Paying for checked bags can feel like a scam sometimes. Either you're slapped with a last-minute fee or you become a victim of the airlines' inconsistent fee structures. It could be as sneaky as the 70% airfare hike for solo travelers . It was a big disappointment among frequent flyers when Southwest Airlines ended its free checked bag policy ahead of the summer.

But there are still many ways to avoid paying for checked bags. You might even be unaware that you have access to them. You can easily get free checked bags, whether from airline rewards programs, special benefits, or mere packing hacks. There are more than a few ways you can skip all fees for checked bags.

Book With An Airline Credit Card

Variety of airline credit cards

Free checked bags are a common perk when booking y

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