Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages are not so cheap ultimately when travelers check bags, particularly when entire families are traveling together. Some travelers believe the only way to avoid baggage fees is to ship their bags ahead, which still can cost a bundle, or limit yourself to carry-on bags. Airline loyalty programs and select credit cards are now offering passengers the opportunity to check bags without fees.
Most frequent flyer programs exempt members who have attained elite status from paying baggage fees. Elite status is usually earned after accumulating 25,000 elite qualifying miles with a single carrier in a calendar year. Elite status typically offers a variety of benefits, including upgrades, and priority boarding and check-in.
Recently free baggage has become an added elite status benefit. Delta Medallion SkyMiles members are allowed to check up to two bags for free. Although this is a common U.S. airline benefit, that is not the case for many international frequent flyer programs.
Some airline branded credit cards grant their holders bag fee exemptions just for being a card holder. Savvy travelers need to determine if they will save enough baggage fees to make it worth paying the annual credit card fee.
As of the beginning of June, American Express Delta SkyMiles credit card holders are allowed to check one bag free on every Delta flight. Continental Airlines Chase credit card offers a similar benefit.
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