The airline fees are soaring high for the last few years, posing a serious problem for the air travelers. If you are not careful enough, you may end up paying for the amenities, which were once free. However, there are some effective ways to arrest the costs for domestic flights, which involve some simple advance planning.
Avoid checking your bags
Simply do not check your bags in order to avoid the checked baggage fees. The fees for the checked bags have jumped about $5 to $10 on most carriers since 2008 and many carriers are now even charging fees for second bags. So try to buy a lightweight yet sturdy bag that will synchronize with the majority of airlines’ carry-on allowances. This way you can avoid paying hefty additional fees and will not have to wait at ticket counters for checked bags.
If You Must Check Bags, Check Wisely
If you are sure about checking your luggage, be aware to factor those extra costs ahead of time. If you are carrying heavy luggage, then check out United’s “Premium Baggage” program, which was launched in October 2009, allowing travelers to cough a $349 fee up front, then fly their luggage, along with those of up to eight person on the same reservation fee, free for an entire year. Take notice of your credit card policy, for many American Express card variations allow free or reimbursed check-ins. Also check out your hotel because many hotels offer reimbursement on luggage fees for guests holding visa cards.
Check in online
Remember, that if you are opting for preferred seat selection, which means seats providing extra legroom or those associated with priority boarding, the domestic airlines will make it chargeable. If you are travelling on Air Tran, you need to cough $20 for an exit row seat and on Jet Blue $10 is charged for some additional legroom, where as the charge for early boarding and front of plane seating will cost you $9. If you are not willing to pay this excess cash on this additional airline fees, check in online just prior to your flight. Try to book seats at the back of the flight to bag the extra luggage space, for you will usually board first.
Enjoy a sound sleep
If you wish to take a nap on flight, carry an inflatable pillow, which are quite comfortable and more hygienic than the airlines’ recycled arsenal. You can get them at many travel and luggage stores and can easily fit them in your purse or briefcase. This way you can always save that additional $7 to $12 included in the airline fees that US Airways, Jet Blue, Virgin America and off late American Airlines are charging for supplying pillow and blankets.
Trying out these simple steps can help you save some of your hard-earned dollars.
(Source: Hotel & Resort Insider)
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