Maximizing Savings: Navigating Airline Baggage Fees for Your Upcoming Trip

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses strategies for managing baggage fees and packing for an upcoming trip, particularly in relation to attending a conference. Participants share their personal experiences regarding what to expect in terms of baggage allowances and the potential for receiving items during the event.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions uncertainty about hotel arrangements and how to manage baggage for the items received at the conference.
  • Another participant shares that the amount of items received can vary, noting that past experiences included shipping items home through FedEx if luggage was full.
  • Several users mention the possibility of not having surprise boxes this year, which may affect how much can be brought back.
  • One participant suggests leaving space in a suitcase for freebies and using a tote for fragile items during travel.
  • Another participant describes their experience of using a carry-on and a reusable shopping bag for extra items on the return trip.
  • One participant recalls a shipping location at the McCormick Center, expressing uncertainty about its availability this year.
  • Several participants discuss Delta's baggage fee policies, particularly regarding SkyMiles cardholders, with one expressing disappointment at not qualifying for the card.
  • One participant highlights Southwest Airlines as a cost-effective option with no baggage fees, while others express a desire for Southwest to operate in their area.
  • Another participant mentions driving to a different city to access Southwest flights due to better pricing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the availability of shipping options and the items received at the conference, with no clear consensus on whether FedEx will be present this year.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights based on past conferences, focusing on the logistics of packing and managing baggage fees.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants planning to attend the conference may find the shared experiences and tips relevant for their travel preparations.

Careyann
Careyann
Gold Member
Messages
183
I haven't booked a flight yet but I have paid for registration, baby steps to commit, not sure about hotel yet so I don't want to commit until I know where I am staying!
Anyway, the airline I would fly charges baggage fees. Being it's just me, I would probably bring 1 suitcase with my stuff, they say as an attendee you may get like $100 worth of stuff while there, never been before so how does it work when you get things? Do you bring a large suitcase and just make sure there is room for what you need to bring home? (this is obviously not a bad problem to have!;))
 
The quantity of stuff depends on how much you buy in addition to the freebies. I found that it's the stuff from Merrill and the surprise boxes (which may not be available this year) that take up the most room.

In the past, FedEx has had a booth at NC so that if you have stuff that doesn't fit into your suitcase, you can ship it home using your Consultant Number, and it is paid through a commission adjustment.

I did hear on the radio this morning that Delta is doing something with SkyMiles cardholders about waiving fees, but I don't know if that's the airline you're flying, or if that's for all cardholders or just a specific card.
 
It depends on what they give you. Typically, in years past, you have been able to buy new recipe cards and mini's etc on site. As well if you buy anything from Merrill, when they had surprise packs, you could stuff your materials in one box and have Fed Ex ship it all home saving you fees if your bag was overweight, etc. This year, since they are saying surprise boxes aren't going to be there (which I don't know whether to totally believe that because how can someone know for certain?) we don't know if Fed Ex will be there or not. I"m sure they will be, but since they are doing things so much differently this year, it will all be a waiting game.
 
If you can, I would leave space in your suitcase for your freebies and any minis, etc, you might want to buy. It's summer so your clothes should pack lightly (consider wearing mix and match - same pants two days, things like that) so a rolling carryon should be enough for most people. Talk to your team and see about each of you bringing one of the essentials (curling iron, larger hair dryer...) so you can share in the room.

In the past we have always gotten a tote at conference and for the most part everything you get would fit in that - to give you an example of the space you'd need. I'd use the tote as a carry on with things that might be more fragile and that you'd want to look over on the flight home (notes from workshops, catalog, etc).
 
We usually drive so I don't have this problem but the last year they did Leadership I was able to go. I basically took a carry on bag but made sure that I had enough room for some extras. On the way back I used the reusable shopping bag as my second "purse" so that I could carry some of the extras home.
 
Wasn't there a separate shipping place in the McCormick Center? It was either around the corner from the main auditorium or down by the bus terminal (I can't remember which). Anyway...if PC didn't have shipping outlets there, you might be able to use that?? (McCormick Center website might have information on what the facility has. Big thing though is not knowing WHICH area they are going to be within the center...since they are doing more consultants at one time and we're all in one general session. )
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I do have to fly Delta but I am not a skyMiles Credit card holder - bummer!!!
 
Careyann said:
I do have to fly Delta but I am not a skyMiles Credit card holder - bummer!!!
Click to expand...

From what I can tell, you don't have to buy the ticket with the card to qualify, so if you're not opposed to it, you could apply for the card just to show it at check-in. ;)
 
Check out Southwest's website...their tickets were cheaper than any other site and you are allowed 2 bags and NO baggage fees!!!!! Cant beat that!!!:sing::sing:
 
How many of you check in a bag and carry on one or do you only take carry-on's?
 
smart2cook said:
How many of you check in a bag and carry on one or do you only take carry-on's?
Click to expand...

We're flying Southwest, so I'll check my bag, and probably have a small carry-on. Last year I had two duffle bags (so I could put all my freebies and purchases in one!), but haven't really thought about what I'll do this year.
 
millthayer said:
Check out Southwest's website...their tickets were cheaper than any other site and you are allowed 2 bags and NO baggage fees!!!!! Cant beat that!!!:sing::sing:
Click to expand...

Oh, how I wish Southwest flew to Atlanta...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
NooraK said:
Oh, how I wish Southwest flew to Atlanta...
Click to expand...

I know it, we don't have Southwest here either! We drove all the way to Denver when we went to Disneyworld last year just to go on Southwest, SOOO much cheaper then the airlines out of here!
 
4 of us are driving to Philadelphia in order to fly Southwest. They did have the best price even before the free luggage part.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common types of airline baggage fees?

Airline baggage fees typically include checked baggage fees, carry-on fees, and overweight or oversized baggage fees. Each airline has its own fee structure, so it's important to check the specific policies of the airline you are flying with.

How can I avoid paying baggage fees?

To avoid baggage fees, consider traveling with only a carry-on bag, utilizing packing cubes to maximize space, and wearing heavier items during the flight. Additionally, some airlines offer free checked bags for certain fare classes or loyalty program members, so check if you qualify.

Are there any credit cards that help with baggage fees?

Yes, many travel credit cards offer benefits such as reimbursement for baggage fees, free checked bags, or priority boarding. Look for cards that provide travel rewards or perks specifically related to airlines to help offset these costs.

What should I do if my luggage is lost or delayed?

If your luggage is lost or delayed, immediately report it to the airline's baggage service desk at the airport. Provide them with your baggage claim ticket and any relevant information. Most airlines have policies in place to compensate passengers for delayed or lost luggage, so be sure to ask about the process.

How can I pack efficiently to minimize baggage fees?

Packing efficiently involves choosing the right luggage size, rolling clothes instead of folding them, and utilizing every available space, including shoes and pockets. Make a packing list to avoid overpacking and consider using travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight.

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