Top 10 ways to avoid new airline fees

updated 2:01 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2008

Delays. Security lines. Increasing airfares. Air travelers’ growing list of gripes has morphed into a recognizable chorus that now also includes mulling over what once-free amenities must actually be paid for after arriving at the airport. It’s enough to make you want to give up on flying the unfriendly skies altogether! But there are ways to cap the cost of your flight at its ticket price with a little careful planning: Read on for our expert tips on avoiding the fees of the à la carte menu in the sky — airlines’ newest attempt to generate revenue in the face of rising jet fuel prices. Dodge attempts to be nickel-and-dimed on bottled water (yes, water!), pillows, headsets, and even an aisle seat by coming prepared. While the sky seems to be the limit on what they’ll charge for next, the restrooms and airsickness bags remain free ... for now.

1. Carry on to put fees in check
The most common-sense solution for avoiding checked baggage fees is to simply not check your bags. With American, Continental, Northwest, United, US Airways, Frontier, and Spirit now charging $15 for a first checked bag (and most legacy and budget airlines charging around $25 for the second one checked) on each leg of a flight, it just makes (dollars and) sense to carry on. Invest in a strong, yet lightweight bag that’s in accordance with the bulk of airlines' carry-on allowances (check individual airline Web sites for details as sizes do vary) and reusable toiletries containers (sized under the TSA’s mandated maximum of three ounces) and leave worries of lost luggage, hefty additional fees, and long waits at ticket counters (and carousels) for checked bags — behind.

2. If you must check bags, check wisely
The steepest checked baggage fees are tacked onto bags that are overweight (usually above 50 pounds) or oversized (from 62 inches). So while it may at first seem logical to try to cram everything into one bag instead of using two, know that while a first checked bag won’t set you back more than $15 on any airline, if it ends up being oversized or overweight it can cost anywhere from $29 (AirTran) to $175 (Delta, for over 70 pounds). Considering second checked bag fees hover around $25 on most airlines (bringing the average total for two checked bags to about $40), it's near-always the more economical option to check two bags than to go overboard on one. Alternatively, think about packing a small tote bag in your luggage that can be pulled out to use as a quick-fix carry on to transfer luggage overflow that might make your checked bag overweight by just a pound or two. If you must travel with more than two bags, or with overweight or oversized luggage, looking into a shipping agent like FedEx or the USPS for cost comparison is a smart move, as rates can actually be quite competitive.

3. Join the club
Several airlines — including United, American, and Continental — will waive baggage fees if you are an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Remember to sign up for your carrier’s frequent flyer program before booking your flight to start accruing points, and if you are already a member of a program, keep in mind that loyalty to them might very well pay off in the long run.

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Don’t get beat on your seat
About half of domestic airlines are now charging for "preferred" seat selection — you’ll pay $20 for an exit row seat on AirTran or $10 for an aisle seat on Spirit, for instance. To avoid doling out the extra cash, check in online just prior to your flight (most airlines open up online check-in 24 hours before scheduled departures), when non-assigned seating inventory usually opens up to all passengers. If you are able to pick your seats in advance, however (the bulk of airlines are still not charging for non-preferred seating assignments), consider booking seats at the back of the plane where you’ll have first dibs on luggage space, meaning you won’t have to store your bag under the seat in front of you, taking up precious leg room. You’ll also get dibs on first-come, first-served amenities (for any that are still left!) like blankets and newspapers.

5. Pack sweet dreams with you
If you’re looking to catch some onboard shut-eye, pack an inflatable pillow to carry on. Available at many travel and luggage stores, they can be quite comfortable, are more sanitary than airlines’ recycled arsenal, and takes up very little room; you can even fit one in your briefcase or purse. This way, you can get around the $7 that JetBlue charges for its new pillow and blanket set (US Airways is rumored to follow suit). And remember to bring a sweater onboard to combat that infamous airplane chill.

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