Yes, you can save on baggage fees at the airport

For this week’s No More Ls column, we’re looking at how to save baggage fees the next time you fly.

Travellers, does it feel like the airlines are always changing the luggage rules, so they can catch you off guard and charge you for something at the gate? We’re used to steep fees for checked luggage, from $45 per bag and up, depending on the airline and flight route—but the charges are still frustrating. Here’s how to trim those annoying baggage fees so you can spend more of your hard-earned vacation money on the fun stuff.

Know your airline’s baggage allowance policy

Since there’s no universal standard for luggage allowance, check the terms and conditions of your airline ticket tier before buying it. Some international routes include a checked bag for any ticket, while others only allow carry-on bags weighing less than seven kilograms.

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“You don’t want to get to the airport with your carry-on and personal item and realize you’re not allowed to take one of those, and then be forced to pay to check it,” says Jenn Neilson, co-host of The Travel Mug podcast.

Use filters when searching for flights

When shopping for the best fare, take advantage of platforms that help you avoid unexpected baggage fees by showing tickets that include free checked bags, or including luggage costs in the price you see. Google Flights, Kayak, and many similar platforms have tools that allow you to compare airfare costs including bag fees.

Choose credit cards and loyalty programs that come with a free checked bag

Tap into the benefits that come with your frequent flyer program or your airline credit card to offset baggage fees, suggests Edmonton-based Reed Sutton, co-founder of FrugalFlyer.ca.

“Co-branded airline credit cards often come with benefits that include waiving or discounting baggage fees, not just for the cardholder, but for up to eight guests on the itinerary,” explains Sutton. “So, if you’re someone that travels with a family many times a year, the amount of fees you’re saving can really add up.”

Neilson, who lives in Liverpool, N.S., has a card with that benefit, and it applies regardless of which fare class ticket she buys. “You can book a lower-class fare that does not include a checked bag, but because you have the credit card, you still get your checked bag for free,” says Neilson. Some credit card optimizers (people who stack cards in their wallet and strategize their rewards), will have multiple cards for travel, too, to take advantage of multiple perks.

Sutton notes that if you’re loyal to a specific airline and have accumulated status, you’re likely entitled to complimentary checked baggage. “Even on basic fares where normally you’d pay for carry-on, you’ll get a free carry-on bag included,” he adds.

Do the math before buying the cheapest seat

Basic economy might seem like a killer deal but read the fine print first: You may get dinged just by bringing a carry-on, says Neilson, let alone checking a suitcase. Plus, many carriers no longer issue reward points for these fares.

“If you want to choose a certain seat and you want to bring a checked bag, a carry-on, and a personal item, does it make sense to pay for a higher fare class rather than booking a lower fare class and paying for bags and seats separately? Keep in mind that higher fare classes are sometimes refundable if your plans change, so it’s important you don’t just look at getting the lowest price; pick the fare class that works for your situation,” she explains.

Sutton notes airlines can steer travellers toward higher-tier fares, so be sure you’ll need all the benefits before committing to a bigger price tag. “It’s often not worth it to buy higher fares just for the checked bag to be included, so price that out. If the checked bag costs $100 more, but the standard fare is $200 more, just go with the basic fare,” he says. (As some Canadians note, even premium economy might not be worth it.)

Pack strategically

Some travellers pack their heaviest items into carry-on, or try to cram as much into it as possible. Why? Airlines always weigh checked bags but often enforce only the size restrictions for carry-on.  Most charge for checked bags heavier than 23 kilograms and for oversized luggage—as much as $600 more if it’s both too heavy and too big. Neilson recommends buying a portable luggage scale to avoid surprises at the airport and stashing heavier items like cameras and your iPad in your jacket pockets.

Pack efficiently to save space and money. Rolling your clothes can take up less space. Some travellers swear by layering up: wearing their bulkiest shoes and clothing on the plane. A backpack might hold more than a same-size rolling suitcase (the wheels and handle take up space you could use for, say, some extra socks).

For chronic over-packers, Neilson suggests limiting heavy items like jeans or shoes, and using compression packing cubes (zippered containers that remove air from your clothes and other stuff). Plan on shopping? Stash an empty bag inside and check it on the way home, saving one set of baggage fees.

You can also re-wear your clothes and pack less. Sutton seeks out laundry facilities when planning his travels. “If I’m doing a three-week trip, I pack one week of clothes and I do laundry twice. That’s how I get away with carry-on,” he says.

Pre-book your baggage with your airfare

If you must check luggage, you can save money by paying online before you fly instead of at the airport, says Sutton. “If you pre-pay for some of those fees, they can be cheaper. They still suck, but if you wait until you get to the airport, the fees are higher,” he notes.

Avoid bag drag altogether by shipping your bags

If you’re bringing a golf or ski bag or are travelling with young kids, it may be easier to ship your luggage directly to your destination than checking it.

Starting at about $40, companies like LugLess, Ship & Play, and Send My Bag will pick up your bags from your home and send them to your hotel. Plus, you’ll save time not waiting in line to drop your suitcase or at the baggage carousel upon arrival.

Read more from this issue of The Get:

1. Should Canadian drivers opt out of add-on car insurance?
2. Car insurance reform in Ontario—what you need to know
3. How to repair your stuff (from tech to clothes) for free
4. Here’s how to spot deepfakes; tips from investigative journalist Craig Silverman
5. Which provinces have the best wines for the best value?