Why do airlines charge so much for extra baggage? (2024)

Why do airlines charge so much for extra baggage?

Because they add weight, and lifting that weight increases the fuel used. Because they have to be handled by the airport and loaded onto the plane, which adds cost. Because loading them onto the plane and taking them off again takes time, which limits how quickly you can turn the plane around.

Why is extra luggage so expensive?

Additionally, the extra fuel required to carry heavier loads adds to the operational costs for the airline. Therefore, the fees for overweight baggage are intended to cover these additional costs and to incentivize passengers to adhere to the weight limits.

Why are airline baggage fees so expensive?

In fact, they're a fairly recent development as airlines have turned to ancillary fees as a way to generate more revenue from flyers. While checked baggage fees have largely been deemed a success for the airlines' bottom line, of course, they come at the expense of the passenger's wallet.

Why do airlines charge more for heavy bags?

Carrying excess baggage can affect the aircraft's performance and fuel consumption. Secondly, charging for excess baggage can be a source of revenue for airlines. Additionally, it can incentivize passengers to pack efficiently and travel lighter, which can help reduce handling costs and improve overall efficiency.

How can I avoid paying for extra baggage?

Where did baggage fees come from?

The story of the airline fee starts with baggage

For decades, it was free on major airlines to check at least one bag (some discount airlines got a head start on charging). But in 2008, amid rising fuel prices and economic turmoil, that started to charge.

Is paying for extra baggage worth it?

Is paying for extra baggage worth it? It's nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines know that keeping within weight/size limits is not always possible, so they encourage you to plan ahead by selling extra weight online.

Which airlines don t charge for bags?

Southwest Airlines is the only domestic airline with free checked bags for all passengers, regardless of fare type or loyalty status. Some airlines offer free checked bags on some routes, for example, on longer international routes. It's best to check with each airline for each trip as this varies.

What is the cheapest way to add baggage?

The cheapest and most convenient way to carry extra bags on your flight. The Bag Pass (BP) is the most convenient and cheapest way to pre-purchase extra bags for multiple trips at a very low price (up to 50% less). Its much cheaper than buying extra bags separately for every trip.

Why did airlines start charging baggage fees?

Not coincidentally, American was the first major carrier to start charging for a checked bag, back in 2008, when airlines were trying to come up with new revenue sources to counter high jet fuel prices and other effects of the Great Recession. And once a fee is assessed, it is almost never rescinded.

Is it ethical for airlines to charge baggage fees?

In other words, baggage fees harmonize the airlines' interests with those of passengers, lowering costs on both sides. However, airlines' other rationale—that baggage fees allow airlines to price-discriminate across customers by their need for the ancillary service—does not hold up in practice.

What is a reasonable price for luggage?

Sure, you can find a suitcase for $50, but if it only lasts for two trips before the wheels and zipper break, it could be more expensive in the long run than a $200 suitcase that lasts for several years. Quality is key if you're looking for good value.

When did airlines start charging for bags?

The last time the airline industry was struggling, in 2008, executives decided to start charging customers for checked bags. Bag fees became the norm and rose steadily, turning into a big moneymaker for airlines.

What if my bag is heavier than 50 lbs?

That means that if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds, your airline will charge you a set fee on top of their standard baggage rate. Most airlines also have a weight limit, usually 70-80 pounds, after which they don't accept bags, even for an extra fee.

Why do airlines force you to check bags?

Gate agents often keep track of the number of passengers who board with carry-on bags that are too large to fit underneath their seats. Planes don't have enough overhead bin space to allow every passenger to bring a carry-on bag, so there has to be a cut-off at some point.

Is it cheaper to add baggage after booking?

It's generally cheaper to add baggage during booking because most carriers increase the price later. Depending on your service package, we might also charge a processing fee for additional services added later.

How to cheat baggage weight?

An item slung over the bag will help to detract attention from any bulges, and also give the impression that the bag itself is of little consideration. Bags that are brightly colored, red, yellow, orange and blue, will appear bigger and more obvious than beige, brown or black bags do.

Is it better to pay extra baggage online or at the airport?

If you need to take extra bags, it's smarter to prepay before you get to the airport. When you want to take more baggage than your fare allows, Prepaid Extra Bags are the smartest and cheapest solution. If you wait until you get to the airport, you'll pay excess baggage rates that are much higher than the prepaid cost.

What airline has the most fees?

Spirit Airlines, a U.S. carrier, stands out among the 80 airlines we analysed, having the highest percentage of hidden fees at 736% when compared with the original airfare.

Why do airlines charge for everything now?

Why do airlines charge those fees? For starters, having an initial "lower headline price" makes air travel look cheaper, Keyes said. Airfares are taxed differently than fees. Plane tickets – and anything the ticket includes – are subject to a 7.5% excise tax, Keyes said, but that tax excludes optional fees.

How much money did airlines make in baggage fees?

Adding a carry-on or checked bag commonly costs $25 one-way pre-COVID — but that has risen as high as $35 in 2022. The strategy has paid off, with airlines collectively earning about $6.8 billion in baggage revenue last year, according to DOT stats.

Is it cheaper to pay for a checked bag online or in person?

Luggage fees

The sure-fire way to avoid this fee is to travel with a carry-on bag only. However, if you simply cannot do without your checked luggage, try to pay for the bag online, as it is typically much cheaper to purchase your bag on the airline's website rather than pay up front at the check-in counter.

Which airlines allow 2 checked bags?

A number of airlines allow two or more bags checked for international travel. These include Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, and Virgin Atlantic among others.

Do I have to pay baggage fees twice?

One important thing to remember when flying is that airline baggage fees are charged both ways. So, if your outbound flight charges you $30 for your first standard checked bag, expect to pay another $30 for that same bag on your return flight back home (that's $60 bucks, roundtrip).

What is the maximum luggage allowance for international flights?

The checked luggage weight limit for international flights is usually the same as for domestic flights: 50 lbs. Most airlines set 50 lbs as their weight limit to reduce the risk of injury to baggage handlers. As with carry-on luggage, there are exceptions to checked luggage weight limits.