Carry-on and checked, by category.
The almanac tracks routes, not operators. But the patterns of baggage pricing repeat by operator category. Quick reference only — the partner's checkout page is authoritative. Basic-economy bundles frequently exclude carry-on overhead.
| Operator category | Carry-on | First checked | Second checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-cabin point-to-point operator | Free | Free | Free |
| Network operator — main cabin | Free | $35–$45 | $45–$55 |
| Network operator — basic economy | No overhead carry-on | $35–$45 | $45–$55 |
| Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) | $40–$70 paid | $35–$70 paid | $45–$80 paid |
| Long-haul international economy | Free | Often free | Often paid |
| Hybrid leisure operator | Free or low-cost | Often free | Often paid |
Single-cabin point-to-point operator: Two free checked bags are included in every fare. Best for travelers who want to skip the bag-fee math.
Network operator — main cabin: Pre-paying online during booking saves $5–$15 versus airport-side payment.
Network operator — basic economy: Basic-economy bundles strip out overhead carry-on; only a personal item under the seat is free.
Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC): Pricing escalates closer to departure. Cheapest at booking, more during online check-in, most expensive at the airport gate.
Long-haul international economy: Premium-economy and business fares typically include 2–3 free checked bags. International rules vary by operator.
Hybrid leisure operator: Bundle structures vary widely; the partner's checkout total is the authoritative number.
Where the almanac stops and the partner takes over. The patterns above are illustrative averages from publicly available sources. Bag pricing changes frequently and is operator-specific within each category. The authoritative source for the bag rules on your specific itinerary is the comparison-search partner's checkout page at the moment you book.