In case you missed it, five of the six major U.S. airlines recently increased their checked baggage fees. Alaska Airlines started this trend in December 2023 by increasing the first checked bag fee to $35 (an increase of $5), effective January 2, 2024. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines also followed suit. We're seeing similar increases.
There are still ways to reduce the cost of checked baggage. For example, United Airlines offers customers a $5 discount if you prepay for checked bag fees at least 24 hours before your flight, but if you're looking for a sure-fire way to avoid checked bag fees altogether. , packing all your belongings into your carry-on. and personal items.
With the exception of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Let's take a look at some essential gear and travel tips to bring everything you need on the plane. and Save money on checked baggage fees.
Travel items are for carry-on only
stuffable neck pillow
This DreamShore travel pillow is no ordinary neck pillow. The pillowcase can be stuffed with up to two days' worth of clothing, freeing up space in your carry-on and avoiding checked baggage fees. The material is velvety soft and incredibly comfortable when filled with pillows. You can also fold it up and put it in your carry-on bag to take home a t-shirt or other souvenir.
One word of warning: I've heard from other travelers that when flying on ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit Airlines, gate agents sometimes treat neck pillows as personal property. If your pillow doesn't fit in your suitcase or personal items, you may be charged a fee to check your bag at the gate.
To buy: DreamShore Stuffable Travel Pillow, $22.99 (regularly $35.99)
garment duffel bag
When is a duffel bag more than just a duffel bag? The Ruima Convertible Garment Duffle Bag is both a garment bag and a duffle bag in one. You can hang the clothes you want to lay out flat to prevent wrinkles, then zip up the duffel and pack other travel essentials.
Most duffel bags only have one cavity-like space where you throw your belongings (and then have to dig around to find them). The Ruima Convertible Duffel Bag has ample pouches and pockets to keep your gear organized. There's also a dedicated shoe compartment and an external pocket to store travel documents or other items you'll want to easily access at the airport. It's the perfect size to carry as a carry-on bag on an airplane.
To buy: Ruima Convertible Garment Duffle Bag, $52.99
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vacuum seal storage bag
If you've ever wished you could fit a little more into your packing cubes, Upgogo's vacuum seal storage bags may become your new favorite travel accessory. This set of 12 space-saving bags comes with a cordless electric pump that removes excess air and compresses items until they are nearly flat. Each set comes in four different sizes, so no matter what kind of luggage you use, you'll always get the right bag combination.
How to buy: Upgogo Vacuum Seal Storage Bags, $29.99 (Reg. $33.99)
mini carry-on baggage
Good things come in small packages. In this case, we're talking about suitcases that are small enough to fit under most airplane seats. Take Off Luggage's personal luggage suitcases are designed to perfectly match the dimensions (18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches) required for personal items on ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier. In fact, some Amazon reviewers say that Spirit does. It's well known that the brand no longer requires you to test your Take Off bags with a sizer, but if you do need to test them with a sizer, rest assured that they will fit.
This bag has removable wheels (wheels must be removed at the gate to meet size requirements), an internal pouch for organization, and easily slides under your airplane seat .
To buy: Take Off Luggage 18-inch suitcase, $119.99
refillable travel containers
If you don't want to compromise on your hair or skincare routine and want to make do with hotel toiletries, you'll need a travel-sized bottle that complies with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 guidelines for liquids. Basically, during the flight, liquids must be stored in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces. These liquids should be placed in one quart-sized clear plastic bag. Each passenger can only bring one plastic bag with him.
These kitsch refillable travel pouches are durable, compact, and leak-proof. Each set comes with three pouches so you can fill it with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, styling products, lotions, creams, and more.
To buy: Kitsch Travel Pouch, $8.49 (regularly $9.99)
jacket with hidden pockets
When you look at the SCOTTeVEST Women's Windbreaker, you won't believe that this sophisticated jacket has 19 hidden pockets. If you're short on space in your carry-on baggage, this water-repellent coat will pack an incredible amount of space. When it's time to go through security, you can take off your jacket instead of emptying your pockets.
Inside pockets are sized to fit items such as a tablet, phone, water bottle, ID or passport, earphones, and sunglasses. When the jacket is not in use, it can be stored in its own back pocket for easy storage.
To buy: SCOTTeVEST Women's Windbreaker, $149
Tips for traveling with carry-on only
Understand airline carry-on baggage and personal item maximum sizes
Each airline has individual size guidelines for carry-on baggage and personal items. Please note that each airline's carry-on policy takes into account the size of the entire bag, including the bag's handles and wheels.
Check the size guidelines on your airline's website or carry-on baggage size guide before you travel. Most airlines will allow you to carry personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you. The exceptions are low-cost carriers such as Spirit and Frontier, which have specific size requirements.
In addition to knowing what size items are allowed, you need to know which items are allowed in which fare classes. For example, some basic economy fares only allow personal items and require you to pay a fee to bring a carry-on.
Know what items you can't bring on a plane
Some items may not be allowed on board, regardless of their size. These include flammable items or items that can easily start a fire, such as aerosol sprays, lighter fluid, fireworks, liquids larger than 3.4 ounces, tools, sporting equipment, and items used to cause harm or firearms. Contains weapons that may be used against you. Amazing items such as snow globes are also on the list.
Read TPG's guide to what not to pack in your carry-on bag here.
Bring only what you need
It may seem obvious, but when you're trying to bring everything on a plane, you need to be on top of your packing list. Does he really need 3 pairs of shoes, or can he get 2 pairs? Does he need a hair dryer from home, or can he use the slightly broken one at the hotel? If he does laundry while he's out, he'll be able to use his luggage. can be reduced?
Related: 7 tips to avoid overpacking
These are all things to keep in mind when organizing your packing list to save space.
Wear your bulkiest items on board
If you're old enough to remember the “Friends” episode where Joey wears all of Chandler's clothes, you can put that sitcom moment to good use the next time you travel. If you bring hats, jackets, boots, sweaters, etc., wear them on the plane to save space in your luggage.
don't break the rules
It may be tempting to bring an oversized bag or hide your backpack under your clothes, but it's not worth the risk. If you are caught, you will have to pay for checked baggage. What's worse is that some airlines charge extra fees if you pay for your checked baggage at the airport rather than in advance.
Get a credit card with free checked bag benefits
In some cases, no matter how hard you try, you may not be able to avoid baggage inspection. Luckily, there are more than 20 credit cards that come with free checked bag perks. Which airlines accept this benefit depends on the card you have. Most major airlines have several types of cards that offer this benefit. For example, he has six co-branded Delta Airlines credit cards that offer free checked baggage.
Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines
Some travel credit cards offer general travel reimbursement that can be applied to checked baggage charges. For example, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $200 in credits on your annual statement for incidentals with one eligible airline, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers up to $200 in credits charged to your card each year. Get up to $300 in statement credits towards travel purchases.
conclusion
Avoiding checked bag fees is one of the easiest ways to save money when flying. You'll have more money in your pocket and a smoother passage through the airport with ultra-light luggage.
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