subject: Excess Baggage Fees - 7 Tips To Help You Beat The Baggage Charges [print this page] In a time when travellers are being charged left, right and centre for little hidden extras when flying, the price of air travel is adding up.
With airport departure levies coming into force as of 1st November this year, on average seeing a family of 4 paying an additional 300 on their holiday, its time to take a look as to how we can all save a few of our hard earned pounds and not get stung on additional baggage charges! One of the most common additional costs travellers are being faced with today.
And it seems were not alone. In a recent survey by a leading online travel agent, over 40% of travellers said they were confused by baggage limits on flights, with one in five travellers being caught out at the airport and having to stump up large amount of cash in fines.
So take a moment to read the following tips on packing and travelling light, and hopefully escape any nasty fines!
1.Know Your Airlines Weight Restrictions
So first things first. Before you fly always make sure you know your airlines weight and size restrictions on luggage. And dont just think about your main hold luggage, dont forget about your hand luggage too as its also subject to weight and size restrictions.
This tip is especially important when flying with a no frills, budget airline. Did you know for example that Ryanair will charge up to 33% for luggage thats too heavy!
The simplest way to avoid additional charges is to weigh your case before you go. Get your scales out, weigh yourself first, then hop back on holding your suitcase and work out the difference. Most airlines permit cases to be 20kg.
2.Travelling With Small Children and Babies
If youre flying with small children, or babies, its also worth a quick call to see if any allowances have been made in your baggage weight. If a child is over 2, and you have therefore had to purchase an actual seat for them on the plane, they will automatically be given allowance for a suitcase. Some airlines give a small, additional, weight allowance when travelling with babies. Thomson for example allows 10kg for babies. But always, always double check with your airline.
3.Lighter Weight Suitcases
Bear in mind that hard casing suitcases can actually be quite heavy before youve even thought of adding in your swimmers! If its time to buy new suitcases, if yours are getting tired or have been damaged, think about purchasing the softer, canvas style suitcases that are much lighter.
4.Sports Equipment
Always check with your airline if you are taking sports equipment, even musical instruments, on your flight. That also goes for specialised sports holidays, like skiing or golf. Always check that you arent liable for additional costs to travel with your own skis or clubs. Also check if you need to pre-book your sports equipment onto the flight in advance. If you do find out you are going to be charged additional costs then its worth looking into the cost of hiring your equipment out in resort, it might work out cheaper.
5.Clothes for Every Eventuality
OK, so even if youre jetting off to hotter climes theres always a change it might be a bit nippy, even the odd shower, but instead of packing several big woolly jumpers, a coat and even a brolly all of which weigh a lot! check out the weather forecast just before you travel. That way you might be able to cut down on your luggage purely by being organised and taking with you what you actually need!
6.Pack Light, Travel Heavy
And if you find you really do need your favourite, warm (and heavy) jumpers make sure you wear it on the plane. OK, you dont have to wear it for the entire journey but take it with you. Wear your heaviest clothing when you travel jeans, trainers, jumpers, even coats, leaving your lighter clothing flip flops and linen trouser in your case!
7.Travel Toiletries
If youre away for a week the chances are you can more than adequately manage on travel sized toiletries. These are half the size of the bulky large toiletries and therefore will be far lighter in your suitcase. And anything really heavy consider buying out there. All resorts have shops and supermarkets where you will find anything and everything and it could work out much cheaper buying it overseas than a whopping great big fine at the airport!
