Lois Larson
Excess baggage fees are additional charges set by airlines for luggage that is heavier or larger than the outlined allowance. These fees can be paid online or in person at the airport. However, paying for excess baggage at the airport is usually more expensive than pre-booking. Each airline has different set prices for excess baggage, charging either per bag or for every kilogram your luggage exceeds the specified weight limit. It is important to be mindful of the weight limit, as some airlines do not allow luggage that exceeds the limit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepaying for excess baggage | Cheaper than paying at the airport |
| Can be done online or in person | |
| May not be possible for multi-city travel or when flying multiple airlines | |
| Paying for excess baggage at the airport | More expensive than prepaying |
| Payment can be made at the check-in counter or self-service kiosks | |
| Additional pieces of baggage can be added at the check-in counter | |
| Excess baggage fees vary by airline and flight route | |
| Avoiding excess baggage fees | Wear heavy items like coats and shoes on the plane |
| Distribute weight to carry-on bag | |
| Buy lightweight suitcases | |
| Weigh bags before leaving for the airport |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Paying for excess baggage at the airport is more expensive than pre-booking
- Airlines charge per bag or per kilo over the specified weight limit
- You can wear heavy items to avoid excess baggage fees
- Prepaid excess baggage is linked to your flight, not your baggage
- Excess baggage fees can be extremely expensive
Paying for excess baggage at the airport is more expensive than pre-booking
Paying for excess baggage at the airport can be an expensive affair, and it is always recommended to pre-book or prepay for excess baggage before reaching the airport. Most airlines allow passengers to pre-book excess baggage online or at their booking offices, and this can often save up to 50% compared to paying excess fees at the airport. For instance, IndiGo airline allows passengers to pre-book excess baggage online up to two pieces at a charge of INR 1800 per piece, whereas the charges for additional pieces at the airport are INR 1000 per piece. Similarly, Air India allows passengers to prepay for excess baggage online or in person at their booking offices, and the excess baggage rate is mentioned in USD per kilogram.
In general, it is a good idea to check with your airline about their specific policies on excess baggage. Some airlines may charge a flat fee for any additional piece of baggage, while others may charge per kilogram for any weight over the specified limit. It is also important to be mindful of the weight limit, as some airlines are strict and do not allow any weight over the limit, which is usually 32 kg (70 lb).
If you are unable to pre-book excess baggage and have to pay at the airport, the process is usually straightforward. You would go to the check-in counter, wait in line, and they will weigh your bag and charge the extra fee. Some airports also have self-service kiosks where you can weigh your bag and then take it to the bag drop.
To avoid paying excess baggage fees altogether, there are a few strategies you can employ. Firstly, consider the weight of your suitcase itself, as heavy suitcases with hard shells can eat into your weight allowance. Secondly, wear your heaviest items, such as bulky coats and shoes, and carry smaller electrical items like iPads or portable chargers in your coat pockets. Lastly, be mindful of what you pack and try to save weight by buying heavy cosmetics, shampoo, sun cream, baby formula, and other items at your destination.
Chase United Pass – Newark Airport Access?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines charge per bag or per kilo over the specified weight limit
Many airlines charge passengers for excess baggage, either per bag or per kilo over the specified weight limit. This is often the case when passengers are travelling with multiple airlines on one ticket, as they may not be able to pay for overweight baggage online. For example, Air India allows passengers to prepay for excess baggage, but only for multi-city travel if the passenger is in transit and the baggage is checked through to the final destination. If a passenger collects their baggage at any airport during the journey, additional excess baggage fees apply to subsequent flights.
American Airlines also charges for overweight baggage. If a passenger's bag weighs more than 50 lbs/23 kg, they will be charged an overweight fee up to 70 lbs/32 kg. The airline also offers complimentary checked bags for certain customers, such as those in Business or Domestic First, who can check two bags up to 70 lbs/32 kg at no extra cost.
It is important to note that some airlines do not allow bags over the weight limit, and passengers may need to arrive at the airport early to allow for bag lines and potential weight distribution. Additionally, checking bags online and paying for them in advance is often cheaper than paying at the airport.
Overall, it is recommended that passengers familiarise themselves with the baggage policies of the airlines they are travelling with to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey.
Copenhagen Card: Airport Purchase and Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
You can wear heavy items to avoid excess baggage fees
Wearing heavy items is a great way to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport. Since airlines don't include the weight of what you're wearing or carrying in their calculation of your baggage allowance, this simple trick can save you a lot of money.
Firstly, wear your heaviest shoes and carry your largest handbag. You can also wear multiple layers of clothing and simply remove them once you're seated on the plane. If you have a coat or cardigan, carry it over your arm and use its pockets to store small but heavy items. Bulky jewellery can also be worn instead of packed.
Another way to save weight in your bags is to wear clothing with large pockets, such as The Travel Bra, which can store your cards, passport, jewellery, and other small items. This will save weight and space in your bags.
It's important to note that each airline has different weight and size restrictions for baggage, and excess baggage fees can vary significantly. So, it's always a good idea to check with your airline before your trip to understand their specific policies and avoid unexpected charges.
Additionally, some airlines allow you to bring two bags onboard as part of your free hand luggage allowance, so you can maximise your luggage while minimising fees. Remember to follow the rules for what's allowed in hand luggage.
A Swift and Secure Airport Experience with Precheck
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prepaid excess baggage is linked to your flight, not your baggage
Many airlines allow passengers to prepay for excess baggage. Prepaying for excess baggage is a convenient way to save money and time at the airport. Air India, for example, offers a prepaid baggage option that allows passengers to pay for excess baggage up to 2 hours before their flight's departure. Similarly, IndiGo offers pre-booking for excess baggage up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure of international flights and 1 hour for domestic flights. Prepaid excess baggage rates are often quoted in the local currency per kilogram and may include applicable taxes.
It is important to note that prepaid excess baggage is linked to your flight, not your baggage. This means that if you have prepaid for excess baggage and your flight details change, the excess baggage allowance will be linked to your new flight. However, if you are travelling with multiple flights and collect your baggage at any airport during your journey, additional excess baggage fees may apply to subsequent flights. Therefore, it is essential to check with your airline about their specific policies regarding prepaid excess baggage and flight changes.
When prepaying for excess baggage, it is important to be mindful of the weight and size restrictions. Most airlines have a maximum weight limit of 32 kg (70 lb) per bag. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you may be charged an oversized baggage handling fee. Additionally, some airlines have policies regarding the number of pieces of baggage allowed, and you may be charged for any additional pieces beyond the specified allowance.
It is recommended to check the specific baggage policies of your airline before your flight. By prepaying for excess baggage, you can ensure that you have the necessary allowance for your travel needs and avoid paying higher fees at the airport. However, it is important to note that prepaid excess baggage is non-refundable if your baggage weighs less than the purchased amount. Therefore, it is essential to plan and pack accordingly to utilise your prepaid allowance fully.
In conclusion, prepaying for excess baggage can be a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers who anticipate needing additional baggage allowance. By understanding the policies and restrictions of their chosen airline, passengers can make informed decisions about their baggage needs and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Traveling with Watermelon: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Excess baggage fees can be extremely expensive
Some airlines offer the option to add extra weight to your ticket right up until the day of flying, and it is nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance. Airlines such as Air India charge for any additional weight beyond the allowance specified in your ticket, and these charges are made per kilogram or per piece.
If you are unable to pay for overweight baggage online, you will usually be required to pay at the check-in counter or self-service kiosks at the airport. They will weigh your bag and then ask you to pay a fee for it being overweight. This is always more expensive than paying in advance, and you may also be charged an oversized baggage handling fee if your baggage exceeds the total size and weight limit dimensions.
To avoid excess baggage fees, you can make the most of your hand luggage allowance, or ask airline staff to weigh your bags together and spread the weight across your checked luggage.
Airport Scanners: Can NuvaRing Be Detected?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pay for excess baggage at the airport. However, it is cheaper to book extra luggage online in advance. You can also distribute the weight of your luggage across multiple bags, as sometimes it is cheaper to pay for an additional bag than to pay for an overweight bag.
You can go to the check-in counter, where they will weigh your bag and charge you an extra fee. Some airports also have self-service kiosks where you can weigh your bag and then take it to the bag drop.
Excess baggage fees vary depending on the airline and flight route. Fees can range from €10 (£8.50) up to several hundred pounds per kilo. IndiGo, for example, charges INR 1000 per additional piece of baggage at the airport, and INR 1800 per piece if pre-booked online.
