Travel Tips

How To Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

Purportedly to help balance costs, many airlines have recently begun charging larger fees for checked luggage, with some allowing no free checked bags at all. This means that many of us have had to change the way we travel, unless we want to rack up significant costs. After all, once you add in the fee for checking a bag, plus the penalty charges for one that's too large or heavy, you could spend a lot.

Baggage fees for airlines are generating significant money for those companies - an estimated one and a half billion dollars in 2008 alone, according to the US Department of Transportation. Many of us aren't interested in contributing to this amount. That means figuring out how to avoid checked luggage fees by packing carefully and choosing the right airline. Let's take a look.

The first, and most effective tip is to bring less with you. This means changing your packing strategy. Instead of bringing something for every eventuality, bring only the most important items, and make sure they're truly important. There are a lot of things you may feel like you can't live without, but most of us don't really need multiple changes of shoes for every trip, much less a large assortment of toiletries. Think about what you can consolidate.

Next, take a look at the airline you'll be flying. A surprising number of the discount airlines won't charge a fee for your first checked bag, while supposedly classier companies want you to pay. If you fly with a company like Southwest, you might even be able to avoid being charged for a second bag. You'll want to keep an eye on the airlines' current fee schedule, which changes frequently. Check web sites for the latest policies.

You can also look for rules exceptions. Some airlines will exempt people on trips to particular locations from fees, while others exempt frequent fliers' club members. Unaccompanied minors are often exempted, as are passengers in first class and military personnel on active duty. If you have a disability, you may also be able to receive an exemption. Don't assume that you can get one, but investigate your options carefully.

Take a look at the policy differences between different airlines, too - if you fly two different ones in a trip, you may be able to use this to your advantage. Surprisingly, your hotel may be also willing to pay. Since these fees can hurt their business, they may be interested in covering your fees in order to have you stay with them. As a last ditch possibility, don't forget shipping. You can use a luggage shipping company, FedEx or UPS, or just the postal service to get luggage where it needs to go.

Baggage fees don't have to make your trip a nightmare, as long as you're ready for them and have a good strategy. Smart packing and airline selection can allow you to bypass almost all the checked luggage fees. Take the time to read up on the various policies in place, and pick your carrier carefully, and you'll have a lot less trouble.

For an updated list of which airlines are charging fees:
www.kayak.com/airline-fees