Free Baggage Fee Cost calculator with clear step-by-step results.
Baggage fees are charged per bag per leg, so the multiplier that catches people out is the number of paid flights rather than the number of journeys. Two bags on a two-leg return at $40 each is $160 before anything is overweight. Cabin bag charges on low-cost carriers apply per leg too, and overweight or oversize surcharges are one-off penalties that often exceed the original bag fee.
Checked bags
Checked fees = bags × fee per bag × paid legs
Total
Total = checked fees + cabin bag fee × legs + overweight surcharges
Baggage allowances, dimensions and fees are set by each airline and change frequently, and interline itineraries may follow the first carrier's rules. Confirm on the airline's own baggage page before flying.
Each ticketed flight where you check a bag is charged separately. A return with a connection in each direction is four legs on some fare types, though bags checked through a single itinerary are normally charged once per direction — count only the legs where a fee is actually levied.
Almost always online in advance. Airport counter rates are commonly 25-100% higher than the same bag pre-paid during booking or check-in.
Compare the bundle premium against the total here. If the bundle costs less than your total baggage fees and you would use the allowance, the bundle wins — otherwise the basic fare plus bags is cheaper.