Luggage FAQs
Why do airlines charge for checked bags?
During the housing bubble that preceded the global recession, airlines were forced to pay the highest prices for jet fuel in nearly thirty years. The prices were so bad that even with the abundance of air travel; ticket prices were not covering the cost. Rather than raising ticket prices across the board, airlines decided to instigate baggage fees to saddle those who added most significantly to a flight’s weight (and thus its fuel usage) with the financial cost of the added fuel.
What does this mean for my luggage?
It means that for most travelers checking a bag that your travel is going to cost $15 more than it currently does. For those that travel with a huge assortment of baggage, it means you’re going to want to prioritize. For instance the second bag costs $25 on domestic flights, but the third costs a whopping $125. While that may lead some to pack as much as possible into one bag, the airlines have also covered that aspect. Any bag over 51 lbs is hit with an additional $90 fee on domestic travel, and any bag over 71 lbs is hit with a $175 fee. As you can see, a single 71 lb bag can almost cost you another ticket!
Is there any way to avoid the fees?
The simplest way to avoid having to pay the fees is to buy a first class ticket. These tickets normally come with the ability to check up to three bags free, regardless of weight. Of course, with the money you just spent on that ticket, you could have afforded to check the bags with room to spare. Many desk personnel are reluctant to hit their customers with the overweight baggage fee, so if you are not rude to the attendant, you may get away with a bag that is near 50 lbs.
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