Yahoo Finance 9 Loopholes To Save Money on Travel as American, United and Delta Airlines Raise Checked Bag Fees
Several airlines have increased checked bag fees in recent months, with Delta and American Airlines amongst the most recent to do so. Checking a bag with Delta now costs $35 instead of $30, while a second bag costs $45 rather than $40. American is charging $35 if you check your bag and pay online, and $40 if you wait until you get to the airport.
Check Out: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money
Read Next: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money
United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest allow two free checked bags, plus one carry-on and one personal item, for free. But if you can’t squeeze all your belongings into that many bags, you’ll pay a hefty $125 fee for additional checked bags at these airlines, according to Gazette.com.
Fortunately, there are ways you can save money, not just on checked bags, but overall travel costs to keep that dream vacation within your budget.
1. Join the Airlines’ Loyalty Programs
Delta offers one free checked bag if you are a Medallion Member at any level, beginning with Silver status. Gold members receive two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each for flights within the U.S. and Canada, and up to 50 pounds to and from international destinations. Platinum and Diamond members get up to three free checked bags.
Check each airlines’ website before you fly to see what perks you can receive as a loyalty member.
2. Fly Business Class or First Class
Similarly, Delta offers Premium and first-class flyers three free checked bags. You may pay more for a Premium or first-class ticket, however, so you’ll want to do the math before you book your flight. You might save money paying the checked bag fee, or streamlining your luggage to avoid it, rather than buying a first-class ticket.
However, you’ll gain other benefits by upgrading from economy, including more leg room.
3. Use the Right Credit Card
Many airlines have partner credit cards that provide additional perks and benefits, including free checked bags. You can find some of the best travel credit cards here, according to GOBankingRates.
4. Weigh and Measure Before You Leave
In addition to limits on the number of checked bags, many airlines have weight limits, as well. Going over the limit may lead to additional charges or having your luggage denied.
If you plan to use a carry-on, only, measure your luggage to ensure it meets the airline’s size requirements. Otherwise, you may have to pay to check the bag.
Similarly, invest in a luggage scale, like this one from Amazon, to be sure your bag meets the weight limits for checked luggage. This $7 investment will pay for itself the first time you avoid over-weight fees.
5. Use Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes can help you cram more luggage into a small suitcase that fits into the overhead bin. They can also help you fit your clothing in one bag, instead of two, avoiding luggage fees.
Just make sure to weigh your luggage; you can fit more than you imagine in a bag when you pack strategically with packing cubes. As a side benefit, your outfits will be well-organized and easy to find when you reach your destination.
6. Pack Items That Serve Double Duty
Careful planning when you pack can also help you do more with less, reducing the amount of luggage you carry. Pack neutral colors and items you can mix-and-match to create multiple looks from minimum items. Try to get away with packing only one pair of shoes.
7. Leave the Hair Dryer at Home
Most hotels have a hair dryer, while many also have an iron. It’s usually safe to leave these items at home, freeing up precious space in your suitcase.
8. Wash Clothes at Your Destination
You can pack fewer clothing items if you plan to do laundry at least once on your trip. Call the hotel or check online reviews to see if the hotel has a laundry room. Otherwise, you can hit up the local laundromat.
9. Compare the Bottom-Line Price for Plane Tickets, Including All Added Costs
When you’re shopping around for airline tickets, make sure to consider any added costs and fees, along with discounts and perks you might receive as a frequent flyer. A lower priced ticket with hefty baggage fees attached may not be a bargain if you have to check a bag.
Final Note
Checked bag fees aren’t the end of the world when it comes to travel, since you can find ways to avoid them. In an APNews.com article, Delta Airlines indicated that the carrier raised fees to “keep up with unspecified rising industry costs.”
Learn More: 8 Tips To Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy
Meanwhile, data from online booking engine Going.com and Travel + Leisure shows that fare prices are expected to drop in 2024.
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Loopholes To Save Money on Travel as American, United and Delta Airlines Raise Checked Bag Fees
