Air India Beats Air Canada, Hawaiian Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Others in Waving Goodbye to Excessive Baggage Fees and Transforming Travel: Here’s What You Need to Know Now

Written By: Sneha Banerjee

Sneha Banerjee

A content writer at Travel And Tour World, where I cover the latest developments in travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and destination news from around the globe. Transforming complex industry updates into engaging, accurate, and reader-friendly stories to keep travelers and tourism professionals informed is my forte As someone with a strong background in English and a passion for storytelling, I strive to create content that is insightful, credible, and easy to understand. If you enjoy my articles and find them valuable, I'd be obliged if you follow my profile to stay updated with my latest stories, travel insights, and tourism news from around the world.

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January 20, 2026 12:05 AM

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Airlines worldwide are dramatically reshaping checked baggage policies in 2026, offering travellers more freedom and flexibility. Whether it’s expanding free checked baggage allowances, removing extra baggage fees, or including sports equipment without added charges, major airlines are making it easier for passengers to pack more without worrying about excessive costs. These changes are set to redefine how passengers approach air travel, making trips more affordable and stress-free. In this article, we explore the top airlines that have implemented these transformative checked baggage reforms, revealing how these changes will enhance your travel experience in 2026.

Air India: Expanding Free Baggage for International Flights

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Air India is shaking things up on international routes, especially on flights between India and the United Arab Emirates. The airline has raised its free checked baggage allowance to 30 kg. Passengers on these routes no longer have to worry about paying extra fees for additional baggage. This change makes it easier for travellers, especially expatriates, frequent flyers, and families, to travel with more luggage without breaking the bank.

Previously, passengers on these routes faced lower free baggage limits, and many had to pay for excess baggage. This new reform will reduce unexpected costs and provide much-needed relief to budget-conscious passengers. For those regularly flying between India and the UAE, this is a welcome improvement, making Air India a more competitive choice.

Air Canada: New Benefits for Economy Comfort Passengers

Air Canada has rolled out a fantastic new feature for Economy Comfort fare passengers. Starting January 2025, these customers will receive two free checked bags, up from the previous single free bag allowance. This is a game-changer for passengers who frequently travel with more luggage or who prefer to carry extra items like sports equipment or gifts.

The reform boosts the value of the Economy Comfort fare, making it more attractive for travellers who seek more flexibility and luggage space. This change adds significant value for Air Canada passengers, especially those on long-haul flights or travelling with family.

Air Canada’s decision to enhance its checked baggage policy for Economy Comfort passengers aligns with industry trends that prioritise better value for money. It also brings the airline in line with other global carriers offering increased luggage allowances for premium economy-like fare classes.

Hawaiian Airlines: Free Sports Equipment, No Extra Charges

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For travellers heading to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines has made a huge change to its checked baggage policy. The airline now includes sports equipment like surfboards, bicycles, and golf clubs as standard checked baggage. No more paying extra fees for these oversized items. Whether you’re heading to the islands for a surf trip or a golfing holiday, this policy makes travel more convenient and affordable for active travellers.

Hawaiian Airlines’ generous new policy also applies to passengers flying from Australia to the U.S. and other popular routes. On these flights, passengers can carry up to 23 kg of free checked baggage that can include their sporting gear. For Hawaiian Airlines, the policy change is designed to attract travellers who prioritise outdoor and adventure travel, offering them one less thing to worry about when it comes to baggage fees.

Frontier Airlines: Introducing Free Baggage with Economy Bundles

In a bold move, Frontier Airlines has introduced a free checked bag as part of its Economy Bundle promotion. This is part of a special offer running for a limited time and is designed to give travellers more flexibility. The new reform also includes a free carry-on, seat selection, and flexible flight change options.

While this promotion is temporary, it offers a more inclusive way to travel with Frontier. This strategy is especially useful for passengers who want to avoid the hassle of paying for checked baggage separately, making Frontier a more appealing choice for travellers who want to enjoy added perks without a huge increase in ticket prices.

Frontier’s move to offer free checked luggage as part of a bundled promotion signals a shift in the airline’s approach to customer service, catering to those who want better value and ease in their travel experience.

Ryanair and EU Airlines: Larger Cabin Bags and Improved Standards

Across European Union airlines, Ryanair and others have been forced to adjust their baggage policies in light of new EU regulations. These regulations prohibit airlines from charging for small cabin bags and require airlines to standardise their carry-on allowances. In response, Ryanair has expanded the size of its free small personal bag allowance, increasing the capacity from approximately 20 to 24 litres.

Although this mainly affects carry-on baggage, it will indirectly impact how passengers pack their checked luggage. With larger cabin bags allowed, fewer people will need to check in additional luggage, making travel easier for those travelling with lighter loads.

These regulatory changes across EU carriers ensure more clarity for passengers and reduce confusion about baggage allowances. It’s a move towards fairer, more transparent policies that benefit budget-conscious travellers.

Southwest Airlines: Shifting Away from Free Baggage

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In a major change, Southwest Airlines is ending its “Bags Fly Free” policy. Starting May 2025, passengers will no longer receive free checked baggage. This policy has been a hallmark of Southwest for many years, and its removal has raised concerns among many loyal travellers. Only passengers with certain loyalty tiers or premium ticket holders will continue to receive free checked bags.

While this shift is a negative reform for most passengers, it has significant implications for the airline industry. Other airlines might follow suit, increasing fees for checked baggage or adjusting their policies accordingly. For now, Southwest passengers will have to adjust to this new reality and plan for the added cost of checking luggage.

Summary of Key Baggage Reforms

What Does This Mean for You?

These changes are game-changers in the world of airline travel. Whether you’re flying for leisure, business, or adventure, these reforms make it easier to travel with less hassle and fewer hidden fees. Airlines are finally listening to the needs of travellers who want clarity and more flexible baggage allowances.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s essential to check baggage policies before booking. Some airlines have dramatically improved their offerings, while others are now charging where they previously didn’t. By staying informed and comparing your options, you can ensure you get the best value for your luggage and your travel experience.

What’s Next in the World of Checked Baggage?

With more passengers demanding transparency and better value from airlines, we can expect more innovations in baggage policy in the future. Airlines that offer generous baggage allowances and free services will likely gain more loyalty from passengers, while those that introduce higher fees may see a shift in their customer base.

The battle for customer satisfaction is now more focused on making travel less stressful. As we move into 2026, airlines will continue to evolve, and baggage policies will be one of the key areas where improvements and reforms will continue to make a difference.