Airline Travel Tips to Save You $$$

Posted by Zuriana on September 27, 2009

I just returned from an amazing tour of 4 gorgeous Sandals resorts and the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I’ll share more on that amazing trip later.

Today’s tip will save you some dough. A couple just ahead of me was returning from their honeymoon. They were caught off guard with $100 in baggage fees from American Airlines. They must have purchased souvenirs and gifts for themselves and for friends and family.

I experienced a similar scenario years ago. The only difference was I was just getting to the airport and didn’t realize my bag was over the weight allowance. I went to Wilson’s Leather and paid $19.99 for a nice foldable duffle bag. That bag was WAY cheaper than paying the bag penalty. That bag stays in my little carry on bag. My duffle bag saved me some money this trip as well. I was just 3 lbs over the luggage allowance. I threw my dirty clothes in my duffle and checked it.

Here’s an example of the domestic bag fees you may pay when traveling with American Airlines:

• Bag weights over 50 lbs. up to 70 lbs. are $50 each
• Bag weights over 70 lbs. up to 100 lbs. are $100 each

That’s a whole lotta extra money!  So pack, edit, and repack your bags. Carry a duffle bag or other bag that can be folded or even another piece of luggage for your gifts and souvenirs. It may even be cheaper to ship your bag ahead of time. Don’t be caught off guard with outrageous fees. Do be prepared.

Another travel tip is to use a TSA recognized baggage lock. I was fortunate to receive some gifts that had to be checked. I packed my gifts carefully in my luggage, ensured they had enough padding, and locked my bag. TSA did open my bag. Since I had a TSA designated lock my lock was not cut nor was my baggage destroyed. I also had peace of mind because my gifts were in my bag right where I left them.