3. Choose the Right Airline Credit Card

There are several airline credit cards that come with no checked bag fees for the cardholder, and some even extend that benefit to those who fly with the cardholder.

In order to qualify, you need to find the card that works for you and apply for it. Some cards require that you pay for your flight with the card to avoid checked bag fees.

Here are some airline credit cards that provide this perk:

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card-your first checked bag is free on Delta flights, and the same is true for up to eight people flying with you on the same itinerary. Terms and conditions apply.
• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card-the same benefits as above.
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card-the same benefits as the Platinum card.
• United Explorer Card-0 checked bag fees for your first bag (the same applies to your companion on the same flight route); you must pay for your airfare with your card to qualify for this perk.
• United Club Infinite Card-up to two checked bags are free for you and your companion on the same flight path; you must pay for your airfare with your card to take advantage of this perk.
• Alaska Airlines Visa credit card-no fees for your and up to six companions’ first checked bag.
• Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard-no fees for up to two checked bags; you must pay for the flight with your card to qualify for this perk.
• Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard-the first checked bag is free for you and up to six people that travel with you on your domestic American Airlines itinerary.
• Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard-the same as above, with the mention that up to eight of your companions can check a bag for free.
• JetBlue Plus Card-your first checked bag is free (the same is true for up to three companions on the same flight route); you must pay for your airfare with your card to qualify for this perk.