Since South West Airlines took to the skies, low cost airlines have become extremely popular with North American travellers looking to save on flights.
However, these airlines often come with complicated fees, expensive penalties and complex regulations.
As all airlines are different it can make travel stressful for even the most frequent flyer.
You’ll find the weight of hand luggage, price of priority boarding and even charges for unaccompanied minors vary depending upon which airline you choose to fly with.
Many low cost airlines enforce hefty charges if you fail to follow their policies. Did you know that you can be charged up to $75 per piece of overweight baggage? Even choosing to book your flight by phone can lead to extra charges, with some low cost airlines charging up to $9 per reservation.
These extra charges mean you could end up spending a lot more on that cut-price flight than you bargained for. So being aware of the fees and charges enforced by low cost operators in the US, Canada and Mexico before you fly is extremely important.
Whether you’re flying to San Francisco, Toronto, or Mexico City, follow this handy guide to avoid these charges and discover more about how to travel low cost on airlines in North America. Then take a look at our guides to travelling low cost in Europe and Asia.
Upgrade your flights
Travel on low cost airlines in North America doesn’t have to be basic. Take a look at our guide to upgrading the service you receive on low cost flights across the continent and in the rest of the world.
Travel rules with North America’s low cost airlines
| Airline | Booking, Admin & Card Fees | Hand Luggage | Hold Luggage | Baggage Extras | Baggage Fees & Penalties | Extras on Board | Fees & Penalties | Other Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | ||||||||
| AirTran Airways | Call centre booking fee: $15 Online booking fee: Free of charge | Allowance: 1 personal item plus 1 carry-on bag Weight: No restrictions Dimensions (cm): 60 x 40 x 25 Cost: Free of charge | Allowance: up to 2 checked items Weight: 50lbs (23kg) or less Dimensions: 62 inches (157cm) or smaller Cost: 1st checked-in bag - $25 2nd checked-in bag - $35 (Fee is waived for Business Class customers, A+ Rewards Elite members and Active Duty Military personnel) | Check in additional baggage: (2nd checked bag) Weight: 50lbs (23kg) or less Dimensions: 62 inches (157cm) or smaller Cost: $35 | Overweight Baggage: 51-100lbs (23-45kg): $75 (Fee is waived for Active Duty Military Personnel) Oversized Baggage: 63-80 inches (160-203cm): $75 (Fee is waived for Active Duty Military Personnel) Excess Baggage: $75 per item (Fee is waived for Active Duty Military Personnel) | Priority boarding: $10 per passenger Business class upgrades: $69-$139 (dependent upon length of flight) | Changes made before 20/08/13 fee: $75 per passenger Changes made on or after 20/08/13: $150 per passenger Flight change fee: $75 per passenger plus any increase in airfare Same-day changes (at airport): $50 Cancellation fee before 20/08/13: $75 per passenger Cancellation fee on or after 20/08/13: $150 per passenger | Sports Equipment: Bicycles - $75 each way Other sports equipment - standard oversize/ overweight fees apply Unaccompanied minor fee: $50 one-way per child on nonstop and direct flights Transportation of pets: $75 |
| Allegiant Air | Call Centre booking fee: $14.99 | Allowance: 1 personal item plus 1 carry-on bag Dimensions (cm): Personal item – 17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 Carry-on bag – 22.9 x 35.6 x 40.6 Weight: up to 25lbs (11.34kg) Cost: Personal item – Free of charge Carry-on bag - $10-$75, dependent upon date of purchase | Allowance: up to 5 pieces of baggage Weight: up to 40lbs (18kg) each Dimensions: up to 80 (203cm) linear inches Cost: $14.99-$100 | Check-in additional baggage (dependent upon route and method of payment): 1st bag – $14.99-$50 2nd bag - $14.99-$50 3rd bag – $50-$100 4th bag – $50-$100 | Overweight Baggage: $5 per kg Overweight Baggage: 41-70lbs (18.6kg-31.8kg) - +$50 71-100lbs (32.2kg-45.4kg) - +$75 Oversized Baggage: $75 (height + width + depth in excess of 80 linear inches (203.2cm)) Bags checked-in at gate: up to $75 Oversized personal baggage, oversized and excess carry-on baggage: $35-$75 | Priority boarding: $5 Seat Selection: $0 - $75 | Flight Change: $50-$75 per person, per segment Name Change: $50-$75 per person Cancellation fee within 24 hours of booking: Free of charge Cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure before 30/10/13: $50 per person Cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure on or after 30/10/13: $75 per person | Transportation of pets (in-cabin): $100 Electronic Carrier usage charge: $10 per passenger Unaccompanied minor fee: N/A |
| Frontier Airlines | ||||||||
| JetBlue Airways | Reservation fee (phone/in person): $25 Reservation fee (online): Free of charge | Allowance: 1 personal item plus one carry-on bag Weight: Dimensions (cm): 45.72 x 38.1 x 20.32 Cost: Free of charge | Allowance: up to 3 checked-in bags Weight: up to 22.7kg Dimensions: must not exceed 157.48cm overall Cost: 1st checked in bag is free | Check in additional baggage: 2nd bag - $40 3rd bag - $75 | Overweight baggage: 51-70lbs (up to 31.82kg) - $50 per bag 71-99lbs (up to 45kg) - $100 kg per bag Oversized baggage: 63-80 inches (203.2cm) - $75 per bag Baggage larger than 80 inches will not be accepted. | Even more space seats: $10-$90 | Change/ Cancellation fee for non-refundable fares, per person: (Fares under $100) - $75 (Fares between $100-$149.99) - $100 (Fares $150 and above) - $150 Getaways cancellation fee: $150 per person. Same day change fee: $50 per person | Sports equipment: Bicycle – (Domestic) $50 (International) $80 Surfboard - $50 Windsurf/Kite surf board - $50 Transportation of pet fee: $100 each way Unaccompanied minors fee: $100 per passenger, each way |
| Southwest Airlines | Phone reservation fee: Free of charge Online reservation fee: Free of charge | Allowance: 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item Weight: No restrictions Dimensions (cm): 25.4 x 40.64 x 60.96 Cost: Free of charge | Allowance: 2 pieces of checked baggage per passenger Weight: 50lbs (22.67kg) Size (length x width x height): up to 62 inches (157.48cm) Cost: Free of charge | Check-in additional baggage: $75 per item | Overweight Checked-in baggage: $75 per bag weighing more than 50lbs (22.67kg) up to 100lbs (45.35kg) Oversized checked-in baggage: $75 per bag larger than 67 inches (170cm) up to 80 inches (203cm). | Upgraded boarding: $40 | Change fee: $0 (fare difference may apply when making a change) Cancellation fee: $0 Early bird check-in: $12.50 per person | Large media camera equipment: $75 per item Unaccompanied minor: $50 per passenger. Transportation of pet (Carry-on charge): $75 per pet carrier Sports equipment: $75 per bag |
| Spirit Airlines | Reservation centre booking fee: $10 per customer, per booking Group booking fee: $10 per customer, per booking Package booking via reservation centre fee: $10 per customer, per booking Colombia administrative fee: $15 - $95 per customer, per booking Passenger usage fee: $8.99 - $16.99 per customer, each way | Allowance: 1 personal item + 1 purchased carry-on bag Dimensions (cm): Personal item – 40 x 35 x 30 Carry-on bag – 56 x 46 x 25 Cost: Online at booking or before check-in - $35 During online check-in - $40 Reservation centre - $40 Airport - $50 At gate - $100 | Weight: up to 40lbs (18kg) Dimensions: must not exceed 62 linear inches (158cm) Cost: dependent upon purchasing method | Check-in additional baggage: (Online at booking/ before check in) 1st bag - $30 2nd bag - $40 3rd, 4th, 5th bag - $85 per bag (At online check-in) 1st bag - $35 2nd bag - $45 3rd, 4th, 5th bag - $95 per bag (Reservation centre) 1st bag - $35 2nd bag - $45 3rd, 4th, 5th bag - $90 per bag (Airport) 1st bag - $45 2nd - $55 3rd, 4th, 5th bag - $100 per bag At gate - $100 per bag | Overweight baggage: 41-50lbs (18-23 kg) - $25 per bag 51-70lbs (23-32kg) - $50 per bag 71-99lbs (32-45kg) - $100 per bag Oversized baggage: More than 62 linear inches (158cm) -$100 per bag More than 80 linear inches (203cm) - $150 per bag | Assigned seating at check-in: Free of charge Advanced seat selection (including deluxe leather): $1 - $50 per seat Big Front seats: Advance - $12 - $199 On-board - $25 - $75 | Name change: up to $70 per customer, per booking Web modification or cancellation: $115 per customer, per booking Reservations/ Airport modification or cancellation: $125 per customer, per booking Group booking modification or cancellation: $50 per customer, per booking Charge for printing boarding pass: $10 per boarding pass | Unaccompanied minors: $100 each way (includes snack and a drink) Infant charge: Free of charge if seated on lap (taxes may apply) Pet transportation fee: $100 per pet container, each way Sports equipment: Bicycles - $75 Scuba tank - $75 Surfboard - $100 |
| Virgin America | Call centre reservation fee: $20 Call centre service fee: $20 | Allowance: 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item Weight: No restriction Dimensions: no larger than 50 linear inches (127cm) | Domestic Allowance: 1-10 items Weight: up to 50lbs (23kg) Cost: $25 per bag (1st checked-in bag is free) International Allowance: 1-10 items Weight: up to 50lbs (23kg) Cost: For tickets booked before 4/12/13 the 1st item of checked baggage is free of charge, tickets booked after this date will incur a charge of $25 | Domestic Check-in additional baggage: 2nd checked bag: $25 3rd – 10th checked-in bag: $25 per item (charges vary between Main Cabin, Cabin Select and First Class) International Check-in additional baggage: 2nd checked-in bag: $25 3rd – 10th checked-in bag: $25 per item (charges vary between Main Cabin, Cabin Select and First Class) | Overweight Baggage: 51-70lbs (23-31kg) - $50 per item 71-100lbs (32-45kg) - $100 per item Oversized baggage exceeding 62 linear inches (157 cm): $50 | Main cabin express seats: $30 | Change of reservation fee: $100 Cancellation fee: $100 Same day travel change: $25-$50, dependent upon destination Fee for documentation sent by post: $20 | Unaccompanied minors: $75-$125, dependent upon destination Pet travelling in main cabin - $100 Sporting equipment: $50 |
| Canada | ||||||||
| Sunwing Airlines | Booking fee (online/sales centre): Free of charge | Allowance: 1 carry-on bag Weight: up to 5kg Dimensions (cm): 23 x 40 x 51 Cost: Free of charge | Allowance: 2 items per passenger Weight: up to 20kg Cost: Free of charge Dimensions: must not exceed 158cm | Check in additional bag: N/A, (excess baggage/ weight will be charged as standard: $10-$20 per kg) | Overweight Baggage: $10-$20 per kg | Advanced seat selection: $15 per flight Elite plus upgrade (includes extra legroom and priority boarding): $40 per flight | Flight changes: $50 per file, up to 45 days before departure + any increase in fare. Name changes: Name changes are not considered changes and therefore cancellation terms apply. Cancellation fee: varies between 30%, 60%, 100% of Air Transportation charge and $250 per person (dependent upon departure date) | Unaccompanied minors: $50 per one-way flight Sports equipment: Golf clubs, Scuba, Skis and Kiteboard – Free of charge (excess charges apply if weight exceeds allowance) Bicycles - $30 Oversized sports equipment - $100 Infant accessories – Free, one item per infant |
| West Jet Airlines | Travel bank credit extension: $20 - $23 | Allowance: 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item Weight: Dimensions (cm): Carry-on bag - 53 x 23 x 38 Personal item - 41 x 15 x 33 Cost: Free of charge | Allowance: up to 4 check-in bags Weight: up to 23kg Dimension: up to 157cm (62 inches) Cost: 1st checked-in bag is free of charge | Check-in additional baggage: 2nd bag – $20 - $23 3rd bag – $50 - $57.50 4th bag – $50 - $57.50 | Overweight Baggage: $50 - $57 Oversized Baggage: $50 - $57 | Advanced seat selection: 1 hour flight or less - $5 - $5.75 1-2.5 hour flight - $10 - $11.50 2.5 hours + flight - $15 - $17.25 Plus fare seat fee (extra legroom and pre-boarding): 1-2.5 hours - $15 - $17.25 2.5 hours + - $30 - $34.50 | Name or itinerary change within 24 hours of booking: $0 Name or itinerary booking 24 hours after booking: $50 - $75 Cancellation Fee: $50 - $86.25 (Cancellations within 24 hours of booking will receive a full refund) | Unaccompanied minor fee: $110 - $115 Early Show: $50 - $57.50 Late Show: $50 - $57.50 Pets in cabin: $50 - $57.50 Pets as checked baggage: $50 - $57.50 |
| Mexico | ||||||||
| Interjet | Call centre service fee: $4 Debit cards are not accepted for purchasing flights online. | Allowance: 2 carry-on bags per passenger Weight: up to 10kg Dimensions: Must fit in the overhead cabin or underneath the seat in front of the passenger Cost: Free of charge | International Flight Allowance: 2 pieces of baggage Weight: up to 25kg per bag Cost: Free of charge Dimensions: Not exceeding outer linear dimensions 2.73 square metres Domestic Flight Allowance: 1 piece of baggage Weight: up to 25kg Cost: Free of charge Dimensions: not exceeding outer linear dimensions 2.73 square metres | Check-in additional baggage: N/A (Excess baggage/ weight will be charged as standard - $5 per kg) | Overweight baggage (applicable to overweight and additional baggage): $5 per kg | Seat selection: Free of charge | Name Change: $25 plus taxes per person, per flight Change fee for international travel: $25 plus taxes per person, per flight Cancellation Fee: All tickets are non-refundable | Enrolment for Club Jet Membership: $20 Annual renewal of Club Jet Membership: $20 Infant Fee: 1 infant can travel for free on parents lap, any additional infants are required to pay the same fare as adults Unaccompanied minor charge: Free of charge Sports equipment: Included in baggage allowance, any excess weight will be charged as standard |
| Viva Aerobus | Deferred payment fee: 3 months interest free - $21 6 months interest free - $25 Payment method fee: $8 | Allowance: 1 personal item plus one carry-on bag per passenger Weight: up to 10kg Dimensions (cm): 55 x 40 x 20 Cost: Free of charge | Weight: up to 25kg Cost: Free of charge Dimensions: A combined measurement of 158cm | Check-in additional baggage: 1st bag of 15kg - Online - $50 Call Centre - $80 Overweight baggage from 15kg to 25kg: Online - $25 Call Centre - $80 | Overweight Baggage: $20 per kg Oversized baggage: Online/ Call Centre - $25 Airport - $40 | VIP Pass: $150 Mexican Peso ($11.78 US Dollars) Viva Express: $75 Mexican Peso ($5.89 US Dollars) | Name Change: Online - $85 Call centre/Airport - $110 Date change, more than 24 hours before flight: Online - $60 Call Centre/ Airport - $90 Date change, less than 24 hours before flight: Online - $110 Call centre/ Airport - $170 E-ticket expedition fee per person, per segment: Online - $10 Call Centre/ Airport - $18 Reprinting of boarding pass at airport: $30 | Instruments and special equipment: Online/ Call Centre - $40 Airport - $50 Viva Regular Adjustment Fee: $50 Pets on domestic flight fee: $75 Pets on international flight fee: $100 |
EuroTripTips says
I love how you guys included Canadian airlines. We people of North tend to be forgotten by these types of posts :-) Such a great tool. Bookmarked.
Sarah Lee says
Oh Canada’s just as important! Glad you found it useful.
Anna @ The Blonde Banana says
How I wish I could just fly JetBlue everywhere! I’m often on the early a.m. flight between Boston and New York and I love how they give you coffee in a to go cup so you can take it with you when you get off. Also free TV and free snacks and their great customer service.
Sarah Lee says
Sounds great Anna – just the sort of thing that’s made us recommend them in our latest How to Travel guide on upgrading low cost flights. Love it when an airline goes the extra mile!