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5 Tips to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees at the Airport

  • April, 7 2022

 

It can be a heartbreaking experience to arrive at the airport and discover that your travel dreams are going to cost a lot more than you were first anticipating.

 

Almost two-thirds of travellers understand that excess baggage fees are one of their biggest oversights when preparing for a trip, which is why we’re here to help you avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

#1. Choose your airline carefully

Before booking your flight, make sure to check the airline’s website for the baggage policy. Even if you’re loyal to a particular airline or points program, the most affordable way to fly might be different than what you’re used to.

 

Some airlines are more expensive than others, and some are even free! An easy way to save money is to choose an airline with reasonable baggage fees.

#2. Pack your luggage correctly

Narrow down what is really, truly necessary to bring with you. If it’s not essential, don’t pack it! Take a moment and weigh out whether or not each item is something you absolutely need while traveling. If it isn’t, leave it at home!

 

Before closing your suitcase, make sure to weigh it and arrange everything in accordance with the airline’s baggage policy. You should also ensure that your belongings are securely zipped up and that the straps and handles on the outside of the bag are folded into the pockets or straps inside the bag.

#3. Wear your heaviest clothing

This is the easiest way to avoid excess baggage fees. You should start by wearing your heaviest shoes. Also wear socks, pants, multiple shirts and a heavy coat or jacket if allowed by weather. If you have any items that are too heavy to slip in your pockets, add them to your carry-on bag as well.

 

If you plan on wearing a backpack anyway, then simply place things that are too heavy for your pockets in there (but don’t forget they will be counted against the weight limit of the backpack).

#4. Pay for additional baggage weight online

Due to the fact that the majority of commercial airlines charge any excess baggage per kilo at the airport, it therefore doesn’t take much for costs to quickly mount up.

 

If you’re concerned that your baggage might exceed the allowed limit, pay for additional luggage weight online in advance of your trip. Sure, it’s an extra cost, but it’s always much cheaper to pay for it online than at the airport. This will help you to sail through check-in and avoid the stress.

#5. Ship your luggage with Auk Express

Auk Express is an affordable, door to door baggage shipping service that can be booked at the same time you purchase your airline ticket. We pick up your suitcases and send them directly to your overseas destination; there’s no need to carry them on board the aircraft or pay unexpected excess baggage charges.

 

Whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure, or some other reason, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your luggage has already arrived at your accommodation once you land. Since we’ll store your bags in our secure warehouse until they’re ready to be shipped, you can travel free of burdensome luggage.

 

Well there you have it, how to avoid excess baggage fees! By following the tips we’ve shared here, you should be able to arrive safely at your destination without excess charges. If you want to go farther into detail about some of these tips, please let us know in the comments below!