You may think that you snagged a great deal on that flight home for the holidays, but if you're planning on traveling with bags, think again.
Not only are there fees galore just for checking a bag, but there are also fees for oversized and overweight luggage that could cost you as much as $300 per bag (each way!). That, alone, could easily top the price of your ticket. Check out the numbers in the above diagram!
1. Fly JetBlue Or Southwest. Airlines with budget-friendly airfares are also friendly to your bags. JetBlue allows one checked bag per passenger free of charge and Southwest allows two.
2. Pay Your Baggage Fee Online. Most major airlines levy a $5 surcharge per bag for luggage fees paid at the airport. Paying via credit card when you check in for your flight online saves you money and time at the ticket counter.
3. Use A Scale At Home. The fees for large and heavy bags are large and hefty-anywhere from $50 to $175. Weighing your luggage before you leave ensures that there will be no surprises at the airport. You can buy a special luggage scale at Amazon for $19.99.
4. Pack A Spare Bag. This is especially important if you plan to do a lot of shopping at your destination. A collapsible duffel takes up little room in your suitcase on the outbound trip and saves you from excess baggage fees on the inbound. You'll end up saving $20-$100 if you pay for a second bag instead of packing everything into one big overweight suitcase.
5. Carry On Your Bag. If you can pack light, you can avoid paying the checked bag fee altogether. These days, however, many people have the same idea, so if your bag will need to go in the overhead compartment, board the plane as soon as possible to snag a spot.
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