The Airline Fees industry rakes in billions of dollars a year in baggage fees. Luckily, most of these Airline Fees are avoidable. All it takes is for a traveler to be savvy in the way that they handle their luggage. With a few smart moves, you can save a significant amount in baggage fees. For a frequent traveler who is tired of paying hefty fees that only enrich airlines, with no accruing benefits, here are 3 tips to avoiding expensive airline fees.
1. Apply to Join a Frequent Flyer Program
One of the best ways to avoid hefty, yet avoidable fees, is to join a frequent flyer program. Almost every major airline on the planet has a frequent flyer program. They allow loyal customers to enjoy discounts not just on fares, but also on fees, including baggage fees. In essence, it makes sense to apply to join such a program, if you are ever traveling and constantly clock the number of miles that make you a frequent traveler. However, if you are a frequent flyer but fall short of the number of hours that make you a frequent flyer, it would be ideal to apply for an airline credit card. Major airlines have their own cards, and have amazing discounts for cardholders. For instance, if an airline waives fees on baggage for those who pay with the company credit card, it would make sense to apply for such a card. You can save lots of money, especially if you are constantly on the move.
2. Get a Light Carry on Luggage
When it comes to baggage, you get charged depending on the weight and size of your luggage. As such, if the size of your carry-on luggage is not large, you can lower your fees or avoid them altogether. In essence, the best carry on luggage is one that is light enough, while giving you enough space to fly with everything that you might need in the course of your travel. Other factors to consider when buying carry-on luggage include its wheels and expandability. On the aspect of wheels, carry-ons come in either two or four wheels. If you go for the four-wheel one, you get convenience since they are easy to push around, but it may be slow. If you want to move fast over any surfaces, you would be better off with the two-wheel one.
3. Fly with a Discount Airline
Most discount airlines don’t charge fees for things like baggage, unless you go for their cheapest tickets. This makes them a viable option for anyone looking to avoid the hefty fees that come with the more prestigious airliners. Of course, discount airlines are not the most comfortable, but for most travelers, comfort is not a priority. For most people, the most important thing is to get from one point to the other for business, or just to have a good time with friends and family. Discount airlines are an easy way to avoid fees, and use that money on other important things.
