Upgrade Your Ticket: The Secret to Saving Money on Luggage Fees
Passengers looking to check in their luggage should consider purchasing more expensive tickets, according to a travel expert. An experienced flyer has shown travelers how to minimize the damage to their wallet as fees to check-in your luggage rise.
The Value of Upgraded Tickets
Passengers could save money from buying upgraded tickets, said the expert. The difference between basic and premium economy is worth the extra money, especially when you’re already paying for bags. This is particularly accurate for travelers on long-haul flights where the extra perks from the upgraded tickets can improve their flying experience.
Main Economy vs. Basic Economy
Nastro, a flight deal tracking expert at site Going.com, said: “Long-haul flights to Europe, for example, almost always are worth upgrading to Main economy from Basic for the price since they can include bags, ticket changes, better boarding, seat selection, et cetera.” It may even be cheaper for passengers to buy premium economy tickets than the standard ones that charge you extra for bags. Nastro added: “And some airlines (like SAS, TAP, and Icelandair) have been known to charge less for Main versus Basic Economy with an added bag fee.”
Tips on Saving Costs
However, these aren’t the only tips travel expert Nastro has on saving costs on your next flight. Passengers should select certain airlines that allow for certain types of bags such as golf bags or skis at no extra costs. Ski holiday goers risk missing access to free luggage if they don’t do their research on which airline to fly with beforehand. Another tip to minimize costs is to pay for baggage ahead of time.
Checking Baggage and Fees
Airlines charge different amounts when checking in your luggage at the desk. It’s important to note that some can be much steeper than others and could end up costing you more than you’d bargained for, according to the expert. Passengers should also check with the airline beforehand to check their bag meets their requirements. Just because your bag complies with one airline doesn’t mean it will for others, especially when it comes to weight.
Nastro said: “Low-cost carriers have a reputation for charging hefty fees for add-ons, but also what some may not realize is that the cost may increase if you don’t purchase at the time of booking. “Do yourself a favor, and if you must check a bag, add it sooner rather than later.”
Additional Tips and Tricks
It comes after a flight booking expert revealed the best ways for passengers to save money when buying flights. And this travel expert explains why he always picks the worst seat on the plane.
How to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees
- Fly with certain airlines
- Join a frequent flier program and choose the right credit card
- Consider a fare upgrade
- Pay for baggage ahead of time
- Check baggage at the gate
- Consider shipping your luggage
- Pack light