Here are 7 ways to reduce expenses on checked baggage fees.

• In 2024, the fees for checked bags have been increased by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines.
• The cost of a basic round-trip fare increases by at least $60 when bags are checked.
• Travel experts share ways to reduce or avoid those fees.

Several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, have increased their checked bag fees this year. However, by planning ahead, you can easily reduce or avoid these fees altogether.

On Friday, United increased its fee for a first checked bag at the airport by $5, to $40, and also raised its fee for those who prepay online by $5, to $35, 24 hours before their flight.

Earlier last week, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines all increased their checked-bag fees.

Don't let a passport quirk ruin your next vacation.

According to Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going, families are likely to be the most affected by fee changes because they typically travel with checked bags.

Checked bag fees represent big revenue

Storing a checked bag in a plane's cargo hold during a flight was free in the past, but now major airlines charge for this service.

In 2008, major U.S. airlines began charging around $15 per bag for checked luggage, according to Nastro.

The cost of checking a bag for many carriers increased to $30 to $35 by late 2023, according to Nastro. This means that travelers who checked a bag on each leg of a round-trip itinerary would have to pay an additional $60 to $70 to the total cost of their basic fare.

If a traveler checks one bag at the airport, they could now incur an additional $80 in fees from both American and United airlines.

Rates generally increase for each additional checked bag.

In 2022, the total baggage fees paid by passengers amounted to approximately $6.8 billion, a 17% increase from the $5.8 billion paid in 2019, despite a decrease in the number of passengers who flew on U.S. carriers that year, according to Bureau of Transportation data.

If baggage is not included in a higher-class (premium economy, first, business class, etc.) ticket, passengers will have to pay a fee, as stated by Eric Napoli, vice president of legal strategy at AirHelp in an email.

Travel experts suggest ways for cost-conscious consumers to minimize or eliminate fees, according to them.

1. Fly with certain airlines

A few airlines do not charge for checked bags.

Experts noted that Southwest is the only U.S. airline that permits two free checked bags.

According to Aiden Higgins, senior editor of The Broke Backpacker website, the "Big Three" Gulf Airlines - Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates - still provide free baggage, as does Air India.

These carriers may have certain restrictions, including for luggage size and weight.

Although they do not charge for bags, their fares may not necessarily be cheaper than others when considering the overall cost. Additionally, they may not offer routes that suit travelers' itineraries.

2. Combine bags

Travel partners may also consider combining suitcases.

Experts suggest that a family of four could combine four bags into two, thereby reducing checked-bag fees by half.

Car-seat carriers can be utilized by families with small children to make use of the available space, as airlines do not charge for one car seat per child. A small soft duffel can also be placed in that space to keep items organized.

It is important for travelers to be aware of airlines' weight restrictions for luggage and the potential for additional fees if their suitcases are consolidated.

3. Skip checking a bag

The only way to avoid paying a checked-bag fee is by traveling light, which means only bringing a personal item and/or carry-on bag, as permitted by your airline and fare class, Napoli said.

Of course, this won’t be possible for everyone.

Passengers can easily pack a lot into their cabin with the help of packing cubes, a sling bag, and/or a tote bag, according to Higgins.

Those with softer, duffel-bag-type luggage may find it easier to meet carry-on size requirements compared to those with a hard case, according to Nastro.

4. Consider a fare upgrade

Experts said that even the major carriers typically charge for carry-ons on basic economy fares.

Experts suggest that passengers may end up paying the same total price for a higher-tier ticket, even though it costs more, because it includes additional benefits such as baggage allowance, seat selection, and flight change options.

According to Higgins, using an aggregator like Skyscanner can sometimes result in cheaper flights if the airline is also offering baggage.

It is essential for travelers to read the fine print to understand what baggage is included in their ticket, as this can differ among airlines and ticket classes, according to Napoli.

5. Add bags early

Declaring your bag early can save you money, whether you're paying a fee or not.

A standard passenger flying Spirit Airlines from New York to Los Angeles for the weekend (March 1-3) would pay $49 for a carry-on, according to the airline's pricing chart. A checked bag is cheaper at $44.

The prices listed assume that passengers include their bags during the initial online booking process. If passengers wait to pay until arriving at the gate, they would pay $99 for a checked bag or carry-on, according to the chart.

Nastro advised that it's usually cheaper to add a bag when booking, rather than waiting until later.

When considering the total cost and value, a budget airline may not always be the cheapest option due to relatively high fees for "add ons" such as bags, she stated.

6. Buy a luggage scale, lightweight bags

To avoid surprise fees at the airport for exceeding weight limits on checked bags, travelers should purchase and utilize a luggage scale prior to traveling.

Before booking a flight, weigh your suitcase, advised Higgins. Airlines used to overlook extra weight, but that's not the case now, he stated.

Travelers can also invest in ultralight luggage, Higgins said.

By purchasing ultralight travel gear, you can effortlessly reduce your weight by one or two kilograms, according to him. Nevertheless, these bags can be expensive and may not be as robust as stronger alternatives, he pointed out.

7. Get a credit card or join a frequent flier program

Napoli stated that numerous credit cards, particularly those affiliated with airlines, provide free checked bags as a benefit.

Experts advised that travelers should not open a credit card account solely for the perk, but some cards may have an annual fee. However, if the annual benefits (such as savings on baggage fees) outweigh the expense, travelers may still come out ahead.

Nastro stated that the credit card and airline options vary.

Travelers can enjoy perks such as free or extra baggage when they join an airline's frequent flier program, Higgins stated.