To say that I’m vexed about all the new fees imposed on airline travelers checking baggage would be an understatement. People will find a way to monetize anything! Next week, I’m heading to Chicago for a journalism convention. I will be gone for a week and I have plenty of clothes to carry. I will be forced to check luggage. I’m not looking forward to fees! Down with fees! Here are some tips on how to beat the baggage fee trap.
Here are some ways to travel light and look fabulous.
Do you have any travel tips on how to pack lightly? Are you traveling at all this summer? Will you have to pay baggage checking fees? How can you stick it to the "traveling man"?
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I avoid checking luggage whenever possible. I can generally get a work week’s worth of clothes into a rolling carry-on bag. The key is to avoid packing bulky things (shoes, coats, etc.) I choose my clothing based on one color scheme so I can get by with only packing one pair of shoes (though I generally wear slip-ons while traveling). It’s not hard to fit one pair of shoes and five outfits into a carryon bag. I only take travel-sized toiletries and pack miscellaneous stuff (cellphone charger, etc) in my laptop or tote bag.
I have a trip coming up at the end of august and I’m not really excited about paying for my bags! I will take Savvy’s advice and pack light which is not in my nature to do! But getting a big purse and having a carry on will do wonders!
If I know ahead of time where I’m going I send a 2-day box via UPS or the postal service to the hotel where I am staying. This is great for the bulky items you do not need as soon as you check in. Make sure the hotel concierge knows you are sending a package and would like to have it waiting in your room. Yes, things can go wrong, but I have enough in a carry-on to keep me going until they find it or I find a store.
Even before fees, my motto has been “The only safe luggage is carry-on luggage” Last summer I did a week long convention without checking a bag.
Wear a suit or blazer while you travel so you’ll arrive with at least one uncrumpled jacket
and pack everything else neatly. Iron (or even better, steam) once you get to your destination.
Also, I vacuum pack clothes that will fit in zip-loc bags – saves a lot of space.
I will travel this summer but I will be in a car so no fees for me. I really try to take only what I need on a trip. If I really need something when I reach my destination I figure I can always buy it.
If I have to carry anything more than carry on luggage I will put on my clothes via layering and waddle into the plane looking like the Michelin tire man.
I’m not sure what type of ticket I purchased. I think it’s the one where the first bag is free. I am headed to the Chi like you. Can you believe it’s next week!!
Anyway, I am going to try to pack efficiently and take only two pairs of shoes that match everything. Also, I needed to do all my copying and stuff before I leave, so I may carry on a bag with all of that in it and a book.
I recently went out and bought a carry-on size luggage just to start avoiding the fees. It’ll pay for itself within 3 round trips. My biggest thing is figuring out how to get all my bathroom stuff in a quart bag! I have some things that I don’t need a 3 oz. bottle of, but I haven’t been successful in finding smaller bottles (1 oz or less) to put them in (my face moisturizer and toner).
I just got back from Florida and flew with US Airways. We didn’t pay the luggage fee going, but we had an extra bag, result of outlet shopping, and had to pay an extra 25 coming back.
We also plan to take a fall vacation so we’ll have to do added research in finding an airline that doesn’t have luggaage fees or the minimum fees.