TIPS ON HOW TO PACK LIGHT

Five New Takes on Packing Light

The hot travel topic right now is the number one thing that makes travelers upset and angry: luggage fees. Forget about delayed flights, long luggage lines, problems with a prepaid cell phone signals in airports, or outrageous cab fares; it's all about the price you pay to check a bag.

There are probably some travelers out there that would rather pay higher plane tickets than have to worry about unknown fees when they approach the airline agent. It’s one thing if you are prepared to pay a certain amount in baggage fees, but with heavy weight charges and even carry-on charges, travelers feel like giving up.

Although there has been debate, most airlines are not mentioning the possibility of eliminating baggage fees or even reducing them. All they seem to want to convince people to do is either sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer programs or sign up for the airline’s credit card programs. Travelers need to think twice before signing up for any program and try to find alternatives to saving money from ridiculous baggage fees.

Here are the top five spins on common tips for packing lightly:

1. Pack Less

One of the easiest and simplest ways to reduce baggage fees is to pack less. For the most part, if you just pack one carry-on conducive to the correct size, then you have nothing to worry about. That is unless an airline actually charges for the carry-on itself. At least that is the only expense you’ll have. Try packing one color scheme and purchasing other clothing items once you arrive. Before you leave, you can either donate or leave the items in the hotel.

2. Understand all policies before purchasing a plane ticket

It is important to consult both the internet and speak to a live agent about the individual airliner’s policies. Make sure and inquire about the baggage fees and carry-on fees. You need to research how the fees could vary by airliner, destination, date of travel, number of bags, and the weight of the bags. Also, consider that when traveling internationally, requirements will most likely change amidst flight changes.

3. Refrain from joining any programs

Unless you are a business traveler traveling more than two times in a week, contrary to most advisers, reconsider the frequent flyer programs and credit cards. Usually the money saved on baggage fees and airplane flights will not be worth the fees and high interest rates of most programs.

4. Weigh your luggage

By weighing the luggage before entering the airport, you can avoid the stress of having to make adjustments, get rid of clothing or a bag although. Nothing is more daunting than realizing half the stuff you packed cannot go on the plane.

5. Consider purchasing new luggage

Look for luggage that meets the size requirements, but weighs less. Luggage made of ballistic nylon or the equivalent allows the carrier to pack more of items they want. Although this luggage tends to cost substantially more, the lightweight luggage tend to have high durability.

Bottom line though is that whether we pack lightly or not, it would make more sense for the airliners to change their ticket prices accordingly and get rid of those unnerving baggage fees.

Guest post by Wilson Chandler.