Budget Airlines for Christmas Travel: What to Expect
Compare Southwest and Frontier bag rules, overweight fees and holiday crowds to avoid surprise costs at checkout.
Budget airlines for Christmas travel mean low base fares plus separate fees for most bags. Expect crowded airports and a final price that depends on what you carry. Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines both limit free baggage on low-cost tickets.
Knowing those limits helps you compare true trip costs before you book.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
What does Southwest include with low fares?
Southwest Airlines still includes one carry-on plus one personal item free on all fares. For U.S. mainland travel on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares, Southwest Airlines lists $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second each way, according to Southwest's Optional Travel Charges page.
Relief from those checked-bag fees requires Choice Extra, elite status or a Rapid Rewards card benefit. For gift-heavy trips, the Choice Extra bundle includes two free checked bags, priority boarding, refundability and 14x Rapid Rewards points. Southwest Airlines describes that bundle on its Fare Information page.
It matters most when you must check presents and cannot travel light.
What does Frontier charge for bags and gifts?
Frontier Airlines includes only one personal item up to 8x18x14 inches free. Carry-on and checked bags cost extra, with prices varying by date and purchase timing, according to Frontier's Optional Services page. That timing rule means the same bag can cost more on a peak Christmas flight.
Frontier Airlines also limits checked bags to 62 linear inches and 40 pounds. Fees are $75 for 41-50 pounds and $75-$129 for 51-99 pounds. A box of wrapped gifts, books or winter clothes can push you over fast.
How crowded will Christmas travel be?
TSA prepared to screen over 44 million passengers Dec. 19-Jan. 4, up from slightly under 39 million in 2024.
Sunday Dec. 28 was projected near 2.86 million, according to a Simple Flying report on TSA holiday screening. Those numbers mean long lines at large airports, especially early morning.
AAA projected more than 122 million Americans traveling 50-plus miles over the 2025 Christmas season, as reported by KNKX/NPR. The same reports pointed to over 2.8 million travelers on Dec. 28 alone.
Full flights leave less room for large carry-ons.
What can you do before you book?
Compare the base fare plus bag fees, not the base fare alone. A slightly higher fare with free checked bags can cost less than a low fare plus two bag fees. Measure your packed bag before you pay for it.
- Measure your personal item and packed bag at home.
- Weigh gifts with wrapping and boxes included.
- Check whether your fare, status or card changes bag fees.
- Book bags early when the airline prices by date and timing.