How to avoid paying extra fees to your airline for checked luggage?

Many U.S. airlines will increase fees for checked bags in 2024. Airlines such as American Airlines have raised prices from $30 to $40, CNN the report said.

Have you ever wondered why luggage is so expensive?

One business school professor said the reason was a tax law loophole.

U.S. federal regulations exclude baggage from the 7.5% transportation fee charged by airlines as long as “the fee is separate from the cost of transporting persons and is shown in an accurate amount.”

This means that if an airline charges you $200 for a round-trip flight (including luggage), you’ll pay $15 in tax. However, if the airline charges you $150 for the flight and $50 for the bag, you only pay $11.25, saving $3.75.

Let’s see how you can avoid paying airline extra baggage fees?

Fly with a no-fee airline

To travel locally in the United States, you can fly with Southwest Airlines, or when traveling internationally, airlines like Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates don’t charge extra for checked bags, CNBC the report said.

Skip baggage check

You can travel with carry-on luggage, saving time and money.

Passengers “can sneak into the cabin,” according to airport officials.

Get a credit card or join a frequent flyer program

Many credit cards, especially airline-branded ones, offer the benefit of free checked bags.