies for fees is key to avoiding surprises at check-in and keeping more money in your pocket.
Airlines with the Lowest Ticket Fees in 2023
Based on their fee-friendly policies for checked bags, seat assignments, ticket changes, and other services, these airlines stand out as having some of the lowest ticket fees in 2023:
Airline | Checked Bag Fees | Change Fees | Best Perks |
---|---|---|---|
Southwest Airlines | First 2 bags free | No change fees | 2 free checked bags |
JetBlue | First bag $35 | $75 change fee | Free seat selection |
Frontier | $40 first bag | $99 domestic change fee | Discount Den club discounts fees |
Norwegian Air | ~$60 first bag | Varies by route | Affordable transatlantic flights |
Southwest Airlines clearly stands out as the best US airline for avoiding fees with its generous free checked bags policy and no change fees on tickets. JetBlue also offers a strong fee policy with lower checked bag fees than its competitors and a reasonable $75 change fee.
For international flights, Norwegian Air offers very affordable fares to Europe along with checked bag fees that are cheaper than most other transatlantic carriers. Its change fees vary depending on the type of ticket purchased.
Even Frontier Airlines makes the list thanks to the opportunity for loyalty members to get discounted fees through its Discount Den club. However, its ultra low base fares means you’ll pay more in fees vs other airlines unless you have elite status.
The Bottom Line
Finding an airline with reasonable fees for checked bags, seat selection, ticket changes, and other ancillary services can greatly reduce the total cost of your airline ticket. Try to avoid airlines that nickel and dime travelers with excessive fees and instead fly with an airline that offers more fee-friendly policies.
Southwest Airlines is the standout winner for lowest fees for US domestic flights thanks to its free checked bags allowance and lack of change fees. For international flights, look to foreign budget carriers like Norwegian Air that offer cheaper bag fees and more affordable base fares compared to US global carriers.
Wherever you choose to fly, understand the ticketing fee policies in advance and pick your airline wisely to maximize savings and avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.