Major US Airline Credit Cards Now Offer Free Checked Bags
Over two dozen co-branded credit cards from major US airlines like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines now include free checked luggage, mitigating costs for frequent flyers and groups.
Widespread Baggage Fee Relief
A growing number of airline-affiliated credit cards are providing a significant benefit to travellers: the waiver of checked baggage fees. As of 19 October 2026, at least 28 distinct credit card products from eight major carriers in the United States offer this perk, primarily for the primary cardholder and often for several companions on the same booking.
This trend directly addresses the increasing cost of air travel, where ancillary fees for luggage can quickly accumulate, particularly for those who fly regularly or travel with family and colleagues. These financial instruments are designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for passengers, making air travel more accessible for budget-conscious individuals and groups.
Key Airline and Card Benefits
Among the airlines participating, Alaska Airlines, for instance, typically charges US$45 for a first checked bag and US$55 for a second. However, holders of cards such as the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® or Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® can check their first bag free.
This benefit extends to the cardholder and up to six additional passengers on the same reservation, provided the flight is marketed by Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines and purchased with the Atmos card. Similarly, American Airlines levies a US$45 fee for a first checked bag online for domestic and nearby international routes.
Several co-branded Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercards, including the Platinum Select® and Business™ World Elite, waive this fee for the cardholder and up to four companions, while the Globe™ and Executive World Legend cards extend this to eight companions.
Broader Airline Participation
Beyond Alaska and American Airlines, a wide array of other US carriers have partnered with financial institutions to offer similar baggage benefits. Delta Air Lines, through its SkyMiles® American Express Cards, also allows cardholders to check their first bag free.
Other airlines with co-branded credit cards providing this advantage include Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
These programmes vary in their specific terms, such as annual fees, the number of companions covered, and any route restrictions, but collectively represent a substantial opportunity for travellers to mitigate baggage costs across a broad network of flights within and from the United States.
Implications for Asian Travellers
For Asian travellers flying to or within North America, understanding these credit card benefits can lead to considerable savings on checked baggage fees. Many of these US airlines operate codeshare agreements or direct routes connecting to major Asian hubs, making these card benefits relevant for international itineraries.
While specific co-branded credit card programmes with similar baggage fee waivers are less prevalent among Asian carriers, the success of these initiatives in the US market could prompt airlines in Asia to explore comparable offerings.
This development might influence how Asian airlines structure their own loyalty programmes and ancillary services in the coming years, particularly as competition for international leisure and business travellers intensifies.
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