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Airlines introduced fees for checked baggage during the financial crisis. To avoid these fees, pack light, wear bulky items on the plane, and consider sharing large bags. Frequent flyer club members may have reduced fees, and mini toiletries can be packed in carry-ons. Shipping souvenirs can also save on baggage costs.
Many airlines responded to the 2007-2008 financial crisis by introducing fees for previously free services, such as checked baggage. For a family traveling together, airline baggage fees can quickly add hundreds of dollars to any flight. Smart packing, airline club membership, and a few extra tricks can help cut airline baggage expenses for many people.
The best way to avoid airline baggage fees is to avoid checked bags altogether. Many airlines allow people to bring a small piece of carry-on luggage and a personal bag, such as a purse, onto an airline. Finding out if there is a laundromat near your final destination is a good excuse to reduce the amount of clothes needed. Try to bring one elegant dress that can be worn multiple times and basics that can be easily laundered, such as jeans and a t-shirt. Wear bulky items, such as coats and high boots, if possible on the plane, and invest in a large bag to carry on board.
If some checked bags are unavoidable, consider purchasing one or two large bags and ask family members to share them. For a family of four, two large bags instead of four smaller single bags can mean a 50% savings on airline baggage fees. Be careful, however, as most airlines charge extra for bags over a certain weight limit. While using large bags can reduce the total amount of checked bags, it still helps to pack light.
Airline baggage fees may be reduced or waived for frequent flyer club members. For travelers who log a lot of miles, this can help reduce costs on repeat flights. Flying business or first class also generally comes with an automatic waiver on some checked bag fees, but the price difference between tickets usually far outweighs the potential savings.
Safety regulations often require large containers of liquids, such as full-size shampoo bottles, to be placed in controlled bags. Many pharmacies and discount stores carry miniature bottles that are below the regulatory size, so that mini-versions of all toiletries can be packed right into your carry-on. Additionally, it’s often easy to find a pharmacy in your destination and look for travel-sized versions of toiletries, rather than packing them at all. Be sure to label all repackaged toiletries with a permanent marker, in order to avoid getting a mouthful of shower gel instead of mouthwash.
Buying souvenirs at a destination can lead to unexpected airline baggage costs on the way back. Travelers may want to ask about shipping rates when shopping for souvenirs or just shipping goods from a nearby post office. It’s not unusual for tourist-focused stores to have easy and cost-effective shipping programs to ensure goods get home without relying on limited luggage space.
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