Simple Q for First Class Fliers

Factual Questions
1

Being my first experience flying first class, is this typical? I seem to recall not paying a checked baggage fee on a domestic flight although only the 2nd of 2 legs was first class. Is the free (one) checked bag a perk for flying first class? FYI: The airline was Delta, if it matters.

2

Every airline is free to set its own policies on charging for baggage.

Here is an excerpt from Delta’s policy:

Due to weight and balance restrictions, all passengers traveling to or from Key West, Florida are limited to one checked bag. This supersedes all exceptions.

For travel within or between the United States and Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico and all travel to or from Brazil: First and Business Class passengers may check up to three bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each at no charge on Delta and Delta Connection® operated flights

For all other travel regions: First and Business Class passengers may check up to two bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each at no charge on Delta and Delta Connection operated flights.

There are also other ways to get free baggage on Delta flights, for example, use a selected Delta-branded American Express card or be an elite frequent flyer.
See the Delta baggage policy page for more details.

This is typical. Every major US airline that I can think of allows at least one free bag for first class passengers (but I didn’t check them all).

3

The bags don’t fly free. The extra fare of a first class ticket means you are still paying for checked bags. You just get to squirm and stew about in in a larger seat and drown your sorrows with the free drinks they give you (also paid for with your ticket).

4

Yes, 1st class tickets typically include no baggage fees, normally up to 2 bags per passenger. This would apply even if one leg of your flight wasn’t in First class, I presume because one of your legs did not have 1st class available, perhaps on a regional jet.

Also, tickets for international flights normally waive the baggage fees, even if the first leg of your flight is to a hub where your international flight will depart from.