Flying isn’t getting any cheaper, and fees for checked baggage are on the rise again.
Airlines are making money off baggage fees, so don’t expect the charges to go away anytime soon.
The second checked bag for a domestic flight is $45, whether purchased online or at the airport.
American isn’t alone.
JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have also had recent price hikes for bags.
A lot of travelers rely on a checked bag.
Here are some ways it’s possible for you to avoid surprise large fees while traveling this summer.
And a second checked bag always costs more.
Baggage fees can also vary depending on your ticket pop in and class of service.
And fees jump even more if you’retraveling internationally.
It’s easy to see why.
Next time, listen up – or better still,apply for an airline credit cardbefore you fly.
Grabbing an airline credit card is the easiest path to avoiding baggage fees.
They also provide other benefits like preferred boarding groups and accrual of frequent flyer/loyalty points.
Aim for airline elite status
This option only makes sense if you’re actually a regular traveler.
If you are, elite status is the holy grail.
All of this typically counts toward airline elite status.
Baseline elite status typically provides one free checked bag.
The higher status tiers typically give you one or even two additional checked bags.
Most airlines provide at least one free checked bag to passengers flying in business or first class.
Offer your bag for free gate check
This option works best on full flights.
Invariably, a flight’s gate agent is under pressure to have an on-time departure.
That alone keeps the airline in the conversation for some travelers.
And if after all this you’re going to check a bag, double-check your carriers' rules.
verify your checked bag matches the maximum dimensions and weight specified, to avoid overage charges.
