Every budget airline has its own rules for how much baggage you can bring and how much it costs. So to avoid any nasty surprises, always double check this information before a trip. You can usually find it by searching online for the airline's name and baggage fees. Also, always wear your bulkier clothes on the plane instead of packing them in your luggage.
As a business traveler who is often on the move, I’ve found that nothing works better than joining the airline's frequent flyer programs or getting a co-branded credit card. While you can try to pack lighter and smarter, it’s challenging when your travel duration is long. This is why it helps to leverage perks like free carry-on bags or even a free additional bag that budget airlines like Lufthansa and KLM offer to their frequent flyers. This step alone can help you save money and any baggage hassles on your trips, ensuring a seamless experience.
I always have to travel with my tech for my work and these are not items I feel safe putting in my checked baggage. To get away with having a personal item and a carry on but not paying for a personal item is buy purposely always putting all my spare batteries in it. Since these cannot be put under the plane and I have cameras and portable batteries for laptops and devices, they allow me to take the bag for free. When I show the airline staff each of my relevant devices and the spare batteties for each, they are happy to allow me to proceed with my regular carry on and my personal item without any extra fees. Travel writer and ex travel agent, Michelle from Brit Adventures Travel Blog (https//:www.britadventures.com
As a mom and family vacation expert, I get asked this question all the time. The first step is to check ahead of time with your airline for restrictions or fees for checking extra items. Some airlines will allow families traveling with children to bring an additional carry-on bag per person without incurring any additional charges (like a diaper bag). Once you know what kind of restrictions are in place for bringing a carry-on bag on board, it's time for some strategy planning! For families traveling together, each family member should bring one small item that will fit into their own designated space. Try using only a personal item like a purse or backpack. If possible, leave bulky items like coats in your checked luggage to save space for your truly essential items such as diapers, medicines, passports or electronics; this will reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ needing space onboard without sacrificing anything essential for your trip.
When you want to keep your luggage costs to a minimum, make sure you are are thoughtful with what you're packing. Consider compression bags that allow you to roll out the air in your items so you can get more into a smaller space. I also like to own stackable luggage pieces. Check out your airlines measurements for carry ons and use the luggage pieces that meet the maximum dimensions. Don't leave unused space empty!
Pack items that look small, regardless of their weight. While you can never guarantee that a penny-pinching budget airline won't force you to weigh your bag, they're much less likely to force the issue for a backpack or duffel bag than they are for a roll-aboard suitcase. Another tip is not to put all your eggs in one basket. Many budget airlines allow a carry-on and personal item, allowing you to further lighten the load of each bag.
Carry-on bag fees can be incredibly frustrating for many passengers. While I always urge frequent travelers to choose an airline alliance and frequent flyer program to be loyal to and earn elite status to avoid fees, this isn't always possible. Some airlines have become extremely strict in enforcing carry-on bag limits. The most important thing to do is to make sure that you have a carry-on bag that fits the dimensions allowed by airlines. This is usually standardized, and while airlines sometimes weigh carry-on bags, that's super rare. Be sure to take the time to find out what the limitations your airline imposes on the type of ticket you're holding, and try to stick within those. But usually, the dimensions are what matters. If you're holding a comfortable bag that fits in the sizers, it's unlikely to be questioned or weighed by the gate agent.
Utilize your personal item! Most airlines will suggest laptop bags or small purses, do NOT be fooled. Check the policy for the dimensions and bring the largest bag you possibly can. When I am traveling, I always bring a large backpack and leave a little bit of space in case my carry-on bag is too heavy, and I need to shift some of my items around or if I want to bring back some souvenirs from my trip!
While I primarily focus on software business, I've frequently traveled for business. One practice I swear by is always checking the airline specific baggage dimensions before flying. Invest in a versatile, lightweight backpack or briefcase that fits within these guidelines. For female travelers or couples, consider modular bags that can compactly store essentials without appearing bulky. Families should coordinate and consolidate, ensuring each member only carries essentials to reduce the risk of over-packing. Lastly, for business travelers, digitalize as much as you can – presentations, documents, etc., to minimize the need for additional gadgets. Being proactive and informed ensures a smooth, fee-free journey.
general manager at 88stacks
Answered 2 years ago
If you want to escape having to pay extra for carry-on bags on low-cost airlines, pick your airline and ticket class carefully. Find out how cheap airlines handle bags and choose a ticket class that comes with a free carry-on bag. You can get this choice from most low-cost airlines if you book a slightly more expensive ticket class, like "standard" instead of "basic." Also, plan how you pack to make sure your personal item doesn't get charged. Bring a backpack or small tote bag that fits the airline's rules for personal items. Be careful not to put too much in it so that it doesn't fit under the seat in front of you. When you're packing, put the most important things in your personal item first. If you have to, wear your biggest clothes on the plane to save room in your bag. If you plan ahead and pick the right ticket class, you can avoid extra fees and have a cheap flight, whether you're traveling by yourself, with a partner, your family, or for work.
Avoid paying fees for carry-on bags on budget airlines by wearing clothing with multiple layers. This allows you to store personal items within your clothing, eliminating the need for an extra bag. For example, you can store small items like a phone, passport, or wallet in inner pockets, while bulkier items may go in outer pockets or layer between clothing. This unconventional approach ensures you have your essentials with you without incurring any additional fees.
As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that the best way to avoid carry-on fees is to embrace minimalist packing. Choose versatile clothing that serves all occasions, completely cutting down excess baggage. Furthermore, a high-quality travel blazer with multiple pockets can go a long way in allowing you to carry essentials without exceeding baggage limits. Confirm your bag's dimensions match the airline's specifications and consider using packing cubes to maximize space and organization. By packing smart and adhering to the airline's guidelines, you'll minimize fees and enhance your efficiency during your business travels.
The "Wear Bulky Items" strategy is a savvy way to navigate the strict weight and size limitations on carry-on bags set by budget airlines. The idea is to wear, rather than pack, your heaviest and bulkiest items like boots, heavy jackets, or chunky sweaters. This helps you stay within the airline's baggage restrictions and avoid extra fees. Implementation Steps: 1. Identify Bulky Items: Spot heavy items that take up a lot of space in your luggage. 2. Layer Up: Wear multiple layers, starting with lighter clothing and topping with your bulkiest items. 3. Boots Over Shoes: Wear heavier footwear like boots during the flight. 4. Utilize Pockets: Use the pockets in your bulky clothing to store small items. Extra tips: - Comfort: Make sure you can easily remove layers, as airplane cabins can get warm. - Security Check: Be prepared to remove these items at security, so avoid over-layering. - Weather: Consider the climate at your destination; have a plan for your bulky items upon arrival.
As a recruiter and business owner, I travel a lot for work. Sometimes, I'm in a new city for less than twenty-four hours, so it doesn't seem worth it to pay extra for carry-on luggage. I have a hard and fast rule to avoid this fee: No wheels. While rolling carry-on suitcases are easier on the back and travel well through the airport, they also tend to catch the eye of overzealous workers looking to squeeze a few extra dollars from travelers. Plus, when that dreaded call goes out for flyers to check their carry-on bag (a increasing practice as flight interiors become more cramped), rolling suitcases are almost always singled out. Avoid workers with a measuring tape in their back pocket by investing in a good laptop tote or backpack: one without wheels that can fit under a airplane seat. Now you're free and clear to board without additional cost or trouble. Rob Reeves CEO & President, Redfish Technology https://www.redfishtech.com/fintech-recruiting/
Save on carry-on fees by becoming a packing pro. Don't just stuff—strategically sort. Lay out what you think you'll need, then cut it in half. Select pieces that are light and versatile, and roll clothes to maximize space. Utilize layers: wear your heaviest pieces, like jeans or boots, on the plane. Use every inch; shoes can double as storage for socks or unbreakable items. Permissible personal items, like backpacks or large totes, can serve as a second tiny suitcase, great for electronics, guides, and essentials.
One of my top strategies as a frequent business traveler is to ensure my personal item adheres strictly to an airline's dimension regulations. Usually, a sizable backpack or a slim briefcase can store essentials, including electronics, documents, and some clothing. I recommend investing in carry-ones designed to fit under the seat— their compact design is deceptive, and you'd be surprised how much they hold. Also, keep an eye on the weight to avoid unexpected fees. Ensuring your personal item complies with the airline's guidelines is a smart way to dodge extra charges.
As a digital nomad, I am no stranger to navigating the treacherous terrain that is travel baggage. When traveling with luggage, whether it be checked baggage or carry-ons, fees can add up quite quickly, so in order to avoid paying extra money for carry-on bags, I always make the most out of every dimension, and not a centimeter more. On budget airlines in the US, such as Frontier and Spirit, the initial ticket may look dirt cheap, but if you're caught at the check-in with luggage that exceeds dimension requirements, you’ll end up shelling out more chas, making that cheap ticket look a little less appealing. Pick a bag that is fully within all of the carry-on requirements, then pack that bag to capacity with items you will need for your trip. They won’t charge you for weight with a carry-on, but they will charge you if your bag is over the size dimensions.
To avoid paying fees for carry-on bags on budget airlines, consider shipping bulky or heavy items directly to your destination. By doing so, you can travel with only your essentials and avoid the need for extra luggage. Plan ahead and coordinate with the shipping company to ensure your items arrive at the right time. This allows you to save on baggage fees and have a stress-free travel experience. For example, if you're a family traveling with strollers or car seats, shipping them in advance can eliminate the need to carry them as baggage, saving you money and reducing the hassle at the airport.
As a seasoned expert in the private jet charter industry, I understand the nuances of air travel costs. One tip to avoid paying fees for carry-on bags on budget airlines is to leverage 'personal item' allowances. Many budget airlines permit one personal item like a purse or laptop bag for free, as long as it fits under the seat. I recommend investing in a high-quality, expandable tote or backpack designed to maximize this space without exceeding the airline's size restrictions. Fill it smartly with essentials, keeping in mind both form and function. For business travelers, ensure this bag can safely house your tech gear alongside other necessities.
Stuff your heaviest luggage in your personal item. Most airlines will allow you to take one carry-on bag and one personal item, like a purse, satchel, or laptop case. To ensure I stay within the weight limit for my carry-on bag and don't get stung by extra fees, I cram as much into my personal item as possible. Before packing, I always check what personal item I can bring and the size limit. I recommend taking a large purse. Even if you don't think you'll need the space, you have room for any extras you bring back. It's better than a laptop bag as there's more room inside, you can fit a small laptop in there, and it's easier to stuff under an airplane seat. Once I'm all packed, I check the airline's weight limits and weigh my carry-on bag. If it's over the limit, I move the heaviest items (chunky sweaters, electronics, even shoes) into the purse. As long as it's within the size limits, it doesn't matter how heavy it is. Unlike carry-on bags, your personal item won't get weighed.