Basic economy or not? Bag fee calculator
The cheapest fare isn't the cheapest trip once bags and seats are added. Type in the two fares and their fees from your booking page and see the real total.
Example numbers are made up: replace them with the prices on your booking page. Fees in any currency work.
Not sure your bag counts as a free personal item? Check it with the bag checker, and see which airlines charge for a carry-on.
Questions people ask
Where do I find the bag fees?
On the airline's own baggage fee page, or in the booking flow before you pay. Use the online price: most airlines charge more at the airport and the most at the gate.
Why per flight?
Most airlines charge bag fees per person per direction, and some per flight segment. A round trip with a connection each way can mean paying four times. Set the number of flights to match how your airline charges.
Is basic economy ever worth it?
Often, if you travel with just a personal item and don't care where you sit. Once you add a carry-on or a checked bag both ways, the higher fare can come out cheaper, and it may include perks like seat choice and earlier boarding.