How do I get around checked baggage fees?

How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.




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Typically, airlines allow checked bags that weigh up to 50 pounds and whose dimensions (length + width + height) are 62 inches or less. Airlines allow overweight bags (up to 70 pounds), but you may have to pay extra for heavier baggage unless you're flying in a premium cabin or have elite status.

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How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.


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A key driver in domestic checked baggage fees is tax arbitrage. Airlines want to get a portion of the transportation cost out from under the base airfare so that it is not subject to the government's 7.5% excise tax on tickets. At some level it doesn't matter what pricing mechanism is used, as long as there is one.

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It's generally cheaper to add baggage during booking because most carriers increase the price later. Depending on your service package, we might also charge a processing fee for additional services added later.

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Southwest Checked Baggage Allowance Southwest is the only airline that provides 2 FREE CHECKED BAGS for all fares.

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In general, an airline won't decline to accept baggage, but there is no guarantee that it will travel on your particular flight. It may be delayed and show up on a later flight, perhaps later that day or even the next day or after, depending on demand for cargo space on flights on that route.

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When you can't get your bag under 23kg (50lb), here are your options: Pay an overweight charge. If your overweight bag is less than 32kg and there is space on the flight, you can pay an overweight charge at the airport.

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It's nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines know that keeping within weight/size limits is not always possible, so they encourage you to plan ahead by selling extra weight online.

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Many carriers charge higher fees to add baggage at the airport, or only allow a limited number of pieces. Carriers have different size and weight requirements when it comes to bags. To avoid extra work for you, we offer baggage which meet the requirements for all the carriers in your itinerary.

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Though it's a burden for travelers, airlines have been able to stay afloat because of baggage fees. In 2021, U.S. airlines made about $5.3 billion in baggage fees, a huge leap from $2.8 billion in 2020; however, the number is still down from 2019's $5.8 billion.

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Cough up and pay the excess Depending on how many kilos over your suitcase is, you might have a few extra kilos spare where you can pay a fee to let your suitcase go through. Sometimes just being ready to hand over your credit card without protest will make ground crew waive the fee.

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If your luggage is heavier than your luggage allowance when you check-in, you'll need to pay an excess luggage charge, as outlined below: Short-haul flights: £13 or €17 per kilogram. Mid-haul flights: £15 or €19 per kilogram.

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There are generally two things you can do if your suitcase is over the weight limit: you can either pay the fee for the extra weight or take some things out so that the weight is then within the allowed limit. You should always take out smaller and heavier stuff since you can put them in your carry-on instead.

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