The biggest challenge traveling these days is not the scarcity of cheap fares, be they cheap airplane tickets, discount travel packages, or discount hotel rooms. Instead it is how to keep a trip cheap once all of the additional airlines fees are added in to the total cost of flying.
The following are steps travelers should consider prior to flying to keep their trips really cheap:
Checking luggage will cost between $15 to $35 for the first bag and $25 or more for the second on domestic flights. If you will need to check bags on future trips look into airline affiliated credit cards that allow the card holder and others in his party to check bags for free. Alternatively try to find a hotel that will pay your checked bag fee. Hotels are periodically running such promotions. A third option is to check your bag at the gate where most airlines do not charge a checked bag fee.
Preferred seating costs between $5 and $50 depending on the airline. Such seats are usually ones closer to the front of the plane, in exit aisles, or anywhere additional legroom is available. By getting to the airport early and asking nicely, passengers are often able to secure preferred seats for free, since any unsold preferred seats are usually not released until the date of departure. Flying during off-peak hours is another way to increase your chances of securing better seating. Some passengers simply try to be the last boarding so that if a preferred seat is open they can take it.
Flying standby typically costs $40 to $50 for a confirmed seat on an earlier flight the same day as the originally scheduled flight. If you are willing to chance it and simply arrive at the gate of the flight you want, airlines often allow passengers scheduled on a later flight to board at no cost if passengers with confirmed reservations do not show up for the flight. Otherwise you should try to fly on an airline such as JetBlue or Virgin America that does not charge for standby.
Overweight bags on domestic flights often result in additional fees of $50 for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and much more beyond that. Savvy travelers weigh their bags at home and take things out if their bag is too heavy. Shifting heavier items to carry-on luggage is another strategy. Finally, buying a wheeled duffel made of ultra lightweight material reduces the weight of your bag and holds a lot.
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