Sick of Baggage Fees? Use These Next-Level Packing Tips and Avoid Them Entirely

Airline travel has is definitely not getting cheaper these days. And, when you’re already spending an entire paycheck for a few hours of travel, those extra baggage fees add insult to injury. Why should you have to pay $25, $50, or even $100 for the privilege to pack clothes and shoes for your trip?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling that way. Strategic travelers have created a list of clever hacks to help you avoid baggage fees entirely.

Milk the Carry-On Rules For Everything They’re Worth

You don’t want to be that guy trying to shove your carry-on into an overhead compartment that’s obviously way too small. But you do want to be the savvy traveler who investigates carry-on rules before flying and packs with a purpose.

All airlines provide packing guides that provide specific carry-on measurement limits. The discount airline Spirit, for example, limits carry-on baggage to bags 18” x 14” x 8”. American Airlines, on the other hand, is slightly more generous by allowing carry-ons up to 22” x 14” x 9”. Do some detective work before you pack to determine if you can slide by without paying for baggage.

Wear Layers Like a Boss

When in doubt, wear your luggage. You might not be able to fit your winter coat into your carry-on, but you’ll be allowed to wear it through the airport and then stow it away in the overhead bin once you’re on your flight.

This trick works for shoes, also. Those knee high boots will fit better on your feet than in your bag! Layer t-shirts, sweaters, or even pants if you’re feeling determined. A few minutes of discomfort is worth saving $100, right?

Open a Frequent Flyer Credit Card

If your credit score is looking healthy, apply for a frequent flyer credit card to take advantage of free baggage perks. Cards like the American Airlines Citi Visa card give cardholders one free checked bag on all domestic and international flights.

Use a Credit Card With Travel Expense Benefits

If you don’t want to open a new credit card, check to see if one of your existing credit cards offers travel expense benefits. Many of the top tier credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card offer $200 or $300 in travel credits that you can apply to hotels, seat upgrades, baggage, and other travel-related costs.

The U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card is one of the most generous around, with an annual credit of $325, but even the Bank of American Premium Rewards Credit Card and Expedia Voyager Card from Citi offer $100 toward your travel expenses.

Choose Airlines With Free Checked Bags

Assuming they fly to your destination, simply book with an airline that hasn’t jumped on the baggage fee bandwagon. Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines that still doesn’t charge for bags. Just make sure you consider the price of your airline tickets as well. If you get two free bags but your ticket costs $200 more, the switch might not save you money after all.

Join a Frequent Flyer Program

Most airlines offer frequent flyer incentives to keep customers loyal. Take advantage of these programs to earn elite status and all of the perks it brings. Once you hit elite status, you can kiss your baggage fees goodbye. Depending on the airline, you’ll receive one, two, or even three free bags per flight as an elite traveler.

Maybe you can even snag an extra bag of complimentary pretzels while you’re at it.

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