Booking luggage for flight

Question

Not really a Maui question but we are flying there

Any flights from the United Kingdom you normal pay/book for your luggage when you book the flight.

My flights from US to Maui and a few island to island flights you seem to book your luggage when you check in ??

Ive never done it before , how does it work

Check in and book/pay for luggage at the same time or at the Airport ??

We are using Southwest , United and Hawaiian

thanks

Answer

When flying to Maui, especially from the US, luggage handling depends on the airline and whether it’s a domestic or inter-island flight. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your airlines:

1. Booking Luggage in Advance vs. At Check-In

Most US airlines allow you to pay for checked bags either when booking your ticket or later during online check-in. Paying in advance is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest includes two free checked bags per passenger for domestic flights, so you generally won’t need to pay extra unless you exceed their weight/size limits.
United Airlines: For US domestic flights, checked bag fees are not included in basic economy but are included in higher fare classes. You can pay online when booking, during online check-in (usually 24 hours before flight), or at the airport. Paying online is typically cheaper.
Hawaiian Airlines: For inter-island flights, checked bags may or may not be included depending on the fare. You can add luggage during booking, at online check-in, or at the airport. Again, paying online in advance is cheaper.

2. Process

When you book your flight, look for an option to add checked baggage. Enter the number of bags you expect to check.
If you don’t add bags at booking, you can pay during online check-in (usually opens 24 hours before departure). You’ll receive a confirmation and can print or save your luggage receipt.
At the airport, you can also pay for bags at the check-in counter or at self-service kiosks, but fees are typically higher than paying in advance.
Carry-on bags (usually one free) can be brought onboard, and additional carry-ons may incur fees depending on the airline.

3. Tips

Check the weight and size limits for each airline to avoid extra fees.
For inter-island flights, the planes are smaller, so overhead bin space may be limited; some airlines may gate-check your carry-on for free.
Keep your luggage receipts handy, as inter-island flights may require re-checking bags depending on the airline’s policy.

In summary, you can book and pay for luggage either at booking or during online check-in to save money. Paying at the airport is possible but usually more expensive. Each airline has slightly different rules, so checking their website ahead of time is recommended.