Consumers shelled out nearly $900 million in airline baggage fees between April and June. In fact, of the $3.09 billion profit made by U.S. airlines during the second quarter of 2010, $2.1 billion came from such ancillary fees. No wonder airlines are chomping at the big to start charging for bathroom breaks.
Americans aren't willing to take such abuse lying down anymore (or at least sitting down in extremely cramped seats). Shipping agencies, online free shipping offers, even clothing manufacturers have stepped up to help make holiday travel less expensive and irritating this year. We've done our part as well to help reduce your luggage fees for Christmas visits. Read on for seven ways to beat the excess baggage fees system.
1. Ship and Save
To send a 25-pound bag from Chicago to Orlando can take several days via FedEx, UPS or parcel post, but it costs less than $20 to ship, versus the $25 charged by most airlines. If you can plan that far ahead and live without the items you're packing, the savings may well be worth it. Plus, you won't have to struggle with heavy bags, show security your underwear, or wait to check and collect bags at the airport.
Depending on your airline, you might save even more by shipping bags weighing 50-plus pounds. Delta, for example, charges $90 for overweight bags on domestic flights, whereas shipping it coast-to-coast costs less than $65. Another advantage: Shipping luggage offers better security and tracking.
2. Mail Christmas Presents Direct From Merchants
Did Charles Lindbergh worry about whether he should pack or carry gifts for the French on his non-stop overseas flight? It wouldn't have been a problem if Lucky Lindy could have shopped online and to send presents to friends and family. No juggling awkward gifts or leaving clothing behind to make extra room in your bags.
3. Fly Southwest or JetBlue
Southwest Airlines doesn't currently charge for the first two checked bags weighing less than 50 pounds and JetBlue allows one free checked piece. Southwest's policy might change, however, with their recent acquisition of AirTran Airways, but experts doubt this will happen until after the holidays.
4. Wear It All...And I Mean ALL
Not much of a heavy packer? Technology Enabled Clothing has developed the ScotteVest Outback Jacket with 20 pockets, including one large enough to carry an iPad. The waterproof jacket is insulated for warmth -- perfect for Christmas traveling -- and comes in both female and male models. What's that you say? Twenty pockets aren't enough? How about the Revolution Plus, with 26 pockets, a removable hood and sleeves, for those traveling from cold to temperate climates. Visit scottevest.com for details.
5. Pack Light
Most airlines still allow one free carry-on at present. Since frugalistas have learned to do without during the Recession, what's one more area in which to economize? You can still fit a fair amount into that single roll-on, if you pack wisely. Check for just the right bags, then learn the basic rules of packing light from OneBag.com. (Yes, you can live an entire week with just one coat and two pair of shoes. I traveled Europe for six weeks with a solo roll-on and did quite nicely.)
6. Work For the Goverment
Some airlines wave luggage fees for active members of the military and those traveling on government fares. Make sure you know the policy before booking, however.
7. Fly More Frequently Than Pilots
Some frequent flyer programs allow platinum or gold members to skip out on luggage fees. These rules tend to be rather fluid, however, so check each time you make a reservation.
Finally, scope The Consumerist's comprehensive, up-to-date charts for all annoying airline fees. All data is drawn from the Government Accountability Office's own report, so you can be reasonably sure they're accurate.
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