Saving on Baggage Fees

5 Sure-Fire Ways To Save On Baggage Fees

Now that the Era of Baggage Fees is with us to stay, everyone is trying to get by with as few pieces of luggage as possible. (It’s better yet if you can squeeze everything into a carry-on.) But there are plenty of ways you can reduce the pain of paying extra for your baggage, or even avoid the costs altogether. Here are 5 tips for saving on luggage fees the next time you travel.

Do Your Homework
Before you book your ticket, take a look at the airline’s baggage allowance, fees and policies. Fees vary from airline to airline, and a handful of carriers still charge nothing for the first bag. Others have exemptions or discounts for frequent fliers, active duty military personnel, and other categories of travelers, such as users of airline loyalty credit cards. Plus, you can usually save a few bucks by checking your bags in advance, online, rather than doing so at the airport. Check your airline’s website before departure for more information.

Let Your Hotel Pick Up The Check
Several large hotel chains are trying to reel in customers by with promotions designed to reimburse them for their luggage fees, through cash back, cash value cards or other means. So when you make your hotel reservation, be sure to ask whether they offer this kind of special promotion—and what the requirements and restrictions are.

Book The Middle Seat
The much-maligned middle seat has one unsung benefit. Depending on the aircraft configuration, it can have more underseat room than then aisle or the window seat. As a result, you may be able to stow a slightly larger bag under the seat in front of you. For best results, pack a soft-sided or collapsible bag. Since seating varies by airline and aircraft model, always check the seat map carefully before selecting your seat, or find more information about seat configurations at www.seatguru.com.

Pack Light—Literally
It goes without saying that you should pack the bare minimum you need for your trip. But if you absolutely need to include something bulky, like a heavy jacket or parka, take it out of your bag and put it on yourself. For maximum benefit, wear several layers on the plane. You can always peel them off and place them in the overhead once you board. Since they’re not in your luggage, you won’t be charged.

Rent At Your Destination
If you’re looking forward to using your skis, golf clubs, surfboard, or bike on your trip, you may want to devise a new strategy—namely, to rent those items at your destination. With some airlines charging as much as $100 for a third checked item, it could be much more cost-effective to rent sports equipment after you arrive. The same goes for other large items, such as cribs.