12 Tips On How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

We always hunt cheap flight deals, but flying is not as affordable as we think it is. Although we get inexpensive plane tickets from low-cost airlines, the checked baggage and, sometimes, carry-on luggage fees again increase our total spends. Most low-cost carriers impose hefty charges for additional services like baggage, seat selection, and what not!

Airlines like American, Jetblue, and Alaska have hiked their bag prices this year, and it will be no surprise that other US carriers will soon catch up. Many passengers rely on checked bags, which help them bring a larger container and pack certain necessities. But what about the hefty fee imposed on checking bags?

At times, we exceed the allowed baggage limits, which also increases the total fare by adding an excess baggage charge to our itinerary. In any case, you pay more than you wish to when luggage is included. To help you prevent that, we have mentioned several ways to avoid paying airline baggage fees and save money on your next air travel.

Read this post to the end and learn about ways to save money on luggage.

1. Check Whether A Baggage Fee Applies Or Not

Before you book flights in a particular airline cabin, make sure to check whether your fare terms allow baggage for free or if there is an additional fee. If you do proper research on baggage fees, you can ensure that you pay for what you already know and there are no hidden surprises at the airport bag check.

2. Pack Smart and Light

Always pack light for air travel. The lighter your bags are, the lower the chances of paying extra fees. Many airlines allow you to carry a limited amount of bags free of cost. So, make sure you pack accordingly lighter and save your money.

3. Follow the Weight and Size Guidelines

Most airlines have weight and size restrictions on luggage. You can follow these instructions and avoid paying excess baggage fees when at the airport. Some airlines, like Delta, American, and United, limit carry-on bags to 22* 14* 9 inches and a maximum weight of 10 kg. If you make sure your bags are of the same weight and size, you don’t need to pay any excess fee unless specified otherwise.

4. Save Money with Loyalty Programs

The airline loyalty programs not only let you save on flights, but also offer you to save on baggage fees. Most airlines reward their loyal customers with elite status on their frequent flyer program with free checked baggage allowances.

5. Only Take Personal Items on Short-Distance Flights\

Airlines may charge you a baggage fee for taking carry-on bags with short-haul flight tickets, but they allow small personal items like purses and laptop bags free of cost. If you have a round trip without a stay at your destination, you can avoid bringing anything else than a small purse and avoid paying the luggage cost.

6. Use an Airline’s co-branded credit card for Booking

Some credit cards co-branded with an airline, like AMEX cards and other airlines offer free checked baggage to customers along with carry-on. You can book and pay for your flights with these cards and avoid paying any extra fees.

7. Use a Travel Backpack for Luggage Packing

Most airlines accept travel backpacks as carry-on luggage, and luckily, many do not charge a fee for hand luggage. In short, you can bring only carry-on luggage on flights with airlines that offer it free of charge. This way, you can avoid paying any fee for luggage and enjoy extra benefits.

8. Book a Higher Cabin with Free Add-ons

If you do not worry too much about fares extending, as well as value luxury, then try booking First or Business Class flights over Economy cabins of airlines. These cabins allow you to bring bags free of cost. This way, you won’t have to pay anything, as bags fly free on higher cabin classes.

9. Military Bags Fly Free

Airlines always let military persons ease out on baggage as they can bring 3-5 bags with them for free. Some air carriers even permit their immediate family members to bring the same amount of bags without costing anything. So, you can benefit from this if you or someone from your direct family works for the military(free bags offer is mainly available in the USA).

10. Check Bags at the Gate

If you have a small rolling bag or related one that you wish to check as a preference, you can do it at the gate instead of the airline’s check-in counter. When the flight is relatively full, airline employees may offer you free gate-checked bag service. As a result, you can save money on baggage.

11. Don’t Book Basic Economy Tickets

If you really wish to save on luggage and avoid any charges, you must avoid booking basic economy fare. With these fares, you book cheap air tickets at lowest price, but they offer the least allowance for baggage or none at all. Instead, you can try a premium cabin, as we already mentioned, and save on extra bag fees.

12. Distribute the Number of Bags Among Passengers

If you are flying with a group of people and each person has a baggage allowance, you must distribute the bags evenly to avoid paying fees. Suppose you have three bags with you, and someone else in the group is flying with no bags at all or less than their allowed limit. You can check your extra bag under their name and avoid paying an excess baggage fee for yours.

Which Airlines Charge Basic Economy Customers For Both Carry-on and Checked Bags?

JetBlue Airways
United Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Breeze Airways
Sun Country Airlines
Avelo Airlines

Airlines That Let You Bring Carry-on and Personal Items For Free

Alaska Airlines
Delta Airlines
American Airlines
Hawaiian

These airlines allow you to bring free carry-on bags to all flight cabins without any issues. You can check the detailed baggage allowance when you make a booking wih Delta Airlines or other mentioned carriers and be prepared to fly without hassles.=

Airlines With Chargeable Checked Bags

JetBlue for Blue Basic Customers
Spirit Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Allegiant Airlines
Sun Country Airlines

List Of Airlines Allowing Both Carry-on & Checked Bags For Free

Southwest Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines
AirAsia
Allegiant AirIcelandair
Sun Country Airlines
Fiji Airways
Copa Airlines

Some of these airlines may charge you a small fee for checking bags depending on your flight route and destination. This is a sample list and the current airline rules may have changed. Remember to go through the detailed policy and check your e-ticket confirmation for the entire details.

Pro-Tip: Fly Southwest & Avoid Baggage Fee on Each Fare Type

Flying on Southwest Airlines is a perfect way to avoid any baggage fees on checked or carry-on bags. It is the only airline that has the same rules for all the customers regardless of what they book. Southwest Airlines allows every customer to take:

1 carry-on bag
1 personal item
2 checked bags

And more, with each of its fare bundles and types. So you do not have to worry about paying extra baggage fees when traveling with them.

This "no hidden fees" approach is one of the many reasons why Southwest Airlines remains a popular choice among travelers seeking value and convenience in their air travel experience·

Plan your Next Getaway with LowfareScanners & Save More

Are you ready to save on bags and more with your favorite airline? Arrange your future travel with Lowfarescanners and take off to your next destination in your budget. Our easy tips can help you avoid paying airline baggage fees and save money. So, make sure you understand these tips and request your new tickets today for a perfect holiday.

How Do I Avoid Baggage Fees on Flights?