Saving on baggage costs is important when you shop for air tickets ...

The economy has taken its toll on the airline industry. The steady rise of fuel prices and the steady decrease of passengers with money for vacations has impacted the airlines In an effort to seem competitive on seat prices while recouping losses, the industry has gone for the bags. Baggage overage charges can make a cheap air ticket suddenly expensive.

What can you do to get around that? First decide if carry one is sufficient or if you really need to check bags. Carry on generally conforms to a maximum of linear inches plus a weight requirement. It depends on the airline. It varies from 45 to 52 linear inches (add length plus width plus depth). Acceptable weight can be anywhere from 26 to 40 lbs. This is the size requirements for the baggage stowed in the overhead compartments. Generally, the airlines allow one personal bag (small tote, purse, or briefcase) that can go on the floor under the seat in front of you. Some airlines charge for the carry on. Spirit airlines charges $40 for carryon baggage, but personal bag limited to 16 x 14 x 12 is free.

If you must check, consider the overall weight of your travel materials. It is common practice to pay a weight overage for luggage over a total of 50 lbs. domestically and 44 lbs. internationally. Remember to take into account that an empty luggage can weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 lbs or more. A second checked bag is often cheaper than paying the overage fees for weight limit infractions.

If you cannot pack lighter, is it better to ship? For some domestic flights, it is cheaper to ship your luggage (5-day transit to destination) than to pay the check baggage fee plus any overages. Because of the increased baggage fees there are new business that ship luggage. Surf the net and compare prices from the major shippers plus some of the newer ones to see how much you can save. There is more than just the seat price when comparing cheap air tickets. Compare all the costs, taxes, tariffs and luggage cost before you commit for your trip.

This entry was posted on July 26, 2012, 12:45 pm and is filed under Travel & Leisure. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Source: http://www.indianacs.com/saving-on-baggage-costs-is-important-when-you-shop-for-air-tickets.html

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