Travelers who check a bag or two when The fly are finding that cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages are not as cheap once baggage fees are taken into account. Such fees have become a major revenue source for airlines, amounting to $760 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 33 percent increase over the same quarter last year. These fees are here to stay, and if anything, are likely to increase over time.
The following are steps to avoid or minimize luggage fees:
Packing light and only bringing a carry-on bag is the best way to avoid paying extra.
Joining a frequent flier program can often help reduce or eliminate baggage fees. Almost all large airlines offer frequent fliers programs that include luggage fee discounts or waivers for elite or preferred members.
Flying with JetBlue (first checked bag is free) will save you money on checked bags.
Using a luggage scale before heading for the airport is smart. Overweight baggage fees are often dramatically more costly than checking multiplebags that are under the weight limit. It is often much cheaper to check two bags than it is to check one overweight bag. Delta charges as much as $450 for every bag weighing over 71 pounds on some international flights. Savvy travelers also weigh their luggage prior to returning home from trips.
Consider purchasing new light weight luggage. The goal should be to find a 29 inch upright suitcase that weights under 10 pounds.
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