Creative Ways to Cut Baggage Fees While Traveling
- Kelli Reese
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Traveling often comes with unexpected expenses, and baggage fees rank high on that list. Airlines charge extra for checked bags, and those fees can quickly add up, especially for round-trip flights. But there’s a simple, practical way to save money on baggage fees that many travelers overlook: doing laundry at your hotel. Instead of paying $35 or more for an extra bag both ways, spending just $5 in quarters to wash and dry your clothes can keep your luggage light and your wallet happy. This post explores this and other creative strategies to help you cut baggage fees without sacrificing what you need on your trip.
Why Baggage Fees Add Up Quickly
Airlines have tightened baggage policies in recent years, charging fees for checked bags and sometimes even for carry-ons. These fees vary by airline and route but often range from $25 to $35 per bag, per flight. For a round trip, that means paying double. If you travel with a family or need multiple bags, the costs multiply fast.
The problem is that many travelers pack more than necessary to avoid running out of clothes. This leads to heavier and more bags, triggering fees. The key to avoiding these charges is to pack smart and find ways to refresh your clothes during your trip.
How Doing Laundry Saves You Money
Most hotels offer laundry facilities or laundry service. Using the hotel’s laundry room to wash and dry your clothes can cost as little as $5 in quarters, depending on the location. This is a fraction of what airlines charge for an extra bag.
Here’s why this works:
Pack lighter: Bring fewer clothes and plan to wash them mid-trip.
Save on baggage fees: Avoid paying for extra bags by reusing clothes.
Stay fresh: Clean clothes feel better and help you stay comfortable.
For example, if you pay $35 for an extra checked bag each way, that’s $70 total. Spending $5 to wash your clothes once or twice during your trip saves you $60 or more.
Tips for Packing Light and Smart
To make laundry a viable option, you need to pack efficiently. Here are some tips:
Choose versatile clothing: Pick items that mix and match easily.
Use travel-sized detergent: Bring a small packet or bottle for hand washing if needed.
Pack quick-dry fabrics: These dry faster in hotel dryers or even by hanging.
Limit shoes: Shoes take up space and add weight; bring only what you need.
Roll clothes: Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.
By packing light, you reduce the chance of needing extra bags and make laundry easier.
Other Creative Ways to Avoid Baggage Fees
Laundry is just one way to cut costs. Here are some additional strategies:
Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane: Jackets, boots, and heavy sweaters can add warmth and save space.
Use a personal item wisely: Airlines allow a personal item like a backpack or tote. Pack essentials here to reduce carry-on size.
Ship items ahead: For longer trips, consider shipping bulky items to your destination. This can be cheaper than baggage fees.
Use compression bags: These reduce the volume of clothes, fitting more into your bag.
Choose airlines with better baggage policies: Some airlines include checked bags in the ticket price.
How to Make Laundry Easy on the Road
If you decide to do laundry during your trip, here are some practical tips:
Check hotel laundry options before booking: Some hotels have free laundry rooms or affordable services.
Bring a laundry bag: Keep dirty clothes separate and organized.
Plan laundry days: Schedule time to wash clothes so you don’t run out.
Hand wash small items: Socks and underwear can be washed in the sink and dried overnight.
Use dryer sheets or fabric softener: These keep clothes fresh and reduce static.
Real-Life Example
A traveler flying from New York to Miami planned a five-day trip. Instead of paying $70 for an extra checked bag round trip, they packed only a carry-on and a small backpack. They used the hotel laundry room on day three, spending $5 in quarters to wash and dry clothes. This saved them $65 and kept their luggage light and manageable.
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