Travel bloggers share their top strategies for avoiding airline fees
Looking to avoid those travel budget killers when flying? We asked a group of savvy travel bloggers how they go about avoiding airline fees, tips that will hopefully help you plan a more wallet-friendly trip.
1. Kyle Zuvella of The Faraway Guide:
"One method to avoid airline fees is through credit cards. For example, the Citi American Airlines Platinum Card waives one checked bag for up to five travelers – a huge money saver for families. And the Discover it Miles Card comes with a $30 WiFi credit every year, keeping you entertained without breaking the bank. Both of these cards don't have an annual fee in the first year, so savvy travelers can save money by applying for the card before a big trip. Every major U.S. airline has a credit card, so savings can be found everywhere."
2. Tim Leffel of Tim Leffel's Cheapest Destinations Blog:
"The main way to avoid airline fees is to give your business to airlines that don't charge so many, like Southwest for domestic flights."
"Naturally you want to buy your own food to avoid bad, overpriced airline food and bring your own drink or water bottle, too. I try to do my alcoholic beverage drinking in the airport or airline lounge rather than on the plane, unless I'm on a good international airline where this is included. In other words, the non-American ones."
"Last, carry earbuds or headphones and a warmer top or travel blanket so you don't end up paying for airline headphones or blankets. If you've got kids along, put your foot down and just say no on airline Wi-Fi. If they can't disconnect from social media for a few hours, you're teaching them it's okay to be an addict."
3. Dmitriy Dudarenko of Miles for Trips:
"Be flexible with seats. Premium seats or seats with more legroom will cost you some extra money. SeatGuru.com is worth checking, as well."
4. Phil Derner of NYCAviation:
"Those who seek to avoid baggage fees can utilize a carry-on bag and not check one – problem solved! All other amenities that airlines charge for are optional and can simply not be purchased."
5. Lee Abbamonte of Lee Abbamonte:
"Unless my dates are locked in, I buy one-way tickets to avoid change fees. I'd rather pay a higher fare then pay for a lower fare and have to pay [a] $200-plus change in fare to switch my flight."
6. Jeanne Marie Hoffman of Le Chic Geek:
"Read all of the rules for the airline before going to the airport. Spirit, for example, charges extra for transactions done at the airport – $10 to print your boarding pass and $10 extra for opting to check a bag. If you printed your boarding pass and paid for your checked bags at home, you would save $20 per person."
7. Rease Kirchner of Indecisive Traveler:
"Obviously, whenever I travel on a new airline I memorize all their fee policies. If I run into an issue, I'm always very polite. It works almost every time. The last time I used it it was actually over a delayed flight voucher policy. I only received $100 when I knew the policy required them to give me $200. I was so polite and willing to call customer service on my own, that the agent just slipped me another $100 voucher."
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.