subject: How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fee [print this page] Now that the rumblings over the "unfair" checked baggage fee that air carriers have started charging travelers for have settled down, it's time to look for some solutions. Hoping that the airlines would revise their decision some day is not one of them.
A checked bag fee is not just another minor inconvenience of air travel, but a serious addition to the total cost of flying. And as if that isn't enough, there is a heavy penalty on luggage that is over the stipulated weight requirement of the air carrier you're flying.
So, what do you do if you want to avoid or at least minimize the baggage fee you pay? It might seem impossible, but it's not, provided you follow some simple do's and don'ts.
The good news is that there are still some air carriers that don't charge for checked bags. If one of them offers flights to your destination, hop on without blinking. If not, you can look for airlines that don't charge for your first checked bag. Some airlines also have lower fees than others, so it makes much more sense to fly these carriers.
You can also check if you are eligible for some discounts offered by airlines to frequent fliers, privilege club members, military personnel, etc. First and business class travelers are also generally exempted from paying for their checked baggage.
In case these options don't work for you, try to limit your luggage to just a carry-on whenever possible. I've heard many road warriors swear that they can pack for as much as three weeks in carry on luggage. However, if you are amongst the "must carry my entire wardrobe wherever I go" travelers, then it involves bringing about drastic changes in your packing behavior which is easier said than done.
But just think about it, if you manage to streamline your entire packing list into a carry-on bag, you not only save the checked bag fee, but also eliminate the risk of luggage delays, loss, or damage.
However, it may not always be realistically possible to travel with just a carry-on. At those times, you can make sure that your luggage stays within the required weight limit, so you don't have to pay the overweight baggage fee.
For that, you should look for luggage that's lightweight for the simple reason that the lighter your bag, the more weight allowance you're left with to pack your stuff without going over the limit.
It's a road less traveled, but many tourists have started shipping their bags to their destination ahead in time. Request for quotes from different service providers such as USPS, UPS, Fed Ex. etc. to see if that's an economically viable option for you.
Lastly, don't forget to ask your hotel or resort if they'll cover your checked baggage fee. You'll be surprised that many hotels, already reeling under the impact of the economic downturn, are offering to pick the checked luggage tab for their patrons in a bid to attract and retain customers.
