Buzz
If you want to avoid shelling out a considerable amount for luggage with the stringent regulations of some airlines, here are some tips to help you save on your journey.
Paying additional fees for airlines can undoubtedly make your trip less enjoyable. Travel is already challenging as ticket prices are currently on the rise (up about 2% this year, as reported by Rick Seaney, founder of FareCompare.com). It becomes even more complex if you have to deal with changing or rechecking your baggage.
Fee Changes: Undoubtedly, one of the most substantial fees for major airlines is the change or cancellation fee for baggage, and currently, the fee has increased to $200 for changes on American, Delta, and United ($100 on Virgin America and Frontier; $75 – $150 on JetBlue; $125 on Alaska). The best approach is to prepare your luggage in advance and compactly before each trip.
Some Solutions:
• Purchase a ticket with 'service-inclusive' from American Airlines. The airline's Choice Plus service may not guarantee avoiding additional fees, but it can still be valuable in some cases. For a flight with a ticket price of $68, choosing a ticket that includes a round-trip baggage, plus no change fee, is essential. It's like an insurance policy in case there's an opportunity to change your travel date. You may also receive priority boarding. With Choice Plus, for just an additional $20, you can save a significant amount.
• Book with Southwest Airlines (Southwest): This airline does not allow changes or cancellations with fees, although if the ticket price has increased, you'll still have to pay the fare difference for changes or cancellations of checked baggage fees.
• Book with Alaska Airlines: If you change or cancel your flight more than 60 days before departure, you'll get a refund or can make changes without a fee.
• Fly with Southwest Airlines (Southwest) or JetBlue: You can check in two pieces of carry-on baggage for free (within weight limits) with Southwest; while JetBlue allows free check-in for the first piece of carry-on baggage.
• Ship your luggage in advance: If you have a bag weighing over 50 kg and can't move it after arrival, and you're traveling within the United States, consider shipping it via FedEx or UPS before the day you arrive. Especially for shorter distances (as airlines also factor in distance fees and FedEx/UPS fees), it might be cheaper than paying baggage fees upfront, plus excess weight fees. You also avoid waiting at the baggage carousel and reduce the risk of lost luggage.
• For seat selection fees: Some airlines charge a fee if you want to choose your seat in advance. Therefore, you should have a few solutions for this:
• Avoid AirTran, Spirit, and Allegiant airlines. JetBlue, Virgin America, Hawaii, Delta, US Airways, and United do not charge any fees.
• Build loyalty with an airline: You may avoid many additional fees by becoming a frequent flyer – another advantage of loyalty.
• Pre-book via phone: Airlines often charge from 15 – 25 USD for phone bookings. The solution is to use toll-free numbers to call and find the best seat at a reasonable price. Then hang up promptly, as you'll only be charged for the booking, not for advice over the phone.
• Pay in the 'last minutes': For award tickets, you often have to pay an extra amount at the last minute. Award tickets usually come with specific airline rules regarding fees unrelated to previous fees (including seat availability). However, one solution is to avoid airlines with fees (usually 75 USD) if you have a ticket obtained from an award and book a seat less than 21 days in advance. Steer clear of Delta, AirTran, JetBlue, Southwest, Hawaii, Frontier, Virgin America; instead, consider airlines like United, American, US Airways, or Spirit.
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – According to LATimes
MytourDecember 13, 2013
