Ever feel like you're blowing out your travel budget before you even board the plane?
The hidden costs of traveling can catch us out if we're not careful and one of the most common cost surprises can be extra fees at the airline check-in counter before you even start your holiday.
In 2013, excess baggage fees cost travelers $3.35 billion, according to a report by the
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and it looks like 2014 saw travelers paying even more. While the total revenue from airline baggage fees for 2014 has not yet been released, figures from the first three quarters indicate that airline baggage fee revenues for 2014 will likely exceed that for 2013 and the trend is not letting up. The first 3 quarters of 2014 saw airlines rake in $2.65 billion, with the final figure for the last quarter yet to be confirmed. Traditionally the final quarter's revenue exceeds any other quarter, which would put the total dollar intake for extra baggage in 2014 beyond the previous year's.
Know your airline's baggage guidelines
Not knowing your airline's baggage and fee policies ahead of time can see you hundreds of dollars out of pocket before you even check-in. Most airlines have recently tightened weight and size restrictions on luggage and imposed heavy fees for bags that exceeds the limits. Some airlines charge as much as $200 for extra baggage at the counter! So best to check your fare's rules and regulations regarding luggage before heading to the airport.
For information on general baggage fees across major international airlines, click on Smarter Travel's ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AIRLINE FEES.
Don't blow your travel budget out before you even board. Pack a Scrubba wash bag and reduce your overall luggage. It only weights 145g (5oz) and folds up small enough to fit in your pocket.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/delta-united-collect-most-baggage-fees-n138796
http://www.rita.dot.gov/bts/sites/rita.dot.gov.bts/files/subject_areas/airline_information/baggage_fees/html/2014.html
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-airlines-made-335-billion-in-baggage-fees-in-13-2014-05-05
http://www.smartertravel.com
