In these days of fees, charges and costs for everything that has to do with airline travel, Travelocity’ just sent me some interesting ways to save on baggage fees, overweight charges, change fees and food costs.
There’s no rocket science here, but the list indicates how much travelers can now save by being aware of these new fees.
Use online check-in, especially when checking bags
Not only does online check in save you lots of time at the airport, it can actually save money for those who check bags. Most airlines give travelers a $3-$5 discount if they pay for their checked bags before they get to the airport. Savings: $12-$20 based on a family of four each checking one bag or $24-$40 round-trip (in addition the checked bag fee!)
Over packing costs a bundle
Carry on is best (and free), but if you must check a bag, make sure it is under 50lbs. Bags over 50lbs are likely to be charged an overweight bag charge of between $50 – $100 per bag depending on just how overweight the bag is. Savings: at least $50
Allow enough time to get through the airport
Make sure to factor the hassles of security and check-in at the airport. Not only is missing your flight a huge pain in the rear, it could very well cost you in time and money. Planes are flying at near-full capacity, so getting on the next flight isn’t nearly as easy as it once was. Want to rebook your flight? That’ll cost you $150 on average, plus any difference in fare. Savings: $150 per person
Plan meals ahead of time to avoid expensive airport or airline food
Some airports have adopted “street-pricing” policies, but many (including LAX, ATL and JFK) have not. You’ll either be forced to buy expensive (and unhealthy) fast food at the airport or purchase food on board the plane. Savings: A sandwich and bag of chips on United airlines costs $9. Cost: $36 for family of four or $72 round-trip.
Oh lucky us! Because they are charging us more, if we are clever we can save more! Wait a minute, wasn’t all this included once upon a time.
Whether these fees are justifiable or not, the fee confusion that the airlines are sowing is not.
Here is Travelocity’s fee chart. Changes are being made as I post this. However, when you click on it, the fees should be current.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
