
And there are definitely some items better off in your carry-on and not your checked baggage. You still may have some restrictions, though. There are special rules like the TSA liquids rules that you need to be mindful of and also heightened rules for things like sharp objects, firearms, etc.īut when you are dealing with the checked baggage, you have much more freedom to bring along different items. It’s no secret that when going through airport security, you’ll have to be extra careful about what items you bring as a carry-on. Items you should NOT put in your checked baggage
#Tsa liquid rules lighters and matches free#
This is even the case when traveling for personal reasons.įor example, United Airlines allows you to get three free checked bags on a personal trip.
#Tsa liquid rules lighters and matches for free#
If you are in the military, you can often get many bags checked for free for you and potentially also for your spouse. You could use that travel credit on any airline and for virtually any travel expense, including airfare. While the Amex airline credits are great, the most flexible option would be to get a card that has a broad travel credit such as the $300 travel credit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. So instead of being forced to fly on a single airline to get the perk, you can choose which airline works best for you. The great thing about these credits is that you can use these for different airlines. You can find these credits on cards like the Platinum Card. You can utilize special travel credits that are attached to credit cards in order to get reimbursed for baggage fees.įor example, the Amex airline credits are perfect for getting reimbursed for up to $250 in airline incidental costs like baggage fees.

Some airlines, like United may even offer a special baggage subscription service which can be worth it in some cases (although if you do the math you typically are better off with the credit card perks). These memberships can save you on things like airfare but also sometimes you can get discounts for baggage fees. Some airlines offer special membership programs like the $9 Fare Club by Spirit Airline s and the Alaska Airlines Club 49. United baggage allowance for elite members. Notice that the weight requirement also goes up to 70 pounds. Here’s a look at what United offers its elite members when it comes to free checked bags. Typically, the bottom levels will start you off with one free checked bag. The higher up you go in airline elite status, the more bags that you can check for free and the heavier they can be. Elite statusĮlite status is an easy way to get around paying baggage fees. There are also different stipulations for how many companions can get free bags and whether or not the perk applies to international flights. Just be aware of the terms because some airlines require you to use your co-branded credit card when purchasing your airfare in order to get the benefit. If you go with a more premium card, you might be offered more free checked bags such as with the United Club Infinite Card, which offers two free checked bags. Citi Platinum Select: One free checked bag for you and up to six companions on domestic flights.United Explorer Card: One free checked bag for you and a companion on international flights.Here are a couple of credit cards that offer free checked baggage: You can often get a free checked bag for you and at least one companion when using a co-branded airline credit card. Travel/airline credits attached to credit cardsĬo-branded airline credit cards are the easiest ways to avoid baggage fees.

There are a number of ways that you can avoid baggage fees and these include: So if you have a bag that is oversized and overweight, that would result in two additional charges and that can add up really quick to $300! Avoiding baggage fees

Many airlines will charge you a fee for each type of overage. Going over one of the size requirements could result in hefty charges from $100 to $200. Typically, you are looking at weight limits of 50 pounds and total size dimensions of 62 inches. In addition to the standard baggage fees, you also need to watch out for oversized and overweight baggage fees. The price usually shoots way up for the third checked bag. So generally you can expect to pay around $30 for your first checked bag and around $40 for your second check bag. Size requirements relate to the weight of the bag and the inches are the overall dimensions (L+W+H).*Fees may differ based on time paid and routes.Here’s an overview of what baggage fees will likely cost you with major US airlines on a one-way trip. Items you should put in your checked baggage.Items you should NOT put in your checked baggage.
