How to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

Most airlines have started charging fees for checked baggage. You can avoid these charges by choosing to go carry-on instead. In addition to saving money, there are other added benefits of going carry-on, such as saving time during check-in and at baggage claim, and having peace of mind knowing that nothing will happen to your luggage because you will have it with you all the time. Read these simple tips to find out how to travel with carry-on and avoid checked baggage fees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carry-on bag or suitcase
• 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers
• Quart-size clear plastic ziploc container (20 cm x 18 cm)
• Plastic bags to wrap shoes

1. Check the weather forecast for your destination before you start packing your suitcase, especially if you're only travelling for a few days. It is not necessary to pack an umbrella, a rain jacket and gum boots if the prediction indicates a heat wave with no sign of rain for the coming week.

2. If you're staying at a hotel, resort or bed and breakfast, phone in advance to find out what amenities are available, such as towels, hair dryer, soap, shampoo and other toiletries. Only pack those items that are not provided.

3. 
    
   Pack liquids and gels into zip lock bags

   Purchase travel-sized toiletry items. Alternatively, purchase your own plastic bottles that comply with the Transport Security Administration (TSA) regulations and decant your toiletries into smaller bottles. To comply with security requirements, all liquids and gels must be placed in individual 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers to fit inside a quart-size clear plastic, zip lock bag (20 cm x 18 cm).

4. 
    
   Mix and match clothing

   Select and co-ordinate your clothing so that you can mix and match without having to wear a completely new outfit each day. Ask yourself: do you really need five different jackets and seven pairs of shoes when you go away for three days? Keep in mind laundry services that may be available. Alternatively, take your own laundry soap from home and wash your underwear and other quick drying items yourself.

5. 
    
   Pack heavy items first

   Learn how to pack your suitcase properly: Start off by laying all your clothes, shoes and toiletries out. All liquids and gels need to be scanned separately from your main luggage at the security check point, so pack these in an easily accessible location. Begin by packing heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase, such as clothing that won't crease easily, e.g. jeans.

6. 
    
   Stuff socks into shoes

   Place shoes in a plastic bag to prevent them from dirtying your clothes. Stuff socks into shoes; this will help maintain their shape. Fill the corners and other spaces of your suitcase with rolled up socks or underwear.

7. 
    
   Compress bulky items

   Consider using a compressor bag to pack bulky items.

8. 
    
   Pack lighter items at the top

   As you move to the top of the suitcase, pack lighter items, such as jackets, then skirts, then blouses. Pack the most wrinkle-prone and lightest items at the top of the suitcase.

Tips & Warnings

• Once at your destination, hang wrinkled clothing in the bathroom - the steam generated from a hot bath or shower will help to remove the creases.
• If travelling with others who pack lighter than you, ask whether you can use some of their suitcase space if you can't fit everything into yours.
• The sign of a well-packed suitcase is one where each item of clothing has been worn at least once.
• Going carry-on will save you time - there's no more waiting in baggage claim for your suitcase to arrive on the carousel, so you can get to the beach faster! Also, most airline carriers allow you to print your boarding pass from the internet so there's no waiting in long check-in queues at the airport - you can go straight through to the security check point.
• Going carry-on provides peace of mind - your suitcase won't get lost because you'll have it with you all the time, you won't miss any connecting flights because of delayed luggage, there's no chance of items being stolen out your suitcase during baggage processing, and if you need to make any last-minute changes to your itinerary, you will be able to do so because you'll have your luggage with you.
• Check with your airline carrier for the carry-on baggage dimension and weight allowances.
• Check with the TSA for a list of prohibited items and additional guidelines for carry-ons.

Resources

• 3-1-1 for carry-ons

[joeyaa88]

on 12/29/2009 Really helpful. I fly 4-5 times a year and always end up having to leave or move around things! Hopefully it wont happen again!

[aly3012]

on 12/23/2009 I fly a lot so thanks for this- some very useful tips. 5*

[jtran011]

on 12/22/2009 Thenk you for the information, especially before heavy holiday travel time!

[globalbound]

on 12/11/2009 Great info. There is certainly no need to pack your entire household into a suitcase! :) 5* and rec.

[art2cee2]

on 12/8/2009 Very good information and suggestions. One drawback to carrying on ones bags, is that so many people are using carry ons now that many times the baggage bins are full and its sometimes hard to find an empty one. Size is also an issue. While most attendants do not bother people with size restrictions, some may, since people are carrying on bigger and bigger bags. All in all a very good article and well written. 5* and rec.