Airline Baggage Fees
Baggage fees: the airline's newest dirty word! Before we look at what the airlines will charge you to check luggage, let's take a look at a few ways to get around these fees: The first way is obvious, bring less and carry it on. If you do this though, be sure you have followed all the rules for carry-on luggage. No more than 4 ouces of any liquid, all displayed in a clear baggie. No knives, etc. You can go to http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm. Second, try JetBlue or Southwest. They still don't have fees. Third, see if you're exempt because you used a certain credit card or are a frequent flyer. Fourth, see if the hotel you are visiting will cover the fees. Kimpton hotels have already started this program. Fifth, try to combine as many items into one bag as possible. For example, your diaper bag may fit into a larger carry-on. Sixth, if you're combining carriers, and the first carrier doesn't charge fees, check your luggage all the way through to your destination. Here are some useful website links that will take you directly to the airline baggage fees for the major airlines. Be sure to check both the fees and the size/weight limitations. You'll also need to look up this information for international flights. Their fees and size/weight limitations differ from domestic flights. They can also have very hefty fees for any luggage that is overweight or oversized. They also have huge fees for checking more than the "allowed" pieces of luggage. With all these fees, you may want to look into shipping your luggage to your destination. It sometimes is close in price to the airline fees and keeps you from having to drag your luggage around at the airport. A good site to check out is
Luggage Forward.
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