Many airline credit cards offer free checked bags to cardholders. However, the details vary a lot by airline. Are international flights included? How about the bags of companions on the same reservation? Do you have to pay for the flight with the airline credit card? Find answers about free checked bags via credit card below…
This post has been updated since last publication with strategy recommendations; more details about free checked bags on AA international flights; and more information about eligible credit cards.
General Info, Common Across Credit Cards
In all cases that I’ve found, baggage fee waivers are only for normal bag fees and do not include oversized bags or pets. Most credit cards allow a maximum of 1 free checked bag per person, but usually cover a free bag for at least one companion as well. Additionally, when you get free bags through other means (such as elite status), the baggage allowance is not cumulative. In other words, if your elite status allows 2 checked bags, you do not get 3 free checked bags. One exception is with the Hawaiian Airlines card which gives elite members one additional free checked bag. In all cases, free checked bags are available only to primary cardholders. Those with authorized user cards do not get this benefit.
Strategy for getting free checked bags
If you have a flight coming up where you plan to check bags, it can make sense to apply for an airline credit card to save some money. Ideally, you would be eligible for both a big welcome bonus and free checked bags for your flight. This strategy can be especially beneficial when traveling with a family since one card may cover a free checked bag for everyone traveling together (depending upon how many are traveling). For example, Delta Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards offer free checked bags for the cardholder plus up to 8 companions traveling together. That can amount to huge savings.
The combination of checked bag savings and the value of points earned from a welcome bonus should easily make up for the airline card’s first year annual fee. When the second year annual fee comes due, if you don’t have a near term need for the card’s benefits, you can either cancel the card or, better yet, in some cases you can downgrade to a fee-free card which doesn’t offer free checked bags. Then, when you fly that airline again in the future, you may be able to upgrade before the flight in order to avoid paying for checked bags again. In that case, you’ll usually pay a prorated annual fee for the card.
Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Comparison Chart
| AA | Delta | United | Alaska | JetBlue | Hawaiian | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Must pay with card to get free bag? | No | No | Yes5 | Yes | No1 | Yes6 |
| Max # companions that get free first bag | 4 or 82 | 8 | 1 or 23 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Free bags on international flights? | No4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| # of days before flight that loyalty number must be attached to reservation | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
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Alaska Airlines
Summary Info
- Eligible credit cards: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, Alaska Airlines Visa Business, and Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard.
- Prerequisites: Airfare must be purchased with your card and your Mileage Plan number must be on the reservation to qualify for this benefit. With Canadian credit cards, the primary cardholder must be traveling. With US-based credit cards, an eligible primary cardholder, authorized user or co-applicant of the card must be traveling to qualify for the first checked bag free benefit.
- Eligible flights:If you’re flying on Alaska Airlines operated and ticketed flights, including flights operated for Alaska by Horizon, SkyWest, or PenAir (AS 001-999, 1000-1999, 2000-2999, 3300-3499), you are eligible for the first checked bag free benefit. If your flight connects to or from another airline, standard baggage fees will apply.
- Other restrictions: For reservations made with group booking codes or through the group desk, only primary cardholders will receive the free checked bag.
- Official info: Alaska Airlines FAQ – First checked bag free benefit.
Alaska Credit Card Offers
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
60K miles + Companion Fare 65k miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 3 months$95 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ⚬ 2x gas, EV charging, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases ⚬ 1X elsewhere Card Type: Visa Signature Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation ⚬ Priority Boarding ⚬ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA account |
50K miles + Companion Fare 50K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 3 months$95 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 70K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 4/23] FM Mini Review: Alaska miles are quite valuable so this offer is better than it appears Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ⚬ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ⚬ 1X elsewhere Card Type: Visa Big spend bonus: $121 companion pass every year after $6K spend. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free first checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation ⚬ 10% bonus on earned miles with eligible BOA business account |
American Airlines
Summary Info
- Eligible credit cards: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (8 companions), Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card (4 companions), CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card (4 companions), AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard (8 companions), AAdvantage Aviator Red MasterCard (4 companions), AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard (4 companions)
- Prerequisites:
Account must be open 7 days prior to air travel AND Reservation must include the primary cardmember’s AAdvantage number 7 days prior to air travel. Despite these terms, a reader reports signing up for a card the day before his flight while in the process of checking in online and he immediately received the free bag benefit. - Eligible flights: domestic itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines, or on itineraries marketed by American Airlines and operated as American Eagle® flights by Envoy Air Inc., Republic Airways Inc., SkyWest Airlines, Inc., Mesa Airlines, Inc., PSA Airlines, Inc., or Piedmont Airlines, Inc. All flights on the itinerary must be domestic flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle. This benefit will not be available for travel on codeshare flights booked with an American Airlines flight number but operated by another airline.
- Official info: AA Checked Bag Policy.
Free checked bags on AA international flights
The AA credit card free checked bag benefit is limited to domestic American Airlines operated itineraries. This is not as bad as it sounds. Even without an AA credit card, AA automatically allows a free checked bag for each passenger for most international flights as long as you’re not flying Basic Economy. Here are the flight destinations where AA offers a free checked bag:
- All Transatlantic Flights (e.g. flights between North America and Europe, Africa, or the Middle East)
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Hong Kong
- India
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- South Korea
- Uruguay
If you are flying AA on an international flight that is not listed above, then you will have to pay for checked bags even if you are a cardholder.
AA Credit Card Offers
All current AA credit card offers are shown below. Please note that the AAdvantage MileUp Card, which has no annual fee, does not provide free checked bags.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Up to 75K Miles Up to 75K miles: 60k miles after 1st purchase & paying annual fee within 90 days + 15K miles after adding an AU and making a purchase within 90 days$99 Annual Fee Earning rate: 2X AA ⚬ 1X everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Big spend bonus: Earn $99 + tax domestic companion certificate with $20K membership year spend. Noteworthy perks: First checked bag free ⚬ Preferred boarding for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions traveling on the same reservation ⚬ 25% off in-flight purchases ⚬ $25 wifi credit per membership year ⚬ Flight cents: round up purchases to earn more miles |
60K Miles 60K miles after $3,000 spend in first 3 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for a great signup bonus. Plus it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) Earning rate: 2X restaurants ⚬ 2X gas ⚬ 2X AA Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Big spend bonus: $125 AA Flight Discount with $20K membership year spend Noteworthy perks: ⚬ First checked bag free ⚬ Priority Boarding ⚬ Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases |
10K miles + $50 Earn 10K AA miles + $50 statement credit after $500 spend in 3 monthsNo Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Not bad for grocery spend if you highly value AA miles Earning rate: 2X grocery ⚬ 2X AA ⚬ 1X everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Noteworthy perks: Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases |
65K miles 65K after $4K spend in first 4 months$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card usually has a great signup bonus, but if you're looking for a card to keep long term, you'll find better options. Earning rate: ⚬ 2X AA ⚬ 2X certain telecommunications merchants ⚬ 2X car rental merchants ⚬ 2X gas Card Type: Mastercard World Big spend bonus: Earn $99 plus taxes domestic companion certificate after $30K spend Noteworthy perks: ⚬ First checked bag free ⚬ Priority Boarding ⚬ Save 25% on inflight purchases |
70K miles 70K miles after $7,000 spend in first 3 months$595 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: Good choice for those who need Admirals Club access and those who value the Loyalty Points boosts at 50K and 90K Loyalty Points earned. Plus, it offers the usual collection of perks for flying AA (free checked bag, priority boarding, etc.) and some handy credits for Avis or Budget rentals and GrubHub. Earning rate: 4X AA ⚬ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ⚬ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ⚬ 1X everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Noteworthy perks: ⚬ First Checked Bag Free ⚬ Admirals Club® access for both primary and authorized users ⚬ Up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year for car rentals booked directly with Avis or Budget ⚬ Up to $120 per 12 monthly billing cycles for GrubHub purchases (up to $10 per monthly billing cycle) ⚬ $10 monthly Lyft credit after you take 3 Lyft rides that calendar month ⚬ 10K bonus Loyaty Points after earning 50K Loyalty points through all channels and another 10K bonus Loyalty Points after earning 90K Loyalty Points through all channels ⚬ 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights ⚬ Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit |
Delta
Summary Info
- Eligible credit cards: Delta SkyMiles Gold, Delta SkyMiles Gold Business, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business.
- Prerequisites: New Card Members and Card Members upgrading from another Delta SkyMiles Credit Card product will be eligible for the checked baggage fee waiver benefit after receiving their Card from American Express.
- Eligible flights: Delta or Delta Connection when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Codeshare flights are not eligible.
- Other restrictions: N/A
- Official info: First Checked Bag Free.
Delta Credit Card Offers
All current Delta credit card offers are shown below. Please note that the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card, which has no annual fee, does not provide free checked bags.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Limited Time Offer: Up to 100k miles 90k after $8k spend in first 6 months, plus an additional 10k miles after an eligible Delta purchase within the first 6 months. Offer ends 10/25/23. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)$250 Annual Fee Recent better offer: 95K after $4K in first 3 months [Expired 3-29-23] FM Mini Review: Good choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of annual companion certificate Earning rate: 3X Delta ⚬ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ⚬ 1.5X on purchases of $5K or more (max 50K extra miles per year) Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: Spend $25,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year and earn 10,000 Medallion(R) Qualification Miles (MQMs); spend a total of $50,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year and earn an additional 10,000 MQMs (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Medallion Qualifying Dollar waiver up to Platinum status with $25K spend across one or more Delta cards or $250K spend for Diamond status (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Terms and limitations apply. Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Domestic economy companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) each year upon card renewal ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ First checked bag free on Delta flights ⚬ Terms and Limitations Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
50K miles 50K miles after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$250 Annual Fee Recent better offer: 85K after $4K spending in first 6 months [Expired 8/2/23] FM Mini Review: Good choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of annual companion certificate Earning rate: 3X Delta ⚬ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ⚬ 2X restaurants ⚬ 2X US Supermarkets Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: Spend $25,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year and earn 10,000 Medallion(R) Qualification Miles (MQMs); spend a total of $50,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year and earn an additional 10,000 MQMs (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Medallion Qualifying Dollar waiver up to Platinum status with $25K spend across one or more Delta cards or $250K spend for Diamond status (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Terms and limitations apply. spend across one or more Delta cards (or $250K spend for Diamond status) ⚬ Terms apply. Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Domestic economy companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) each year upon card renewal ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ First checked bag free on Delta flights ⚬ Terms and Limitations Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Limited Time Offer: Up to 110k miles 100k after $12k spend in first 6 months, plus an additional 10k miles after an eligible Delta purchase within the first 6 months. Offer ends 10/25/23. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$550 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 8/2/23: 100K after spending $6K in first 3 months FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of SkyClub access and companion certificate. Also a good choice for big spenders seeking Delta elite status. Earning rate: 3X Delta ⚬ 1.5X on all eligible purchases per calendar year after spending $150K Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: Earn 15K MQMs (towards elite status) after $30K spend up to four times per year (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Medallion Qualifying Dollar waiver up to Platinum status with $25K spend across one or more Delta cards or $250K spend for Diamond status (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ After you spend $150K in a calendar year, earn 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible purchases for the rest of the year (excludes Delta purchases after you meet the $150K requirement) ⚬ Terms and limitations apply. Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Domestic economy or first class companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) after card renewal ⚬ SkyClub access (starting 2/1/25, 10 visits per year or unlimited visits after spending $75K/calendar year on the card) ⚬ 2 Delta SkyClub one-time guest passes ⚬ Centurion Lounge access when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve card ⚬ Complimentary upgrades ⚬ $100 Global Entry fee credit every 4 years (or 4.5 years for TSA Precheck) ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ First checked bag free on Delta flights. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) See also: Delta Reserve complete guide |
60K Miles 60K miles after $5K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$550 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 8/2/23: 85K after spending $6K in first 6 months FM Mini Review: Excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers who can make use of SkyClub access and companion certificate. Also a good choice for big spenders seeking Delta elite status. Earning rate: 3X Delta Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to four times per year (ends 1/1/24) ⚬ Complimentary upgrades ⚬ $100 Global Entry fee credit every 4 years (or 4.5 years for TSA Precheck) ⚬ Medallion Qualifying Dollar waiver (up to Platinum status) with $25K (ends 1/1/24) spend across one or more Delta cards (or $250K spend for Diamond status) ⚬ Terms apply. Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Domestic economy or first class companion certificate (subject to taxes & fees) after card renewal ⚬ SkyClub access (starting 2/1/25, 10 visits per year or unlimited visits after spending $75K/calendar year on the card) ⚬ 2 Delta SkyClub one-time guest passes ⚬ Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta ⚬ Complimentary upgrades ⚬ One statement credit every 4 years for the $100 Global Entry application fee or one statement credit every 4.5 years for the $85 TSA Precheck application fee ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ First checked bag free on Delta flights. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) See also: Delta Reserve complete guide |
Limited Time Offer: Up to 80k miles 75k after $6k spend in first 6 months, plus an additional 5k miles after an eligible Delta purchase within the first 6 months. Offer ends 10/25/23. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Recent better offer: 75K after $2K spend in first 3 months [Expired 3/29/23] FM Mini Review: Priority boarding and first checked bag free make this a reasonably good option for Delta flyers who do not have elite status. However, those who can make use of an annual companion certificate would do better with the Delta Platinum card. Earning rate: 2X Delta ⚬ 2X restaurants ⚬ 2X U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and U.S. shipping purchases (capped at $50k per year starting 1/1/24) Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: $100 Delta flight credit after $10K in purchases in a calendar year Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Priority boarding, and first checked bag free on Delta flights. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) |
40K miles 40K miles after $2K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 Recent better offer: 70K after $2K spending in first 3 months [Expired 3/30/23] FM Mini Review: Priority boarding, and free checked bag make this a reasonably good option for Delta flyers who do not have elite status. However, those who can make use of an annual companion certificate would do better with the Delta Platinum card. Earning rate: 2X Delta ⚬ 2x restaurants worldwide ⚬ 2x US supermarkets Card Type: Amex Credit Card Big spend bonus: $100 Delta flight credit after $10K in purchases in a calendar year Noteworthy perks: 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) ⚬ Priority boarding and first checked bag free on Delta flights. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) |
10K miles 10K miles after $1000 spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)No Annual Fee Note an unusual restriction: Welcome bonus not available if you've had another Delta consumer card in the past 90 days. FM Mini Review: This card offers an OK welcome offer for a no-fee card, but many/most other cards offer better return for spend. Earning rate: 2X restaurants worldwide ⚬ 2X Delta ⚬ 1X on all other eligible purchases Card Type: Amex Credit Card Noteworthy perks: 20% statement credit on in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and headsets Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Hawaiian
Summary Info
The Hawaiian Airlines consumer card from Barclays now offers 2 free checked bags, but only to the primary cardholder. Companions on the same ticket do not get free checked bags.
- Eligible credit cards: The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite MasterCard® issued by Barclays (the Hawaiian business card does not offer free checked bags)
- Prerequisites: Must book directly through Hawaiian Airlines and must pay with your Hawaiian Airlines card.
- Eligible flights: This is only for travel between North America and Hawaii and between Neighbor Islands (interisland). International flights are excluded. Offer is not valid on codeshare flight segments operated by Hawaiian Airlines and marketed by other airline partners.
- Other restrictions: N/A
- Official info: Click here and scroll down to the section titled “Baggage Fee Waiver”
Hawaiian Credit Card Offers
All current Hawaiian Airlines credit card offers are shown below. Please note that the business card does not provide free checked bags.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Up to 70K miles 60K Miles after $2K spend in 90 days plus 10K miles after adding and making one purchase on an employee card, both within 90 days$99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 9/11/22: 80K + $99 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ⚬ 2x gas, dining, and office supply stores ⚬ 1x everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Big spend bonus: Earn up to 40,000 annual bonus miles — 20k miles with $50-$99k annual spend or 40k miles with $100k or more annual spend; Noteworthy perks: One-time 50% off a companion discount on roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines |
70K Miles 70K points after one purchase in first 90 days by entering any 6 digit code (such as 123456)$99 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Earning rate: 3X Hawaiian Airlines ⚬ 2x gas, dining, and grocery stores ⚬ 1x everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Noteworthy perks: Two free checked bags when flight is booked through Hawaiian Airlines ⚬ One time 50% off companion ticket ⚬ $100 off a companion ticket for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines at each account anniversary |
JetBlue
Summary Info
- Eligible credit cards: JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card.
- Prerequisites: All ticket purchases (original and exchanges) must be made with the JetBlue Plus MasterCard Account and the cardmember’s TrueBlue member number must be entered at the time of booking. Additionally, the account must be open 7 days prior to air travel AND, reservation must include the primary cardmember’s TrueBlue member number 7 days prior to air travel. Update: Readers have reported that the previous sentence is not true in practice. In their experience, the bag waiver becomes available immediately upon approval of the card and you do not have to pay for your flight with the card.
- Eligible flights: All JetBlue operated flights. Not available for travel on codeshare flights booked with a JetBlue flight number but operated by another airline.
- Other restrictions: Perk only applies to “Blue” fares (since other fares include free checked bags)
- Official info: Click here and scroll down to the section titled “Free First Checked Bag”
JetBlue Credit Card Offers
All current JetBlue credit card offers are shown below. Please note that the JetBlue Card, which has no annual fee, does not provide free checked bags.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
75K Miles 5K miles after being approved plus earn 70K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee (Use any 5 digit number for promo code)$99 Annual Fee Recent better offer: Expired 9/22: 80K after $1K spend in 90 days FM Mini Review: Frequent JetBlue travelers should seriously consider this card for its terrific perks. The combination of the 10% rebate on awards and the annual 5,000 point bonus make this card a keeper. Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ⚬ 6X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard World Elite Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free checked bag ⚬ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ⚬ 10% point rebate on awards ⚬ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ⚬ 50% savings on in-flight purchases |
Up to 75K Miles Up to 75K miles: 60K bonus miles after spending $5K in first 90 days + additional 15K miles after $15K in purchases in first 12 months$99 Annual Fee FM Mini Review: This card is almost identical to the JetBlue Plus card except that this one earns 2X at office supply stores rather than grocery stores. Both cards are great choices for JetBlue flyers. Earning rate: ⚬ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ⚬ 6X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else Card Type: Mastercard Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Free checked bag ⚬ 5000 bonus points every anniversary ⚬ 10% point rebate on awards ⚬ $100 statement credit w/ purchase of travel package ⚬ 50% savings on in-flight purchases |
15K miles 15K after $1K spend in 90 daysNo Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: Not bad for a fee-free airline card. Earning rate: ⚬ 2X restaurants and grocery ⚬ 3X JetBlue ⚬ 1X everywhere else⚬ Card Type: Mastercard World Big spend bonus: Earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in purchases. Noteworthy perks: 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases including cocktails, food and movies. |
United Airlines
Summary Info
- Credit cards eligible for 1 checked bag: United Explorer Card, United Business Card, United Explorer Business Card (no longer available).
- Credit cards eligible for 2 checked bags: United Quest Card, United Club Infinite Card, United Club Business Card, United Club Card (no longer available new), Presidential Plus Card (no longer available new), and Presidential Plus Business Card (no longer available new).
- Prerequisites:
- The primary cardmember must Include their MileagePlus number in the reservation and purchase the tickets with their United MileagePlus Chase Card.
- The requirement of purchasing tickets with your card does not apply to new cardmembers traveling on flights within the first 90 days of the account open date. In other words, new cardmembers get the free checked bag benefit for 90 days even for flights that were not paid for with their United card.
- Some readers have reported success getting free checked bags even without paying for the flight with their United credit card by haggling at the check-in counter, but others have reported the opposite.
- The Primary Cardmember may use miles to book award travel on United-operated flights, as long as they pay for their award ticket taxes and service charges with their qualifying Card (or are within 90 days of opening a new United card) and include their MileagePlus account number in their reservation.
- The primary cardmember must Include their MileagePlus number in the reservation and purchase the tickets with their United MileagePlus Chase Card.
- Eligible flights: United- and United Express®-operated flights
- Other restrictions: Unpublished fares, such as those purchased on priceline.com and Hotwire, are not eligible.
- See also: How to get free checked bags on United flights booked with partner miles.
- Official info: Free checked bags for United Cardmembers
United Credit Card Offers
All current United credit card offers are shown below. Please note that the United Gateway Card, which has no annual fee, does not provide free checked bags.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
50K Miles 50K miles after $3K spend in first 3 months.$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 You are not eligible for the bonus if you have received the bonus on this card within the past 24 months. Please note that the United EXPLORER Business card (no longer available) is a different product and does not affect your ability to get the bonus on this card. Recent better offer: Expired 11/9/22: 150K (75K after $5K spend in 3 months and another 75K after $20K total spend in six months) FM Mini Review: Decent perks such as enhanced access to United saver level economy awards makes this a keeper for some. Earning rate: 2X at restaurants including eligible delivery services , gas stations, and office supply stores ⚬ 2X United ⚬ 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxicabs, mass transit, tolls, and ride share services Card Type: Visa Signature Big spend bonus: $100 annual United travel credit after 7 United flight purchases greater than $100 Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Improved economy saver award availability ⚬ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets ⚬ Free first checked bag ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ No foreign exchange fees ⚬ 2 United Club passes per year at anniversary ⚬ Free DashPass for one year (must activate by 12/31/24) ⚬ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ⚬ 5,000 bonus miles at anniversary when you have this card and also a personal Chase United credit card. ⚬ 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases |
80K Miles 80k miles after $5k spend in first 3 months$525 Annual Fee This card is available to you if you do not have any United Club card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for any United Club card in the past 24 months. Recent better offer: Expired 1/27/23: 100K after $5K spend FM Mini Review: While pricey, the Chase United Club Infinite Card is a great choice for those who want a United club membership and other perks like a 10% discount on saver awards. . Earning rate: ⚬ 4X United ⚬ 2X dining & travel Card Type: Visa Signature Big spend bonus: Earn up to 8,000 PQPs per year: 500 PQPs per $12K spend Noteworthy perks: ⚬ United Club membership ⚬ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets, including companions on the same reservation ⚬ 10% discount on saver level economy awards within the continental US and Canada ⚬ $75 in statement credits for IHG® Hotels purchases charged to your card in 2023 ⚬ Up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or Nexus fee credit ⚬ Priority check-in, security screening, baggage handling, and boarding ⚬ Free 1st and 2nd checked bags ⚬ Hertz President's Circle Elite Status ⚬ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ⚬ $10 monthly GoPuff credit (through 12/31/23) |
75K Miles 50K miles after $3K spend in first 3 months.$450 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: While pricey, the Chase United MileagePlus® Club Business Card is a great choice for those who want a United club membership Earning rate: ⚬ 2X United ⚬ 1.5X everywhere else Card Type: Visa Signature Noteworthy perks: United Club membership ⚬ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets ⚬ Priority check-in, security screening, baggage handling, and boarding ⚬ Get one year of complimentary Dash Pass (Must activate by 12/31/24) ⚬ Free 1st and 2nd checked bags ⚬ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ⚬ Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President's Circle® |
60K miles 60K miles after $3K spend in 3 months.$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 70K after $3K spend FM Mini Review: Decent perks such as enhanced access to United saver level economy awards makes this a keeper for some. Earning rate: 2X United ⚬ 2X restaurants ⚬ 2X on hotel stays Card Type: Visa Signature Noteworthy perks: ⚬ Improved economy saver award availability ⚬ Free first checked bag for primary cardholder and one travel companion when you pay with the card ⚬ Unlocks complimentary elite upgrades on award tickets ⚬ Priority boarding ⚬ No foreign exchange fees ⚬ 2 United Club passes per year ⚬ One year of complimentary Dash Pass (Must activate by 12/31/24) ⚬ Primary auto rental collision damage waiver ⚬ Up to $100 Global Entry,TSA Pre-check or Nexus credit ⚬ 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card ⚬ $10 monthly GoPuff credit (through 12/31/23) |
60K Miles + 500 PQPs 60k miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months $250 Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Earning rate: 3X United ⚬ 2X restaurants including eligible delivery services ⚬ 2X on all other travel ⚬ 2X select streaming Card Type: Visa Signature Big spend bonus: Earn up to 6,000 PQPs per year: 500 PQPs per $12K spend Noteworthy perks: Up to $125 in statement credits for United purchases each cardmember year ⚬ First and second checked bag free for cardholder and one companion when you purchase your tickets with the card and include your Mileage Plus number ⚬ Two 5K award flight rebates per cardmember year (5K miles back when you book first 2 award tickets each anniversary year) ⚬ $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexuas reimbursement ⚬ 25% back on United inflight or Club Premium drink purchases ⚬ $10 monthly GoPuff credit (through 12/31/23) |
20K Miles 20K miles after $1K spend in first 3 monthsNo Annual Fee This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 30K after $1K spend Earning rate: 2X United ⚬ 2X gas stations ⚬ 2X local transit and commuting Card Type: Visa Signature Noteworthy perks: Improved economy saver award availability (only when downgraded from a card with an annual fee) ⚬ No foreign exchange fees ⚬ 25% back on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases |
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[…] In case you were wondering about free bags with plastic: Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide. […]
Thank you for clearly showing the aa policy on checked bags with the cc. Was quite a surprise a few years back checking a bag to Aruba and being told that a fee was required. I questioned the rep about having the cc. Told me only on domestic flights-we get this alot.
so if i want to book a united flight with aeroplan points, is there any way i can get a free checked bag based on my Chase United card?
No.
Rule #1: NEVER check bags
I know a lot of frequent travelers live by that mantra, but it’s not realistic in my household. My wife would never travel carry on only by herself, never mind with all the stuff we also need for the kids. When I travel by myself, I rarely ever check a back. When I travel with my wife / family, we’ve never not checked a bag.
In almost 20 years of traveling together, the airline has only once ever lost a bag on us (and it was a drawstring bag we checked with sunscreen in it, I wasn’t exactly surprised it didn’t make it home lol). Actually, they also misplaced a gate-checked stroller on us, but I’m not counting that since even if you’re team carry on only, you may have to gate check something and as that proves, your carry on stuff can still get lost.
So anyway, my point is that we don’t all live by that mantra.
Alaska website says airfare must be purchased with credit card for free checked bag.
That baby would fit in that bag. Not suggesting you do it.
That was my son. Pretty sure we also got a pic of him in it 🙂
For Alaska card holders — Are Saver (basic economy) fares eligible for the free checked bag? I still won’t get a carry-on in cabin, right? I only get a small personal item in cabin?
It was for me to Hawaii. Both people on the reservation got luggage.
AA is the most variable on CC free bags. We have been charged for bags when another family member paid for our tickets. They have the Citi AA Platinum CC and so do we. They charged our tickets on their card. This has happened twice. Agents at check-in, stated the computer said no free bags. I even wrote AA and they agreed that we should not have been charged. They said they would refund and we received not a cent back.
We now avoid AA like the plague
Never mind…
If I have Alaska CC and book a AS flight with Avios, paying taxes with CC, can I get a free bag? There’s some flyertalk threads indicating yes, but it’s unclear.
You should get a free bag even if you don’t pay taxes with the CC. Just make sure your Alaska MilagePlan number gets attached to the booking.
3 of the 4 biggest airlines offer free bag for international flights via credit card. American needs to up their game.
Are bag(s) included free for United cardholders paying with United TravelBank?
Good question. Does anyone have experience with this?
Actually, I found a comment from much earlier that said they did have to pay for bags when using travelbank funds.
Thanks. I’ll try partial TravelBank and partial United card.
Hi Eric. Did you get free checked bags by doing the suggested partial payment method of putting say $10 dollars on the eligible United card and the rest with TravelBank? Your DP would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Hi MichaelB,
I’ve purchased two United flights with TravelBank since my last post 8 months ago, but I ended up choosing “Business/First” for both. Since that includes bags, I haven’t tried the split payment. But I still plan to, my next United economy flight.
I’ve tried the split payment and my itinerary shows me getting 2 free baggage based on my club card.
Does JetBlue points pooling member (without JetBlue credit card) get free checked bag if leader does have JetBlue credit card?
No, I don’t think so
No they dont, tried that a few weeks ago.
[…] 10. Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide […]
[…] 7. Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide […]
[…] 8. Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide […]
[…] Helpful post, especially if you fly and a carry on just will not do so you gotta check bags: Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide. […]
Partial payment with a United credit card (in addition to e.g. travel certificates) also gets free checked bag.
Maybe the article can include a blurb about Southwest’s policy. Casual travelers aren’t the target audience here, but people who don’t typically book on Southwest sometimes aren’t aware they still have their awesome policy.
Good idea!
I recognize this is a different (though similar) topic, but it would not hurt my feelings if the rules for United Basic Economy carry-on fee waiver was included in this guide. I think all the rest allow carry-on for BE without needing a CC.
Good idea.
I signed up for the AA Platinum Select Card the day before my flight (during online check-in), got the free checked bag benefit then and there.
Great datapoint. Thanks! I’ve updated the AA section.
Just did the same during check in today and was approved for the card for my flight tomorrow. Linked it to my AAdvantage account and was not given the free checked bag.
On JetBlue I paid taxes with Ritz Carlton CC on award ticket and bags ware free. Several times.
Same. Didn’t have to pay using JetBlue CC to get bag fee waiver. Also bag fee waiver showed same day as approval.
That’s awesome news @Mriusz and @Victor. Thanks for sharing! I’ve updated the guide accordingly.
Same here, I did not have to pay via Jetblue card and the automatic free baggage showed.
So no freebie on JetBlue if paying with points…
You should be ok if you pay the award taxes & fees with your card
B6 do not enforce use of their own cc. Just need to be a cardholder and have your trueblue number entered
“Note that some readers have reported success getting free checked bags even without paying for the flight with their United credit card. No promises though!”
Not this reader! Used United travel bank funds and had to pay $35 out of pocket. For that reason, I would take that tidbit out of the article.
Thanks for that info. I’ve updated that section.
Sorry if I missed this somewhere, but I can’t find where Canada is explicitly mentioned for AA (here or on the AA website). Does the free bag benefit apply to Canada?
Along with JC1 I’m not a fan of the Caribbean being excluded. Bummer when you first find this out.
Thank You!
That was hard to find! It turns out that Canada is considered domestic so it does apply. You can find their baggage region definitions here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/baggage-regions.jsp
AA domestic includes: Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands
Awesome thank you Greg!
The glaring issue is that American Airlines does not offer free bags to the Caribbean or Mexico and many of their cardholders travel there so they wind up paying fees. I can’t tell you how many times I have had friends and family travel with American to these destinations and because they are a cardholder think they will get a free bag and are so upset with American after their trip because it cost an extra $120 in baggage fees (1 bag per person roundtrip). They tell me if they had known that they would have flown another airline that was less expensive.
This is a major issue for American Airlines cardholders because the benefit is marketed as a free bag in almost all literature and even on the PA announcements onboard but it really is just for domestic flights. No other airline card has these restrictions that I am aware of that offers a complimentary bag.
Agreed. Especially since the bag fees they charge are the same as domestic flights. I’m based in Mexico City and have actively avoided booking American because of this.
Yep, they got me too. I signed up for an AA credit card to avoid baggage fees for my trip to Belize only to find out it was not included for that destination
I could have used this reminder article sooner. For the last 3 United award tickets I have booked since acquiring the United Biz card, I misunderstood the rules. My thought is if it is that easy to screw it up, perhaps I should just cancel. Grhhh!
For ‘Must pay with card to get free bag’, this includes award flights too, correct?
Yes. Pay for the taxes and fees with the credit card and you should be good to go.