Air travel costs are rising again with major US airlines now charging around $45 for a checked bag. Carriers point to increased operating and fuel costs for this change. Experts suggest these elevated baggage fees are likely a permanent adjustment. Here are ten things you should know about this new travel reality and how to handle it.
The New Forty Five Dollar Normal
Major airlines like American and Delta and United have all bumped up their bag fees to around $45 recently. It is definitely a chunk of change that makes packing light look like a really good travel fashion choice for your wallet right now.
Blame It On The Fuel Costs
Airlines are saying that higher oil prices and general operating costs are the main reasons they had to raise these prices. It makes sense that running a massive airplane is expensive but it still stings when you are just trying to bring your favorite outfits on vacation.
Experts Say Prices Are Staying Put
Travel experts are pretty much agreeing that there is no chance these baggage fees are going to drop back down anytime soon. Once airlines get used to making this extra money they rarely ever reverse the charges even if fuel prices get better later on.
Ticket Prices Look Cheaper Than Reality
Airlines love keeping the actual flight ticket price looking low because that is what we all look at first when booking a trip online. We usually ignore the extra costs like baggage until we are literally at the airport and then it is too late to complain.
A Sneaky Way To Earn Billions
Believe it or not US airlines made over seven billion dollars just from checked bag fees a couple of years ago. It is a massive money maker for them so they have zero motivation to stop charging us for bringing our heavy suitcases.
People Just Accept The Extra Fees
Travelers are getting so used to paying extra for everything that most folks just swipe their cards and sigh at the check-in desk. If you were willing to pay thirty five dollars before the airlines know you will probably just swallow your pride and pay forty five now.
The History Of Paying For Bags
This whole trend actually started way back around the Great Recession when American Airlines first charged for a single checked bag. It was supposed to help them survive a tough economy but it turned out to be such a good trick that everyone else copied them forever.
Credit Cards Can Actually Save You
If you fly a lot getting a specific airline credit card is one of the best ways to bypass these annoying fees completely. Most of these cards offer a free checked bag which easily pays for the annual fee if you take just a few trips a year.
Elite Status Brings Free Baggage Perks
Those lucky travelers who fly all the time and earn frequent flyer status usually get to skip the bag fee line entirely. It takes a lot of flying to get there but keeping your travel style simple and loyal to one airline definitely pays off in the end.
Carry On Bags Are Your Best Friend
The easiest way to avoid paying anything extra is to just stuff everything into a small carry on and call it a day. It might force you to leave some of your bulky fashion choices at home but saving almost fifty bucks each way is a pretty sweet reward.
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