May 11th, 2011 
Tushar Mathur 
Airline checked baggage fees could add hundreds of dollars to your travel expenses. You can reduce the cost of checking a bag when you travel by following these tips.
Use Lighter Luggage
Most airlines charge you for checked baggage depending on the weight of the bag. A heavy piece of luggage will use up some of that weight for the bag itself. Using lighter bags will allow you to pack more of your travel items for the same amount of money. Avoid extra weight like wheels or extended handles if you can carry the bag without them. Every ounce that is not part of the bag itself can be used for the things you need to take with you on your trip.
Understand the Fee Regulations Thoroughly
Airline baggage fees can be confusing. In many cases, the airline employees do not even have a clear understanding of the regulations. Read the directions carefully before you travel and pack accordingly. You may want to print out some of the more important baggage fee regulations so that you can point them out to any airline employee who does not understand the rules. If necessary, create a bullet point list of the rules that you can use as you pack for your trip. Becoming familiar with the regulations will save you time and hassles once you get to the airport.
Distribute the Weight
If several family members are taking the same trip, make sure you distribute the luggage evenly. Spread out the heavier items so that everyone’s checked luggage weighs approximately the same. Shoes and small appliances can be some of the heaviest luggage contents. It doesn’t matter who carries the luggage to and from the airport. Once you reach your destination, you can always rearrange the luggage contents so that everyone has their own belongings once more. Checking several lighter bags will be less expensive than checking one extremely heavy bag along with a few lighter bags.
Get the Most from Your Carry-On
Take advantage of the opportunity to carry-on two bags per person. Pack the heaviest items in your carry-on to reduce the weight of your checked luggage. If you are going on a short trip, try to fit everything into your carry-on bags and eliminate the need to check any luggage at all. Remember that what you are wearing is not counted as luggage. Even if the weather is warm at your current location, put on any bulky clothes that you will need when you arrive at your destination. You can always take them off once find your seat on the plane.
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