I traveled recently for the first time since airlines added the checked baggage fees. Paid $15 per bag each way, on top of the nearly $500 ticket!
When you’re planning a trip and your budget for that trip, remember to check your airline’s checked bag fees. You’ll want to include that in the budget, and the fees applies to both ways of a round trip.
Additionally, if you decide you don’t want to pay the fee, do everyone a favor and pack your carry-on accordingly. The TSA rules allow one carry-on that fits in the overhead bin or below your seat, plus a purse or briefcase. That mean two items…not the three or four that many travelers now seem to bring.
The airlines need to enforce these rules or drop the extra fees, in my opinion. But until then, as travelers it’s for our safety and comfort, as well as that of everyone on the plane, to follow the rules.
If you really cannot afford the extra fee, maybe you can’t really afford to travel by air. When you are planning your trip and the budget is the time to decide that and adjust your plans.
If you can afford it, then do the rest of us a favor and check your bag or pack lightly enough that you can board with one-count-em-one carry-on and a purse or briefcase. It’s a matter of courtesy and safety.
[...] paid a $10 processing fee for the tickets, plus $23 each for one checked bag each way. (I am all in favor of checked baggage unless you can truly use a carry [...]