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Okay, the passengers have spoken and they HATE the idea of paying to check bags. Unfortunately, that’s the new reality, at least at American Airlines (and I while I think the others will hang back a bit and let AA take the heat for awhile, eventually, they too will charge a “first bag” fee). So what to do? You live with it. But I have some coping strategies in mind, to make it a little easier. Keep reading for these special tips. |
6 COPING STRATEGIES for that $15 “First Checked Bag” Fee
1. USE A CARRY-ON BAG
- Now is the time to finally ditch the big bag for a sleek carry-on. Do it!
2. SHIP AHEAD:
- When a carry-on isn’t enough: need more room for gifts, sports equipment or boots and heavy coats? Ship ahead and have it waiting for you at your destination
- Check US Postal Service rates first: you’ll be surprised how cheap it can be
- Do NOT ship anything overnight: you may pay more than the checked bag fee (avoid the “2nd day” rate, as well)
3. PACK YOUR CARRY-ON INTELLIGENTLY:
Chart your wardrobe
- Figure out what outfit you’ll need each day of your trip: then go back and delete some (you’re not a movie star; you can wear the same thing twice)
What to pack
- Reading material: choose paperbacks over hardcovers; better yet, magazines
- Khakis: leave the jeans at home (denim is heavy)
- Men only: it’s a vacation; do you really need a sport coat?
What not to pack
- Toiletries: stop at the drugstore upon arrival and buy sample sizes
- Shoes: only pack the ones you’ll really wear; “footwear options” is a luxury you can no longer afford
Also, check these “packing tips” from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
4. STAY AT MOTELS WITH SELF-LAUNDRY SERVICE
- Do your own laundry: a single load will only take an hour of your vacation time, and allow you to further cut down your “packing list”
- Stay with Mom: you know she’ll do your wash for you!
5. RESERVE YOUR SEAT EARLY
- Avoid the “bin wars”: the sooner you reserve a seat, the sooner you can board (in many cases)
- “Upgrade” for more legroom: you may find it comfortable and convenient to put your bag under the seat in front of you
6. GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY
- Don’t be among the last to board: there may be no bin space for your carry-on, or it may have to be stowed in a bin several rows behind you
one other tip that might–stress, MIGHT–work if you end up boarding late and there’s no longer room for your bag on the plane…let the flight attendants/gate agents ‘gate check’ your bag. it hasn’t been proven yet, but i have a hunch that, for awhile at least, you’ll be able to do that without having to pay the additional fee, as they’re trying to get the plane off on time and won’t have ready access to a credit card machine. if you’re within the carryon limits but there’s not room on the plane for your bag, this should work.
you’d have the added benefit of not having to struggle getting your bag on and off the plane!
Comment by karen kay — May 22, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
For Hawaii-bound summer vacationers, it is a little trickier. Cost of any shipping except via USPS flat rate priority boxes is exorbitant.
Upon landing, a great first stop for common cosmetics and such is any Hawaii Walmart.
Aloha, Jeff
http://beatofhawaii.com
Comment by beatofhawaii.com — May 22, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Never a problem w/ 2 carry-ons… one a small backpack for the mags, cell, toiletries, ipod, etc. for under the seat… The 2nd for clothes and softer items that won’t be bothered if they are smashed in the overhead.
Comment by Frank J — May 22, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Gate checking is a good idea, but not if you are flying coach. Also, you can’t always get through security. A lot of the airport security won’t let you through with a bag that is too big. Is it really worth the risk to save $15, when you might be sent back to check it?
Comment by sara — May 29, 2008 @ 12:28 am
I travel yesterday fort lauderdale to San juan, they make me check in one of my carry on, and I have to pay the $25.00 fee. In chicago they don’t stop me. AA
Comment by Katherine — May 29, 2008 @ 7:36 am
Thankfully, I’ve always charted my wardrobe. You would be surprise to find out what you can eliminate.
Take shoes you can wear with two or three outfits.
You can also wear the same outfit going and coming back from your trip. If it gets dirty going…put it in the cleaning/laundry then it can be ready for your trip home.
Comment by JC — May 29, 2008 @ 8:20 am
Any suggestions for packing - with only one bag for a cruise when men need at least one sportcoat/jacket and women need dresses? jj
Comment by Jackie Jenkins — May 29, 2008 @ 9:26 am
Pack like a man, that’s what I’ve always said, ladies. This top with this shirt/skirt, etc. It helps me a lot, and you can always add one or two versatile items that work with multiple outfits. Also, be sure to get an expandable carry on. You expand it to pack and then zip it back down afterward. You can get a lot more in. I swear by Ogio bags now (I’m platinum on American, have been for 12 years). They make the best backpacks, carry on bags, etc. I’ve seen many an Aussie with Ogio (they have a long way to travel and serious bag limitations). Cheers! (And to the first comment… the stupid and ignorant do seem to get rewarded often. Getting on last and letting them gate check it may work.)
Comment by leigh — May 29, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Great tips Rick!
How come you don’t have social bookmarking icons for us? This is an article I would Digg and Stumble. I’m going to do a blog post myself sending people over here.
Comment by Daethan — May 29, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Rick,
This one is more for intra-Europe travellers - where although we have great low-cost carriers with tremendous low fares - they have VERY LOW WEIGHT LIMITS for carry on luggage..(10kg)
So - I use a large old overcoat and stuff everything heavy in the pockets and lining. After check in - simply stick em back in the carry on bag - Bingo.. Ryanair, EasyJet and BMIBaby still don’t have weighing machines at the gates yet!
Andrew (Guayaquil)
Comment by Andrew — May 29, 2008 @ 11:31 am
I’ve packed light for years and have traveled two to three months with a backpack and carry on.
Eighteen years ago I checked in for my Bangkok to Kathmandu flight. The Nepalese men in line were small and slender. When they got to the boarding lounge they were much fatter in their four to five layers of clothing.
Comment by Consuelo — May 29, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
I have always wondered how the airlines determine (especially AA) the boarding order. I always seem to get the highest number and end up boarding last! Please explain!
Thanks…………..
Comment by Robert M — May 29, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
On a recent trip (SFO - ORD) my partner ran into this very scenario: late for the airport (first scheduled flight for the route), no checked luggage, and one of the last 5 people on a full plane (legacy airline on which he doesn’t have status).
Unfortunately the flight in-charge attendant refused to help him find room for his bag on board (10 mins prior to scheduled departure; other passengers were still boarding), refused to check it at the gate (claiming they’d already closed the cargo door), and actually kicked him off the plane even though he was already seated and buckled up. (Funny part of the story is that the gate agent called corporate to complain about the flight in-charge!)
Banking on gate check-in is probably not the best strategy - my partner got stuck for 3 hours waiting for the next flight. Also don’t forget - all airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags.
RICK - this policy of payed-for checked baggage and your advice here underscores the next battle: *everyone* will be travelling carry-on-only and I’m pretty sure that even wide-body aircraft don’t have enough space for every passenger to max out their carry-on allotment. Any advice for dealing with the space vs $$$ crunch?
Comment by Keijo @ YYZ — May 29, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
This is for Robert M re AA bording priority. It has nothing to do with how early you book, it has to do with your seating preference. Coach: Windows go on first (2), middle rows go second (3) and aisle seats go last (4) numbers on the boarding pass. I know b/c I asked why I was a number 4 when I had arrived at the airport so much earlier than required. If you have a soft-sided carry-on it will usually fit under the seat with a little bit of wiggling and eliminate the bin. So far it has worked for me.
Comment by Joan Parker — May 29, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
For Robert M - Boarding order NORMALLY is based on your seat assignment. The further back you are in the plane the lower the zone number. Bulkhead and emergency exit rows should board in zone 1 or 2. Also if you have elite status you should board in either zone 1 or 2. Travel safe.
Comment by In Italy — May 30, 2008 @ 11:13 am
Great Advice !!
I’m traveling to Hong Kong soon; need all the room I can get !! (Traveling with wife and 2 year old) !!
Comment by Phil — May 31, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
Lots of great travel tips in this thread, but sorry Rick, I respectfully and vehemently disagree with the “You live with it” response. Enough is enough! We need to stop acting like sheep and refuse to be treated like criminals. It’s time for the flying public to revolt. Boycott the greedy @#$!’s and refuse to fly until the airlines and the TSA return to civility.
Why is it that we give up our freedoms to fly? Why do I, at 150 pounds, get the same baggage allowance as the 400 pounder taking up part of my seat? (See another reader’s similar response — and solution — on this issue elsewhere.)
Take the train, a ship, drive or just don’t go. In most cases we won’t die without the trip. Since the airlines’ morality and sensibility seems to be in their wallets, talk to them where they’ll listen. If enough of us do, they’ll “see the light.”
Take back the skies!
(If you know of an organization attempting to do so, please let me know so I can sign up. I’ve had it!)
Comment by Jay — May 31, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Although $15 for checking a bag onto a plane seems totally bizarre to me, I think that the ONE-WAY passage for an animal is the biggest rip-off of them all. My 15 pound JRT always travels with me in a kennel onboard. I have to give up my carry-on to take her on the plane and she has to go under my seat. $200 bucks to get her a round trip. Yikes!
Comment by Tracy Kerley — June 4, 2008 @ 1:41 am
Hi Jay,
I’m also 150lbs and feel the pain! Perhaps a combined weight at check-in of passenger, check-in, and carry-on with a per/lb cost would be fairer? Any lawyers wish to comment?
Carls
Comment by Carls — June 5, 2008 @ 7:04 pm