FreeMoneyFinance had some advice on saving money by avoiding baggage fees. As you might know, many of the major carriers have started charging fifteen dollars for the first checked piece. And since the contents of carry-on bags are regulated by the TSA, there are some things you simply cannot transport without it. Here is our version of their information.
- Carry-On Bags
- Be Aware of Carry-On Limits – Now that the first checked-bag is a money-maker for them, the airlines will be sending out people to measure and weigh your carry-ons on a random if not individual basis. Either be within them, or be prepared to be separated from your carry-on and charged Fifteen Dollars for the privilege.
- Board Early – The last people on the plane, as unfair as it is, often have their bags confiscated from them and checked. If it has any valuables in it, take them out. Even better, have a second bag with the valuable items in it you can remove if they try to take it away. And if they attempt to take your bag away with something valuable in it(for which they accept no liability), to paraphrase the late Charlton Heston, they will have to pry it from “Your cold dead hands.” Of course, please try to explain the issue with your valuables as politely as possible before you use phrases like that.
- Embrace The Middle Seat – Now, they recommend this for its extra stowage space under the seat. But being a flesh sandwich may or may not negate the positive aspects of extra luggage room, especially if you are tall.
- Checked Bags
- Check the Weight – Make sure you know the weight of your bag without anything in it. As airlines get more and more specific about their requirements, suitcases that weigh less will become more popular and cost effective. Get yourself an inexpensive luggage scale if you travel regularly, as it is hard to weigh things on your bathroom scale with any accuracy.
- Note Exceptions – Frequent fliers with status in an airline’s program often get exemptions to certain fees, as do passengers travelling with necessary equipment, including children’s strollers and carseats and wheelchairs.
- Packing Tips
- Be Realistic – If you are going for a weekend somewhere, you likely don’t need two gigantic suitcases to cover all possibilities of attire and need. Scale down.
- Liquid Ban as a Blessing – The TSA liquid ban limits passengers to travel-sized toiletries in their carry-on. Embrace the travel-sized lifestyle. Check out “>Minimus.biz. They sell travel-sized everything. Where else can you buy one ketchup packet?
- Laundry – If you are staying for a few extra days, consider a hotel with a laundry room. Many Residence Style hotels offer this. And if you bring your mini-detergent and mini-fabric softeners, or buy them locally, you can wash and dry your clothes and reuse them.
- Space Bags – They make special travel space bags that remove the air from items so they take up less space in your carry-on. Which means you can carry more clothes.
- As a long shot, try flying an airline that lets you check one bag if you can. At least factor it into your price calculations.
1 comment for “How to Avoid Paying Baggage Fees”