One major travel concern about Flights and Air Travel is the rising cost. You are a smart traveler, so you know what to do….you book early and you book online thru GoPalmTree.com and save money! But there are risks that can run your costs up to more than the original ticket price! Here are some cautions to keep your flying costs low, no matter which airline you choose.
1. Count your luggage. Some airlines charge for every bag now, and this means starting with the first checked suitcase. Take only what you absolutely need to take. This may be more important on your return trip, since you will have bought items to bring back. Excess humidity can make your clothes damp and heavier on the return trip also, especially if you have been to the tropics.
TIP: We often travel out of the country with only a rolling carry-on bag and a small briefcase or purse. No checked bags speeds connecting flights, gets you out of the airport quicker, and guarantees no lost luggage.
2. Weigh your luggage. Check your airline’s specific policies for weight of each type of bag (carry-on, checked bag). This varies by airline and exceeding the weight limit even by a few pounds can cost $100.00 or more. Weigh your suitcase EMPTY so you know the starting weight, and again when you have finished packing. There are great little scales that you can buy, or just set your bag, corner down, on your bathroom scale (so you can read the dial) and add 5 pounds to that total to make sure your bag is under, not over or even near the limit at check-in.
This may be more important on your return trip, since you will have bought items to bring back. Excess humidity can make your clothes damp and heavier on the return trip also, especially if you have been to the tropics.
3. Measure your luggage. There are very specific measurements for bags now..do not exceed these! This is especially true if you are only carrying one carry-on. Older bags are sometimes over-sized. Make sure that your bag fits the dimensions required by your airline. This will ensure that you can get it in an overhead bin or under your seat.
Saving money is great…just don’t end up paying $100-$150 more for luggage and eating up all your savings. Remember to check the requirements for any foreign airline you may be connecting with, since their requirements could be different; plan this part of your trip as carefully as you do the rest – it will pay off $$$.
Filed under: Travel Tips | Tagged: airfare, checked bag, flight, luggage cost
