How can I avoid extra baggage fees internationally? Saving money and enjoying a smooth journey go hand in hand with travellers by avoiding extra baggage fees. Baggage fees can quickly eat into your budget, especially when airlines have strict rules or charge extra for bags.
With a bit of planning and know-how, you can dodge those extra baggage fees like a pro. From packing light to knowing your airline’s rules inside out, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and see How I can avoid extra baggage fees internationally. To make your journey smooth sailing without breaking the bank!
Why Do We Have to Pay Extra Baggage Fees?
Ever wondered why you end up paying extra baggage fees for international flights? It’s often because your bags are too heavy, too big, or there’s just too many of them. Plus, making last-minute changes at the airport can cost you a pretty penny. According to a recent report by IdeaWorksCompany, CarTrawler reveals the 2023 Global Estimate of Baggage Fee Revenue, was a 15% rise from the $29 billion figure reported in 2022. These fees now make up 4 percent of total airline earnings.
| Worldwide Projection of Baggage Fee Income | ||||
| Years | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Baggage fee income | $33.35 billion. | $29 billion | $20.9 billion | $16.9 billion |
| Source: Statistics on à la carte revenue, compiled by IdeaWorksCompany from airline reports, alongside annual airline revenue projections by IATA for the years 2020 to 2023 | ||||
How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees: Knowing Airline Baggage Rules
Before making your airline selection, it’s crucial to consider which carrier suits your needs best. With numerous airlines operating internationally from the UAE, making an informed choice can simplify your travel experience.
Before you pack your bags, take the time to research your airline’s baggage allowances and any restrictions they may have. This includes the number of bags allowed, weight limits, and any additional fees for excess baggage.
To ensure smooth travel experiences, it’s important to be aware of prohibited items. For a comprehensive list of items to avoid carrying with you, refer to our article on ‘Rules for Dubai Airport Hand Luggage Prohibited Items.
Understand Weight and Size Limits for Checked and Carry-On Baggage
It’s crucial to know the weight and size limits for both checked and carry-on baggage. Airlines often have specific dimensions and weight restrictions, and exceeding them can result in hefty fees. Familiarize yourself with these limits to ensure a smooth journey.
Read More: Dubai Airport Rules For Luggage: A Complete Guide for Travelers.
Extra Baggage Fees By Airlines
To assist you in this decision-making process, I’ve compiled a table detailing various airlines along with their extra baggage charges and their respective links for detailed baggage rules.
| Airlines | Extra Baggage Charges | For Additional Information |
| Emirates | Baggage fees vary from $15 to $50 per kilogram, depending on the route. | Emirates Airways |
| Wizz Air | Baggage fees amount to €13 per kilogram. | Wizz Air |
| FlyDubai | Baggage fees vary from $10 to $16 per kilogram, depending on the route. | Flydubai |
| Etihad | Baggage fees range from $24 to $54 per kilogram, depending on the route. For flights to and from the US and Canada, expect to pay between $270 and $360 per bag. | Etihad Airways |
| Qatar Airways | Baggage fees range from $8 to $55 per kilogram, depending on the route. For flights to/from Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the USA, fees start from $150 per item. | Qatar Airways |
Understanding your airline’s baggage policy and rules is essential for hassle-free travel. By familiarizing yourself with their rules and regulations, you can avoid surprises and extra charges at the airport.
Research Baggage Allowances and Restrictions
Before you pack your bags, take the time to research your airline’s baggage allowances and any restrictions they may have. This includes the number of bags allowed, weight limits, and any additional fees for excess baggage.
To ensure smooth travel experiences, it’s important to be aware of prohibited items. For a comprehensive list of items to avoid carrying with you, refer to our article on ‘Rules for Dubai Airport Hand Luggage Prohibited Items.
Understand Weight and Size Limits for Checked and Carry-On Baggage
It’s crucial to know the weight and size limits for both checked and carry-on baggage. Airlines often have specific dimensions and weight restrictions, and exceeding them can result in hefty fees. Familiarize yourself with these limits to ensure a smooth journey.
Read More: Dubai Airport Rules For Luggage: A Complete Guide for Travelers.
Essential Packing Tips to Minimize Luggage Weight
Packing efficiently is essential for travellers looking to minimize luggage weight and maximize space. These essential packing tips offer practical advice to help you pack smarter and lighter for your next adventure.
Pack Light: Packing light and efficiently ensures a smoother travel experience. Mastering minimalism and smart packing strategies helps streamline your luggage, providing greater convenience during your journey.
Choose Versatile Clothing: Opt for clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, reducing the need for excessive clothing.
Roll Clothes Instead of Folding: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and prevent wrinkles, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage.
Opt for Lightweight Accessories: Select lightweight accessories such as scarves, hats, and jewellery to add variety to your outfits without adding much weight to your luggage.
Limit Shoe Choices: Shoes can be heavy and take up a lot of space. Limit the number of shoes you pack by choosing versatile pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits.
Choose Travel-sized Toiletries: Opt for lightweight and compact travel-sized toiletries instead of bulky bottles to save space and reduce the weight of your luggage.
Wear Bulky Items While Traveling: Wear your heaviest or bulkiest items, such as jackets or boots, while travelling to free up space in your luggage.
Use Packing Cubes: Invest in packing cubes to organize your clothing efficiently and compress them to maximize space in your luggage.
Downsize Your Tech: Minimize the number of electronic devices and accessories you bring by opting for multi-functional gadgets and leaving unnecessary chargers at home.
Plan Outfits in Advance: Plan your outfits for each day of your trip in advance to avoid overpacking. Mix and match clothing items to create versatile outfits that can be worn multiple times.
Consider Laundry Options: If travelling for an extended period, choose accommodations with laundry facilities or bring travel-size detergent to wash clothes as needed.
How Can I Avoid Extra Baggage Fees Internationally? Things you must know
Travel Light: Choose Lightweight Luggage Bags
Think about using lightweight luggage to solve any worries about carrying too much weight when you travel. Sometimes, it’s not what you pack but the weight of your bags themselves that causes the problem.
Those old-style suitcases with heavy frames can eat up a lot of your weight allowance. For example, a regular medium-sized suitcase weighs about 4.1kg, while a lighter one might only weigh 2.2kg.
Switching to lighter luggage, like a canvas backpack or a newer, lighter suitcase, could give you more leeway with how much you can bring. This means you can pack more without going over the weight limit.
Upgrade Your Fare Class
Thinking of upgrading? Explore the baggage perks of premium fares and assess if it’s worth the cost compared to paying extra fees. Find out how upgrading can enhance your travel experience and save you money in the long run.
Review the baggage benefits of premium fares, including expanded weight limits and complimentary baggage services, to enhance your travel experience. Explore these advantages to decide if upgrading is worth the investment for your trip.
Evaluate the value of upgrading your fare class against the potential expense of paying extra baggage fees. Consider factors such as frequency of travel and the additional benefits offered with upgraded fares. By carefully weighing these options, you can determine the most cost-effective solution for your specific travel requirements.
Join Frequent Flyer Programs or Loyalty Clubs
Consider joining frequent flier programs or loyalty clubs to unlock exclusive benefits and rewards for your travels.
Investigate the baggage benefits offered to members of frequent flier programs or loyalty clubs. These may include priority baggage handling, increased weight allowances, or waived fees for checked bags, providing added convenience and savings for frequent travellers.
Use frequent flier programs or loyalty clubs to accumulate miles or points, which can be redeemed for rewards, including covering baggage fees. Strategically earn and redeem miles to enjoy perks and minimize the financial impact of baggage fees.
Monitor and manage your luggage seamlessly throughout your journey to ensure a stress-free travel experience.
Keeping abreast of updates to baggage policies and fees is crucial to avoid any surprises or extra expenses during your journey. Stay informed by new apps and programs that can help to minimize your travelling costs. One such app is Lifti.
Lifti bridges luggage senders and travellers, offering affordable shipping options and allowing travellers to earn by utilizing spare space. Also, offers the opportunity to invest in Lifti tokens for passive income.
Read More: Cheapest Way to Send Luggage from Dubai
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is sourced from various websites. However, please be aware that these details are subject to change over time. The company or website cannot be held responsible for any potential damages or losses resulting from relying solely on this information. It is recommended to verify the data independently before making any decisions.
