Travel Deal Of The Day (April 10, 2008)

Many airlines are now charging to check more than one bag. In some cases, the first checked bag will incur a charge if it is over a certain weight or size limit. My answer to all these fees is to avoid checking bags.

The Deal:
The best way to avoid excess or oversize baggage fees is to avoid checking luggage. If you are used to checking luggage, this idea may seem impossible to implement. But, in reality, it is quite often possible to have only one carry-on (and one small additional personal item such as a laptop bag or purse) per person. Next time you travel, mark down which items in your suitcase you actually used on your trip or those items which you used and you felt were essential. When you get home, verify if those “necessities” would actually fit in a carry-on bag – most likely, the answer is yes.

Even if you find you cannot fit everything into a checked bag, consider sending your “checked” items ahead using a ground expedited shipper (UPS Ground, Fed Ex Ground, DHL…). It is often cheaper to use such an expediter instead of checking the bag – and you can track your bag and know that it has arrived at your expected destination.