In September, the major airlines all announced that they would be raising their baggage fees, again. They claim it’s to help offset the price of fuel, but their timing kind of makes it seem like they wanted to take advantage of holiday travelers. And why not? Holiday travelers typically have to check at least one bag because bulky winter clothes and gifts take up a lot of space. Regardless of the “excuse” the airlines are using, you need to be prepared for these extra fees and what it’ll cost you to check your luggage. Here’s everything you need to know.
JetBlue and United Airlines were the first major airlines to announce an increase in checked bag fees. But Delta and American Airlines followed very quickly. Your first checked bag on these airlines will now cost $30. If you have a second bag, it will be another $40. And these fees are assessed each way. A roundtrip with one checked bag will cost a total of $60 in baggage fees and that’s flying domestically. You always want to check directly with the airline to find out how much they charge for baggage on international flights.
Getting Your Fees Waived
While it sounds like the only way to get around these fees is to stuff everything into a carry on, there are some things you can do. Many of the major airlines have frequent flyer programs or credit cards that will include at least one free checked bag. American Airlines’ AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card includes one complimentary checked bag for you and up to 4 travel companions on one reservation. You’ll really want to do your research in advance to get the most savings with their programs and credit cards.
Ways to Save
If opening a new credit card isn’t an option, you can offset the cost of baggage fees by saving in other areas. An easy way to do that is booking economy airport parking in Ft Lauderdale. Parking is $15 per day at FLL Airport! You can save half that or more by booking offsite airport parking. The key to getting the best price is to book as far in advance as possible. Even if you don’t have all of your plans made, book with a reputable lot that will allow you to change or cancel your reservation. This way you can lock in the best rates for economy airport parking in Ft Lauderdale.
Another great way to save is using a budget airline. They’ve gotten a bad reputation with their no frills approach, but by not including seat selections or baggage in their ticket prices you get the flexibility to decide what to pay for. For example, Frontier Airlines offers flights as low as $29 one way. Even with the additional costs to pick a seat or carry-on a bag you could save a lot compared to a major airline. This option is best on short flights, where seat comfort and meal options aren’t as important. Book through their website for the cheapest bag prices. They charge $35 for a carry on or $30 for your first checked bag.
Packing Smart
One of the simplest ways to avoid the checked bag fees is to pack smart. There are several easy ways to do this:
- If you’re traveling with a companion each of you could pack a carry on bag and share a checked bag.
- Pack bulky clothes efficiently. (Click here to learn more.)
- Ship your gifts to your destination.
- Pack a bag that fits into your suitcase to use for any gifts you may receive. This way you are only paying the fees for it on your return trip.
Bonus Tip:
Southwest Airlines still includes 2 complimentary checked bags with each ticket.
Self Park FLL is home to the best economy parking for Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. Our free shuttles, fenced lot, and friendly team make us the perfect choice for your FLL airport parking reservations. Reserve our cheap airport parking now so you can park yourself and keep your keys!
