How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees: Smart Travel Tips to Save Money

A successful journey starts well before you board the plane. It begins with deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. Packing can be daunting, and determining what to include is often tricky, as you can't carry everything because of the airlines' limited baggage allowance. But by taking a strategic approach and considering some smart tips, you can pack efficiently and avoid the extra baggage fees. Further in this article, we will explore these tips to avoid airline baggage fees and make your trip stress-free and more enjoyable.

Some Smart travel tips to avoid additional baggage charges

Know Your Airline's Baggage Policy:

Airlines follow some rules and regulations regarding the baggage allowance, which are called the Baggage Policy. Knowing this set of rules and guidelines will inform you about the weight and size limitations passengers can bring without paying any additional fee.

Pack Light & Right:

Pack only the necessary things for survival, including versatile clothing items, minimising toiletries, and packing fewer items. You can also consider using several packing tips, such as rolling the clothes and packing cubes.

Maximise Carry-On Allowance:

Carry-on baggage, including your laptop bag or handbag, can also help you to avoid extra baggage fees. To do this, carry the essentials such as chargers, toiletries, and medicines in your carry-ons. Some airlines also allow passengers to bring two carry-on items, which can be utilised.

Use Compression Packing Techniques:

Passengers can also use compression cubes to reduce the overall volume of the items. Folded clothing items can be stacked in them and then zipped, closing the cube, which takes up less space inside a suitcase. Instead of folding, some people prefer rolling the clothing to save extra space.

Wear Your Heaviest Items:

To avoid extra luggage fees, consider wearing heavy items, such as coats and boots, instead of carrying them. This way you can bring your favourite clothing item, without carrying it in your baggage. Once you are inside the plane, you can take off these items when you are in the plane and store them in the overhead bin.

Consider Prepaying for Baggage:

Prepaying is an effective strategy to purchase extra storage and ensure a hassle-free experience for travellers. It is also cheaper, as airlines offer discounts on advance purchases. Buying additional baggage at the check-in counter can be expensive.

Join Airline Loyalty Programs:

Most airlines' frequent flyer programs provide free checked baggage, an extra piece allowance, and priority check-in. This allows members to carry additional baggage and increased weight limits beyond the regular limits, offering a more stress-free journey.

Use Baggage Fee Calculators & Apps:

These fee calculators, often available on the airlines' websites or in applications, will allow you to find the baggage allowance and potential charges for your checked or carry-on luggage. These calculators determine the results by considering destinations, cabin classes, and the loyalty program tier. This way, you will know how to prevent airline excess baggage charges.

Ship Your Luggage Separately:

Shipping your baggage is a smart strategy for those going on a long journey or moving abroad. This allows the passengers to transport their luggage to their destinations through the cargo services offered by the airlines without actually travelling with them.

Book with Airlines That Offer Free Checked Bags:

Most airlines allow passengers to bring checked baggage without paying any cost if they are under the permitted limitations. That is why checking the airline's policies is essential, although the price is affected by various factors such as class of travel, routes, and type of fare purchased.

Travel with a Group or Family:

When you travel with family or in a group, the baggage allowance is combined under the same reservation, which helps avoid additional baggage charges. As the allowance combines, the weight can be distributed as needed, enabling the passengers to pack more than the individual allowed limit.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees:

Hidden fees may include the cost of additional weight or an extra piece of luggage that is not included in the free baggage allowance. Some airlines also charge for baggage drop at the gates. So, passengers must be aware of these hidden charges to avoid paying more than usual.

Conclusion

Travellers can sidestep extra fees at every stage of their journey, starting with packing. Improper packing can lead to significant additional weight charges. To prevent this, travellers can utilise the smart packing tips for travel outlined earlier; these tips not only help avoid added costs but also facilitate efficient packing. Therefore, implement the techniques presented in the previous section for a smoother travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the standard baggage weight limit in Indian domestic flights?

The baggage limit can vary depending on the airline. Generally, the standard baggage weight limit for checked baggage can be between 15kg and 25 kg.

Q. How much are excess baggage charges?

The price is determined by various factors, such as fare type, routes, class, etc. Fare calculators can help you check the potential cost.

Q. Can I add baggage after booking the flight?

Yes, you can add more baggage after booking by contacting the airlines or through their website.

Q. What happens if my bag is overweight at the airport?

You will be allowed to take your baggage; however, an additional fee will be applied for baggage charges.

Q. Do low-cost airlines have stricter baggage rules?

Yes, low-cost airlines are more rigid towards their rules because they have to lower their business operation model.

Q. What is the easiest way to avoid baggage fees?

Packing efficiently is the easiest way to avoid additional baggage charges, as it only requires packing the essentials.

Q. Are baggage fees refundable if I cancel my flight?

Baggage fees are usually non-refundable, and you will not get anything for cancelling your ticket.

Q. Do all airlines allow a free personal item?

Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on and a personal item such as a laptop bag or a handbag, but not all airlines allow a free personal item.

Q. Can I get free checked baggage with a credit card?

Yes, many airlines offer such benefits, especially those that are co-branded with the airline's credit cards. So, making a payment through a credit card can be beneficial.