When travelling by air, it’s vital to keep in mind that airline baggage taxes apply in both directions. Therefore, if your first standard checked bag costs $30 on your departure journey, plan to pay an additional $30 for that same bag on your return flight (for a total of $60 roundtrip).
The cost of checking two basic bags could now reach $120 roundtrip (sometimes more depending on the airline). If you check a large or overweight suitcase, the cost could go to $100 or $200 one way!
Weight and size matters
You might want to think about weighing and measuring your luggage before going to the airport and checking it. When you think you have a regular checked luggage that weighs under 50lbs but discover at the check-in counter that it is actually 60lbs, it’s not a fantastic way to start your trip. In this case, the typical airline baggage fee ranges from $30 to well over $100.
Confirm the size of your suitcase as another important detail. Airlines allow up to 62 linear inches (L+W+H) for a typical checked bag. Make sure to measure the suitcase from all sides to make sure you are not over; if you are, your luggage will be deemed an oversized bag, and you will be charged more for your trip (uggh, just for your baggage).
Baggage fees differ per airline
Nobody should be surprised that each airline chooses which extra fees to charge its customers. From assessing costs for carry-on and checked bags to charging for food, blankets, and the highly sought-after exit row seats. The only baggage fees collected by US airlines in 2018 totaled 5.1 billion dollars.
The only US airline that does not charge for the first and second checked bags on any flight is Southwest Airlines (the third checked bag is $75 one way). Be prepared to spend a little bit more if you previously purchased a basic economy ticket with another airline. On domestic US flights, Delta and American Airlines charge $70 for the two checked baggage. For two checked bags, JetBlue and United Airlines charge $80. With a cool $50 to check your first bag at the airport, Spirit takes the lead.
Ways to lower steep baggage fees
When checking bags at the airport, there are still ways to reduce the cost. Major airlines encourage travellers to reserve and pay for their checked luggage fees in advance online. For instance, JetBlue provides $5 off when you pre-book your checked baggage. Similar to Spirit Airlines, paying in advance before showing up at the check-in counter reduces the $50 first bag fee to $21–$31.
Read the fine print on the type of airline ticket you bought, regardless of the airline you decide to fly with (first, business, premium economy, economy plus, main cabin, or basic economy). It’s difficult to keep track of extra costs these days, but it’s best to be aware of them before travelling to the airport and boarding a trip.
Bypass checking bags altogether
You can either wear every piece of clothing or ship them in advance if you want to avoid carrying your baggage to and from the airport altogether. In addition to potentially saving on baggage fees, FedEx and UPS are excellent choices because you won’t have to handle your luggage at all. Additionally, you can use services like LugLess to mail your luggage for a lower cost than airline baggage costs, avoiding the pain of checking bags and the dreaded baggage claim line.
Without checking with the airline you’ve selected, it’s difficult to determine the real fees each airline will levy for checked luggage on both legs of a journey.
While it may be inconvenient to put in the extra effort after making a reservation with an airline, it is advisable to be aware of the baggage charges in advance (remember, both ways) so you are not stuck at the check-in counter unpacking your bag or paying extra money before takeoff.
