Nobody wants to pay for excess baggage at the airport, but it’s an issue many travellers face. Excess baggage fees can quickly turn an affordable trip into an expensive one, especially when flying with low-cost airlines or international carriers. The good news is that with a bit of forward planning and clever packing strategies, you can avoid these unexpected charges and keep your travel budget in check. Here are the top tips on how to avoid excess baggage fees and maximise your baggage allowance.

Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Charges

1. Pay for Additional Weight in Advance

Plan Ahead and Save
It’s typically much cheaper to buy extra hold luggage or additional weight before your flight, rather than paying for excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines often offer discounted rates for pre-purchased baggage allowance. For instance, budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet can charge £11-£12 per extra kilo if you wait until the day of departure, while airlines like Emirates can charge as much as €50 per kilo depending on your flight route.

To save money, always check the baggage policy when booking your flight, and purchase any extra weight in advance online to avoid paying hefty fees at the airport.

2. Weigh Your Luggage Before You Go

Avoid Surprises at the Airport
To avoid paying for excess baggage, be sure to weigh your luggage at home before heading to the airport. If your bag is looking a little overstuffed, you’ll have time to remove non-essential items. Digital luggage scales are an affordable solution that allows you to weigh your suitcase as you pack. You can find reliable and compact digital scales for under £15, and they’re small enough to pack for the return trip.

3. Pool Luggage with a Travel Buddy

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When travelling with a friend or family, you can avoid excess baggage fees by pooling your luggage allowance. Airlines like Emirates allow you to buy baggage by weight, so you can combine your allowances if you’re flying on the same booking. Airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus also permit baggage pooling, provided you check in together and have the same reservation. This means you can redistribute your weight and save on excess baggage costs.

4. Use Lightweight Luggage

Every Kilo Counts
The weight of your luggage itself can eat into your baggage allowance, so consider investing in lightweight bags or suitcases. Older suitcases with heavy frames can add unnecessary weight, leaving you with less room for your clothes and belongings. Opting for a lightweight suitcase or a soft-sided duffle bag can free up a few extra kilos in your luggage. Just be sure to check the size and weight limitations for your airline before you fly.

5. Maximise Your Hand Luggage Allowance

Carry-On Cleverness
Another way to avoid excess baggage fees is by making the most of your hand luggage. Many premium airlines like British Airways allow passengers to bring two pieces of cabin luggage, while budget airlines often offer the option to pay for a larger carry-on bag that fits in the overhead locker. Upgrading your hand luggage allowance for a small fee may be an affordable alternative to paying for extra hold luggage.

It’s also important to keep in mind that certain items, like liquids over 100ml or sharp objects, must be stored in your checked luggage. Check the airline’s policy on hand luggage dimensions and restrictions to avoid any confusion at the security checkpoint.

Know Your Baggage Allowance

Familiarise Yourself with Airline Baggage Fees

Unfortunately, baggage allowances vary significantly between airlines, and even specific flight routes. Make sure you’re familiar with the specific restrictions of your airline regarding the number of bags, size, and weight limits. Here’s a quick overview of what you might expect to pay for excess baggage on popular airlines:

  • Aer Lingus: €10 per kilo
  • Air France: €55–€300 per bag (fees vary by route)
  • British Airways: £65 per bag
  • easyJet: £12 per kilo
  • Emirates: $15–$50 per kilo, depending on the route
  • Ryanair: £12 per kilo at the airport
  • Jet2: £12 per kilo
  • KLM: €25–€240 depending on route

By checking these charges in advance, you’ll be prepared for any potential extra costs and can plan your packing accordingly.

Additional Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees

  • Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce the overall weight of your luggage.
  • Wear Bulky Items: If you’re travelling with bulky clothes like jackets or sweaters, wear them on the plane rather than packing them in your suitcase.
  • Pack Multi-purpose Items: Opt for clothing and accessories that serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of items you need to pack.
  • Consider Travel Compression Bags: These can help save space in your luggage, allowing you to fit more without increasing the weight.

Conclusion: How to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees

Now that you know how to avoid paying for excess baggage fees, you can confidently pack and plan for your next trip. From weighing your luggage at home to taking advantage of pre-booked weight and pooling baggage with a friend, there are plenty of strategies to help you save money on baggage charges. By following these tips, you’ll be able to travel light and avoid unnecessary fees, making your next journey even more enjoyable.

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