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Step 1
Attempt not to check baggage! It’s a hassle that eats up your time waiting at baggage claim, may cost you money, and puts you at risk of losing your luggage and everything in it. Sometimes it can’t be avoided or you may just not be in the mood to carry on your baggage, but if you’re concerned about saving money and time, try to keep your bags with you.
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Step 2
Use baggage that fits in overhead compartments. Even if you intend to check bags, it’s nice to have the option at the counter to keep them, such as discovering a baggage check fee you didn’t know about. When you buy new luggage, buy luggage that’s designed to fit in overheads. Note that when you’re traveling with a companion, you may be able to carry two bags on the plane that fit in the overhead instead of checking in one big bag.
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Step 3
If you must check baggage, you can avoid the preparation work of printing out boarding passes before you go to the airport. The convenience of having a boarding pass printed out vanishes when you need to stop and check bags.
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Step 4
Consider a curbside check in. It costs more in tipping, which can be mandatory tipping, but it can get you around long lines at the counter.
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Step 5
Before checking baggage, check the airline’s web site for maximum size and weight restrictions. Also see how much they charge you to check bags. Some will make you pay for the first. Some don’t charge until you’ve decided to check in several bags, and this can make a difference in your overall price of flying.
