Traveling during the holidays can strain your budget, and one of the culprits often responsible for those unexpected expenses is baggage fees. On domestic flights, the cost of checking a bag typically ranges from $30 to $35 each way for economy class. But there’s good news – flight attendants, who are known for their packing prowess, have shared their insider tips for avoiding these hefty charges. Here are the five packing strategies they swear by:
- Roll Your Clothing: Flight attendants recommend rolling your clothing items instead of folding them.This approach not only conserves room in your baggage but also aids in wrinkle prevention. It’s particularly effective for lightweight, casual items like T-shirts, jeans, and swimsuits. However, for bulkier items such as blazers and coats, folding may be more efficient.
- Wear Bulky Items: Rather than packing your heaviest item, consider wearing it to the airport. Coats, jackets, and even hiking boots can take up a significant amount of space in your bag. Wearing them might be a slight hassle during security checks, but as long as you can comfortably stow them under the seat in front of you, you’ll free up valuable luggage space. Plus, the extra layers can help keep you warm during chilly flights.
- Stuff Shoes: Every square inch counts when you’re trying to avoid checked baggage. Flight attendants suggest taking advantage of the space inside your shoes by stuffing smaller items like socks and underwear inside them. This simple trick maximizes your available space and keeps your belongings organized.
- Use Contact Lens Containers: To save space and prevent leaks, flight attendants recommend transferring small quantities of products like foundation, moisturizers, and eye creams into contact lens containers. These containers are leak-proof and take up minimal space in your carry-on.
- Choose a Roomy Personal Item: When trying to avoid checked baggage, select a personal item that offers plenty of space in addition to your carry-on. This personal item should be able to accommodate essential items such as your wallet, phone, passport, prescription medications, laptop, and even a change of clothes. Ensuring it fits under the seat in front of you provides added convenience and security in case your carry-on needs to be checked at the gate.
In some cases, it may not be possible to cram everything into your carry-on and personal item, especially for longer trips. Here are some additional strategies to consider:
- Choose an Airline with Free Checked Bags: Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, allow you to check up to two bags for free. Others may offer free checked bags for international flights, so it’s worth checking your airline’s policy.
- Earn Elite Status: While it may take time, earning elite status with an airline can come with various perks, including a free checked bag on many flights.
- Apply for an Airline Credit Card: Many top airline credit cards offer free checked bags, not only for the cardholder but sometimes for travel companions booked on the same reservation.
However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between packing lightly to save money and ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable trip. Over-packing may lead to unexpected expenses as you may end up buying items you didn’t bring. By following these expert packing tips, you can reduce your travel expenses and enjoy a more stress-free journey.
