Roberta Aguirre
Paying for extra baggage at the airport can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unsure of the process. It is important to know your standard baggage allowance, which may depend on your route, class of travel, fare type, and membership tier. Usually, you go to the check-in counter, wait in line, and they will weigh your bag and charge an extra fee. Some airlines allow you to pay for extra baggage allowance at the check-in desk in the local currency, while others may require payment by credit card. It is generally more expensive to add extra/overweight bags at the airport compared to before your flight, and some airlines may not have the facility to accept cash or debit card payments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you pay for extra baggage at the airport? | Yes, but it may be more expensive than buying it online. |
| Where can you pay? | At the check-in counter or self-service kiosks. |
| How much does it cost? | The cost depends on the route, class of travel, fare type, and membership tier. |
| What are the payment methods? | Cash, card, or a combination of Miles and Cash. |
| Is there a weight limit? | Yes, the bag must not weigh more than 32 kg. |
| Is there a discount for pre-purchase? | Yes, some airlines offer discounts of up to 50% for buying extra baggage in advance. |
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What You'll Learn
It's cheaper to buy extra baggage allowance online
It is generally cheaper to buy extra baggage allowance online rather than at the airport. Airlines such as Emirates and British Airways offer discounts on additional baggage when purchased online. For instance, Emirates offers special discounts when buying extra baggage allowance online or at their retail or contact centres. Similarly, British Airways states that you will get the best price if you add extra bags online via 'Manage My Booking' before checking in for your flight.
Emirates also offers discounted rates for purchasing extra baggage online, with up to five additional pieces available at discounted rates. For instance, if you are travelling in Economy Class, you can get a 50% discount on the first additional piece. Additionally, if you are travelling from London to India, you can get a 50% discount on the fee for an extra 5 kg and a 60% discount for an extra 20 kg.
British Airways also offers a refund on any pre-payment of extra baggage charges if cancelled online before check-in. This flexibility provides cost savings if your plans change and you no longer require the additional baggage allowance.
Purchasing extra baggage allowance online can also save you time at the airport. By sorting out any additional baggage requirements in advance, you can avoid potential delays at the check-in desk and have more time to relax or enjoy the airport facilities.
Overall, it is advisable to buy extra baggage allowance online to take advantage of the cost savings, flexibility, and convenience that it offers. By planning ahead and utilising the discounts available, you can ensure that you stay within your budget and have a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Some airlines don't accept cash at the airport
While some airlines still accept cash at specific airports or ticket counters, an increasing number of airlines no longer accept cash as a form of payment for fares, checked bags, and in-flight purchases. This shift towards cashless transactions is attributed to issues like theft and the preference for contactless payments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, Allegiant does not permit cash payments for fares, in-flight purchases, or at any airport location. Similarly, United Airlines has adopted a no-cash policy at many of the airports it serves, although it accepts cash at select ticket counters outside airports. Delta has designated over 80 airports as cashless, refusing to accept paper money for payments. American Airlines, while accepting cash at certain airports, has not provided a clear list of these locations on its website. Therefore, passengers intending to pay with cash are advised to call and confirm the specific airports and counters that process cash transactions.
Southwest Airlines accepts cash at international locations but not at domestic ticketing counters. JetBlue Airways accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city ticket offices. Alaska Air accepts cash payments in U.S. and Canadian dollars at ticket counters in North America and Mexican pesos in Mexico.
To navigate these varying policies, it is essential to check with the airline before assuming that cash payments are accepted. Many airlines now favour credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods for onboard transactions.
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You can use a combination of cash and miles
When it comes to paying for extra baggage at the airport, it's important to note that policies and payment methods can vary depending on the airline. Here is some information on using a combination of cash and miles for excess baggage:
Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles Members have the option to pay for standard checked baggage fees with miles instead of cash during check-in on their website, the Fly Delta app, or at a kiosk at the airport. This flexibility allows passengers to utilize their miles for baggage fees, providing an alternative to cash payments. However, it's important to note that excess and overweight baggage cannot be purchased solely with miles, and members must have a sufficient miles balance to cover all checked bags in their reservation.
Emirates
Emirates offers a "Cash+Miles" option, allowing passengers to use a combination of cash and miles to pay for excess baggage. This feature helps reduce the amount of cash needed for extra baggage fees. Emirates recommends purchasing additional baggage allowance online or at their retail or contact centers to take advantage of special discounts. Additionally, passengers can buy extra baggage allowance at the check-in desk in the local currency or through their local Emirates office at current exchange rates.
It's worth mentioning that some airlines, like American Airlines, allow passengers to pay for checked bags online or through their mobile app before arriving at the airport. This option can help passengers avoid potential lines and save money by receiving the best price available.
When considering paying for extra baggage at the airport, it is always advisable to check the specific policies and payment methods accepted by your airline. Different airlines may have varying rules regarding the use of cash and miles for excess baggage.
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Baggage allowance depends on route, class, fare type
The baggage allowance for a flight depends on a variety of factors, including the fare class, route, and type of fare purchased.
Fare classes, denoted by letters, indicate different services and perks available with each ticket. For example, 'F' typically denotes first class, 'J' business class, 'W' premium economy, and 'Y' full-fare economy. These fare classes can also indicate the number of bags allowed, with higher fare classes often permitting more baggage.
The route of your flight can also impact baggage allowance. Some routes may have weight restrictions or specific item limitations due to space limitations on the aircraft or other logistical considerations.
Additionally, the type of fare purchased can influence baggage allowance. Discounted economy fares, for instance, may have stricter baggage limitations compared to full-fare economy tickets. Lower fare codes tend to be cheaper but come with restrictions like less flexibility, fewer miles, and limited baggage. On the other hand, full-fare codes typically offer perks such as flexible changes, more miles, upgrade options, and priority boarding, which may include more generous baggage allowances.
It's important to note that while some conventions exist, such as the common codes 'F', 'J', and 'Y', there is no industry standard for booking codes. Airlines set their own rules, so it's always advisable to check the fare rules and baggage allowances for your specific route and fare class before making a booking.
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Buying a second bag may be cheaper
When travelling, it is important to consider the number of bags you will be taking with you. Buying a second bag may be cheaper than paying for extra baggage at the airport. Here are some reasons why:
Firstly, it is worth noting that bag fees at the airport can be expensive and non-refundable. These fees vary depending on the airline, travel dates, and destination. By purchasing a second bag in advance, you may save money and avoid these additional costs at the airport.
Secondly, some airlines offer discounts when you pre-pay for checked baggage online. For example, American Airlines offers a $5 discount on the first checked bag fee when you pay online through their website or mobile app. Taking advantage of such discounts can make buying a second bag a more economical option.
Additionally, it is recommended to compare prices for bags at different retailers. Discount stores, such as Kohl's, Walmart, and Ross, may offer cheaper options for purchasing luggage. By buying your luggage from these stores, you can save money and avoid the higher costs associated with purchasing baggage at the airport.
Furthermore, it is important to be cautious when booking through third-party websites. While they may offer attractive deals, there have been instances where payments for additional baggage have not been properly processed, leading to issues at the check-in counter. To avoid such problems, it is generally safer to book directly through the airline's website or manage your baggage allowances through them.
Overall, by planning ahead and purchasing a second bag in advance, you may benefit from discounts and lower prices, making it a more cost-effective choice than paying for extra baggage at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline and the airport. Some airlines may not have the facility to accept cash payments at certain airports. It is best to contact your airline or check their website for payment methods and extra baggage policies.
Buying extra baggage allowance online before your flight can be cheaper than paying at the airport. Some airlines offer discounts of up to 50% on the check-in amount if you buy baggage in advance.
You can usually pay for extra baggage at the check-in counter or at the check-in desk. Some airports also have self-service kiosks where you can pay, then take your bag to the bag drop.
