How To Avoid Airline Bag Fees
Jet fuel prices have DOUBLED in less than two months…
And what is an airline's second largest expense behind labor?
Jet fuel.
So now, nearly every major airline has started increasing several of their fees to help offset their higher costs - and that includes increasing their bag fees.
To help you avoid these increased bag fees, here’s 4 ways to save on them:
Co-Branded Credit Card
The best way around paying bag fees is to have the right airline credit card - especially if you fly a certain airline and pay their baggage fees a lot.
Many airline credit card benefits include free checked bags for cardholders and other passengers.
Most entry-level airline cards are around $95 - $150 per year, but could easily save you hundreds of dollars depending on the number of travelers and flights taken each year.
Combine those consistent savings with a strong upfront sign up bonus, and you'll be in great shape!
To learn more about our top airline credit cards, check out this link here.
Use Points & Miles
Sometimes checked bags are included with points bookings, sometimes they're not.
Each airline is different - double check what’s included when searching for award flights.
Status Match
Flying Blue is running a status match right now - meaning there’s a backdoor strategy to a free checked bag.
Essentially you take airline status from one airline program and apply for status with Flying Blue.
The best benefit with Flying Blue Silver is a free checked bag on all Flying Blue and SkyTeam partner flights, which includes Delta.
How about a potential example if you fly Delta a ton and pay for a checked bag each time.
Nic here - I hold the Air Canada co-branded credit card that includes Aeroplan Elite 25K status, which converts to Flying Blue Silver with this status match promotion for $99.
A Delta flight 5 times per year and a checked bag for $45 each time adds up.
$45 per bag X 5 flights = $225 a year ❌
Versus a status match promotion for $99 and a free checked bag each time. ✅
Learn more using this link to see the list of airline status match possibilities.
Travel Light
The ‘ole "see how much can ya stuff" in a backpack trick!
A backpack and carry-on duo is actually pretty manageable.
More people are traveling light these days - and many airlines will even check your carry-on for free if it's a full flight and they run out of overhead bin space.
What’s one way you’re trying to save money on travel this year?
Let us know - we’re curious! (Not flying doesn’t count as an answer…😂)