Hi,

I'm not seeming to find the answer on the airline websites, so I'm hoping you all will help me out. I've traveled recently, but usually carry-on.

I'm leaving for a 10 day trip in a few weeks. We're flying American Airlines there, and (edited) United Airlines back.

We need to check one bag, and I think it should just be $25 each way. But my mom heard somewhere that you need to pre-sign up for a checked bag online, or else it's like $100 if you just show up with a checked bag at the airport. Is this true?

If so, I can't find WHERE to sign up our checked bag. I booked the flights using credit card miles but there was no place to put "I will be checking a bag" on the website.

Thank you all!

Edited: I accidentally said Delta back when I meant United.

American: http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...ce.jsp#charges

Delta: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...p/checked.html

Thanks for that info, but I know that much.

I just wanted to know if you have to tell someone you're checking a bag BEFORE you get to the airport? Or do you just show up at the airport, and say "Here's my bag and $25."

(basically is there any truth to my mom telling me that it's $100 if you don't pre-register that you're checking a bag?)

It may be the case on some carriers--I've seen it on low cost carriers in Asia, for instance--but I personally have never encountered anything like that on these two airlines (or any other major US carriers). The links provided to their baggage policies spell it out pretty clearly.

I believe your mom is referring to Spirit Airlines which is notorious for having outrageous fees. The legacy carriers (Delta, AA etc.) do not charge extra if you don't "pre-register" (yet).

Where are you flying? Some international destinations charge more.

Iowa to NYC, and Richmond to Iowa. So all US travel.

Thanks, I'm sure that's it. I couldn't find anywhere that said extra baggage fees or "pre-register" baggage on the websites. I just wanted to make sure there were no hidden charges that were going to come back to bite me in the ....

I lied everyone. I just realized I typed Delta for the return trip and it's United.

So American to NYC, and United back from Richmond.

I assume United doesn't have the crazy baggage fees either?

No it is not true. However airport will cost you more than $25, I believe $30

Huh?

AA and UA both charge $25 for first bags on domestic flights.

If the OP is flying in First, at least one bag is free, and probably two.

Aww, First class? You're funny! ;-) I wish.

So everyone, we have a consensus right? I just show up with my checked bag both at American and United, the morning of my flight, and pay $25. No pre-baggage check in required.

People make life difficult on themselves. This stuff is published in plain English on the website for each of the two carriers. Why not check there?

Answer could not be more clear: $25 for first bag. End of story.

United
http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/trav...edBaggage.aspx

American
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...e.jsp#!charges