Why Baggage Fees???

It is hard to believe, but baggage fees have now been around for almost six years, and they are certainly not going away.  Airlines are expected to make up to $8 billion this year from all the different fees combined, with baggage fees making up the majority of that amount.

A steady contributor of travel information to the Dallas Morning News, Tom Parsons, had a helpful article in regard to traveling with baggage that I thought would assist in helping us understand just what is involved with baggage fees, and how to make sure we are being frugal travelers.

On domestic airlines, most airlines charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag.  It is important to know the dimensions and weight because they add on fees for overage.  The size of a checked bag is limited to 62 linear inches, which is length, plus width, plus height.  The weight is capped at 50 pounds. The fees are charged each way, so for example, if you have an overweight and over sized piece of luggage, you would pay $25 for the checked bag fee, $100 for the overweight bag, and $200 for the oversize bag for a total of $325 one way.  That’s more than some tickets cost!!!

So far, and it will probably not last long, Southwest allows passengers to check two free bags and Jet Blue allows one free checked bag.  All the other airlines have some kind of charge for baggage. Most airlines will allow travelers to bring a carry-on bag for free as long as it is 45 linear inches and can fit in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat. 

The best way to check about the baggage policies of the airline on which you are traveling is to go to their website and click on baggage.  All of them have an understandable description of their charges and policies.

Even though travelers don’t like the fees, referring to them as one of the most irritating fees that airlines charge, they are here to stay.  Airlines justify them by saying that they are able to keep the airfares lower because of the revenue stream from fees.

So the good airline traveling strategy is to wisely purchase lightweight luggage and pack smartly; in doing so, you’ll be saving money and potential headaches at the airport when checking in.

Luggage charges on international carriers vary with each carrier; most of them currently allow one checked piece for free.  Again the best way to see what their policies are is to go to the baggage section of their website.

The travel counselors at The Travel Factory are eager to help with these questions and stand ready to help you with your memory-making trip of a lifetime so call us at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.