Just realized I've been overpaying for checked bags forever lol. Turns out there are actually legit ways to fly economy and not get hit with those ridiculous baggage fees. Which airline has free checked bags? Honestly depends on what you're willing to do.

Obviously Southwest is the move if you just want to check bags free no questions asked - they're the only major US airline that still does it for everyone. But if you're flying other carriers, premium economy seats usually come with two free checked bags on American, United and Delta, which can actually be cheaper than economy once you factor in baggage costs.

The credit card hack is pretty solid too - get an airline-branded card and suddenly you're checking bags free plus getting other perks. Or if you don't want to be locked to one airline, travel cards like Chase Sapphire give you airline fee credits you can use for baggage. Elite frequent flyer status obviously gets you free checked bags, but that takes time to build up.

International flights used to be the move for free baggage too, though American Airlines killed that recently with their basic economy option. Still worth checking each airline's specific policy before you book though - beats getting surprised at the airport with a $100+ bill. Airlines made like 7 billion from bag fees last year so they're not giving this up easy, but if you know the tricks you can definitely avoid it.