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Tired of paying baggage fees? Read these tips to help avoid common mistakes. And if you want even more help, master the art of packing light with our Stop Overpacking course!
How to Avoid Baggage Fees
Written by Elizabeth Georgian
Airlines made close to $11 billion in excess luggage fees (as well as seat fees) in 2015.
I don’t feel the need to spend my hard-earned cash to add to that amount, so I’ve made it my goal to always stay within the free luggage restrictions. This includes budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, which have strict guidelines and high fees.
This is exactly how to pack for a strict 7kg baggage limit!
So you don’t have to pay more when traveling, I’ve compiled some tips to help you save your cash for your next flight, rather than paying for luggage fees.
Carefully check the luggage allowance
Checking the luggage allowance is something that many travelers forget about–at least they must, as I often see people repacking in airports! Do not make this common mistake! Easily avoid luggage fees by knowing the rules before you even book your flight.
For example, if you’re flying economy with Wizz Air, you’re only allowed one small cabin bag size 42 x 32 x 25 cm or smaller and no personal item (i.e., no purse or bag).
Knowing your luggage allowance is the first step for successfully avoiding baggage fees, because you certainly don’t want to show up to the airport with an additional purse or backpack that doesn’t fit into your already overly-full luggage.
Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes
Organize your luggage
I love packing cubes and envelopes to keep my clothes neat and organized during a trip, like the ones shown above by Compass Rose Travel Accessories – a brand by Travel Fashion Girl!
Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube!
In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a 4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes. These are the only packing cubes sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase and they also have a unique color-coded and numbered organization system – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.
I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!
Purchase appropriately-sized luggage
If you have a large suitcase, you (and me, too) will always be tempted to pack more than what’s needed.
However, if you purchase a suitcase that easily fits in the overhead compartment or under your seat, then you’ll be forced to pack lightly and stay within the baggage allowance set by airlines.
If you know you’ll be flying a specific airline frequently, I even recommend purchasing luggage that fits the exact dimensions, because then there will be no question of it fitting size requirements.
Can’t choose the right travel luggage? Read these awesome tips!
Rebecca Minkoff Julian Gold Hardware Backpack
Speaking of your purse: what should you do with your cash, tickets, phone, and passport? This is where planning ahead comes in.
For flights where a personal item is not free, I take a smaller purse to carry my essentials through the airport and then pack it away before getting on the plane. I plan ahead and reserve space in my luggage to pack my purse away.
Not sure what’s a personal item? Find out.
Pack only what you need
Avoiding excess packing is a challenge for us all, but if you want to consistently avoid luggage fees, you need to find a light packing system that works for you. This is your ultimate guide on how to pack for cold weather.
If you are traveling to a cold destination, for example, pack light by bringing warm layers rather than large, bulky sweaters.
Find out how to choose the best layers!
Additionally, instead of packing a scarf, which takes up a surprising amount of luggage space, I always keep mine handy during the flight in case the air conditioning is too severe. This saves both space in my luggage and keeps me comfortable inflight.
Alternatively, bring a warm neck gaitor like the one above that takes up minimal space with full functionality.
Here’s a variety of stylish winter scarves to choose from!
Save more, avoid paying excess luggage fees. To stay within the luggage allowance, preparation is key!
Do you have any other tips on how to avoid baggage fees? Share in the comments below!
For more airport travel tips, please read:
- Top 10 Airplane Essentials
- Bring these on a Plane if You’re Traveling with Kids
- 75 of the Best Travel Packing Tips
- How to Travel Carry-on Only Every Trip
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Author Bio: Elizabeth Georgian is a travel writer and expat currently based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Follow her local and international travels on In Search Of or on Facebook and Instagram.
When I flew out to Colorado for 6 days, I fit everything into the Lo & Sons Catalina bag with the help of packing cubes and used that as my personal item so I wouldn’t have to pay any fees at all! (I flew on Frontier airlines and they charge for carry on bags as well as the regular baggage fee) The Catalina fits perfectly under the seat in front of you (although since mine was a bit full I had to smoosh it a bit lol) and what’s nice is there’s a zippered bottom section that can house your shoes and bulkier items. I posted a link to the Lo & Sons website for the Catalina and I actually got mine on sale just before Labor Day for around $70 I think so they do have good sales, just make sure to subscribe to their emails to know when they’re going on =]
Awesome recommendation Amy! I love the Lo & Sons bags! I’ll have to check that one out specifically! And totally agree, check the dimensions for personal items, they are often not as small as you think! Happy travels!
Just a heads up… I have the Tarriss digital scale and it is great…. BUT, it can be out by a couple of pounds if you have a heavier bag – so it is better to err on the side of caution. Just allow a couple of extra pounds leeway.
Great recommendation! Thanks for sharing Carol! Important to know!