How to reduce or avoid airline fees for checked baggage: effective tips

Most airlines charge travelers who choose to check in their luggage.

According to the Transportation Bureau, in 2022, passengers paid about $6.8 billion for baggage. According to experts, travelers can consider several strategies to reduce or avoid checked baggage fees, CNBC reports.

Choose your carrier carefully

There are a few airlines that still don't charge for checked baggage.

The "Big Three" Gulf airlines - Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates - still offer free baggage, as does Air India, according to Aidan Higgins, senior editor of The Broke Backpacker website.

These carriers may have certain restrictions, particularly on baggage size and weight.

Of course, just because they may not charge baggage fees doesn't mean that their fares are cheaper than others when you look at the overall cost. They also may not fly routes that are suitable for travelers' itineraries.

Combine luggage

Experts say that a family of four can compress four bags into two, potentially halving checked baggage fees.

However, there is one caveat. Passengers need to consider the weight requirements of airlines and whether combining bags may result in additional fees.

Skip the bag check

Traveling light - with only your personal belongings and/or carry-on baggage, depending on what your airline and fare class allow for free - is the "only surefire way" to avoid paying checked baggage fees

Of course, this will not be possible for everyone. But in most cases, passengers can avoid baggage checks if they only have a light backpack.

Think about raising the fare

According to experts, even large carriers usually charge hand luggage at basic economy class fares.

A higher tier ticket at a higher cost may include a baggage allowance, in which case passengers may pay the same total cost compared to a cheaper fare, and also get some additional benefits, such as the ability to choose a seat or arrive on a flight change, experts say.

Buy luggage scales, lightweight bags

Purchasing and using a luggage scale before traveling will help travelers avoid unexpected fees at the airport due to exceeding the weight limit of their checked baggage.

Get a credit card or join a frequent flyer program.

Of course, travelers don't have to open a credit card account just for this benefit, experts say. Some cards may also come with an annual fee, although travelers may come out ahead if their annual benefits (such as savings on baggage fees) outweigh this cost.