FlyerGeek

Miles, Points, Hacks and More!

flyergeek

American Airlines Baggage Policy, Exceptions and Fees [2021 Edition]

by Leave a Comment

image credit: aa.com

No traveler ever looks forward to annoying baggage and incidental fees, but airline charges are even worse when they are unexpected.

If you’re planning on flying with American Airlines in the near future make sure you know what the baggage rules are and what traveling with (additional) bags will cost you in 2021.

For all the information you’ll want to know before checking in at American Airlines, keep reading.

American Airlines Carry-On Allowance

Like many airlines, American Airlines allows passengers to board with one personal item and one carry-on bag, free of charge. That is, at long as luggage meets size and weight requirements.

Carry-on bags may not exceed:

  • 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches or 56 centimeters x 36 centimeters x 23 centimeters. 

If you’re not quite sure whether or not your bags are within these restrictions, you can test them in a carry-on sizer at the American Airlines check-in. This will ensure that your bag fits either in the overhead bin or under your seat. If it does not, you will need to check it and pay the associated fees (more on that below).

Exceptions to the Rule:

One exception is that soft-sided garment bags are allowed to measure up to 51 linear inches or 130 centimeters and still qualify as complimentary carry-on luggage.

As for personal items, dimensions should not exceed 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches or 45 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 20 centimeters. Purses, laptops, and small handbags are typical.

Child restraint devices and mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs do not count toward your personal item and carry-on limit and can be brought with you at no additional cost.

Carry-On Allowance for Toddlers and Children

Children over the age of two must have their own ticket – purchased at the adult fare.

Children under the age of two are allowed to travel on the lap of an adult and have one carry-on diaper bag with them. Strollers and safety seats count as checked luggage.

The only way to carry on a safety seat is to purchase a seat next to you or hope for one to be open when you board. Otherwise, it will not travel with you in the cabin.

Bringing Pets OnBoard

Don’t forget your furry cargo!

Small domestic cats and dogs may accompany you on your next American Airlines flight. Depending on their size, they will count toward either your carry-on or checked baggage allowance. If they don’t fit in either, they’ll be transported in Cargo.

The following destinations allow pets:

  • The 48 contiguous U.S. states and Alaska
  • Flights between the U.S. and Canada (with restrictions)
  • Central America (with restrictions)
  • Mexico (with restrictions)
  • Puerto Rico
  • St. Croix
  • St. Thomas

For a complete list of restrictions on the above destinations as well as information about locations not included, visit this American Airlines page.

If you do bring a pet with you in the cabin, their crate or kennel will count as your free carry-on. Carried-on pets and their travel containers are not to exceed the under-seat dimensions previously mentioned (unless they are soft-sided/collapsible, in which case they may slightly exceed these dimensions as long as this is safe for the pet).

There is limited space for pets on each plane (7 kennels on American flights, not counting service animals, and 5 kennels on American Eagle flights), so you’ll want to arrange for their travel as far in advance as possible.

You may travel and check up to two pets per flight. You will need to provide a health certificate for all pets and allow for extra check-in time.

Each checked pet incurs a charge of $150 within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Carry-on pets cost $125 per kennel. Service animals may accompany you on any flight route and do not cost extra.

Certain dog breeds are restricted from traveling. These include but are not limited to Boxers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Pit bulls, and Shih Tzus. Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair cats are also not allowed.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments fall under the category of carry-ons and therefore must meet the same dimension requirements as carry-on luggage.

If an instrument does not fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat in front of you, you will need to check it or buy an additional seat for it.

You will also need to pay extra if it exceeds size and/or weight restrictions. The maximum size for checked instruments is 150 inches or 381 centimeters.

Prohibited Items

There are many items prohibited to travel by the TSA for safety reasons. These include many types of:

  • weapons,
  • lighters,
  • high proof alcoholic beverages,
  • large sports equipment,
  • sharp objects, and
  • other potentially dangerous or overly bulky items.

This page provides a complete list of all restricted items on American Airlines flights.

American Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

For all regions and routes, the American Airlines checked bag allowance—which pertains to not only how many bags you can check but how much each of these may measure and weigh—is determined by a combination of elite status and flight class. 

Checked bags are permitted to measure up to 62 linear inches and weigh up to 50 pounds for most passengers. But if you are flying First or Business class, this weight restriction becomes 70 pounds.

Many flights will allow you to check up to 10 bags and others only five. Every additional bag costs more than the last until you get up to four bags.

On the majority of flights, the first checked bag costs $30, the second costs $40, the third costs $150, and the fourth (and every bag in excess of this) costs $200.

Checked Baggage for Children

If you’re traveling with a child, you may check one collapsible stroller and one government-approved safety seat for free. These must be checked at the ticket counter or gate.

Those traveling with both a car seat and stroller may check only one at the gate—most likely the car seat—and will need to check the other—most likely the stroller—at the ticket counter (strollers weighing more than 20 pounds or 9 kilograms need to be checked at the ticket counter). All other items are included as regular checked baggage.

Excessive Baggage Fees

Checked bags over the size of 62 linear inches will incur an additional fee of either $150 or $200, depending on where you’re flying to. No checked bags may exceed 126 linear inches or 320 centimeters.

First and Business flyers as well as Executive Platinum and oneworld Emerald elite members can check bags weighing up to 70 pounds without being charged extra. All others must pay $100 for every checked bag between 51 and 70 pounds and $200+ for every bag weighing in excess of 71 pounds.

No bags weighing over 100 pounds will be permitted on any flights. Overweight checked luggage is not accepted on European (transatlantic) flights, flights to/from Cuba, or flights to/from Australia. Bags on flights to/from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia (transpacific) weighing more than 71 pounds cost $450 each.

Here’s a full breakdown of checked baggage fees for American Airlines customers flying in the main cabin:

Country/Region1st Bag2nd Bag3rd Bag4th Bag +
U.S.$30$40$150$200
Mexico$30$40$150$200
Haiti$0$70$150$200
Cuba$0/$30$0 / $40$150$200
Caribbean (except Cuba and Haiti)$30$40$150$200
Panama$0/$30*$40$150$200
Central America (except Panama)$30^$40 / $55**$150$200
Colombia$0/$30*$55$150$200
Ecuador$0/$30*$40$150$200
Guyana$30$40$150$200
South America (except Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana)$0/$30*$65**$150$200
Transatlantic$0/$75*$100$200$200
Transpacific$0$0$200$200

All published bag fees are base rates according to travel dates and destinations. The applicable taxes are not shown and will add to the overall cost.

Seasonal pricing applies for travel on June 1, 2021 – August 19, 2021.

*Free bag excludes Basic Economy which is their lowest priced cabin. For travel to and from Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, a $30 bag fee applies to your first bag. For travel to and from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana) a $45 bag fee applies to your first bag. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $60 bag fee applies for tickets issued on or before April 20, 2020, and $75 for tickets issued on or after April 21, 2020.

^ For travel to / from El Salvador, a $30 baggage fee applies to your first bag seasonally only.

**For travel to and from Honduras, you will pay $55 for your second bag seasonally only.

For travel to and from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana) for all Basic Economy tickets a $65 bag fee applies to your second bag.

For travel to and from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana) for Main Economy tickets issued on or before January 27, 2020 your second bag is free and for Main Economy tickets issued on or after January 28, 2020 a $65 bag fee applies to second bags.

Exceptions and Waivers

American Airlines waives checked baggage fees for many of its passengers. Active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents can check between one and five bags free of charge. Those traveling on orders can check up to five bags for free and those on personal travel can check up to three. 

Confirmed first-class flyers on 3-cabin aircraft receive three complimentary checked bags as well and so can certain credit cardholders (more on this below).

Finally, those with elite status at this airline can take advantage of complimentary checked baggage. AAdvantage is the American Airlines frequent flyer program and oneworld is an airline alliance that links 13 global airlines to help flyers access international flights and benefits more easily. Those with the highest status in either of these programs are favored by American Airlines and rewarded with free bags.

AAdvantage Gold members and oneworld Ruby members, for example, get one checked bag for free. Platinum and Platinum Pro members get two and AAdvantage Executive Platinum and oneworld Emerald members get three. Basically, every AAdvantage or oneworld premier tier will get you at least one checked bag for free.

Credit Cards That Give You a Free Checked Bag

Being an active-duty military member or American Airlines elite passenger is not the only way to score free checked baggage. There are several American Airlines affiliate credit cards to choose from, and many of them offer anywhere from 1 to 3 free checked bags.

These include:

  • Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and
  • AAdvantage Aviator cards

13 Things To ALWAYS Have in Your Toiletries Kit

by Leave a Comment

Whether you’re packing for a long trip or a quick weekend getaway, it’s easy to leave things behind and realize it too late. Make a habit of packing a toiletries kit with the essentials, and you’ll never have to make an emergency trip to the drug store as soon as you arrive at your destination again.

If possible, keep the following items in your designated toiletry kit at all times. Purchase duplicates and travel-sized versions of your favorite items so that you don’t have to move them back and forth whenever you leave and get home. And with all of that in mind, here are the top 13 items to always have in your toiletries kit.

Additional Face Masks

This one is crucial for 2021 as the ongoing concern of COVID-19 is still present throughout our lives.

As mask mandates remain, these items become absolutely essential for your everyday life. Be sure to pack plenty of extra masks in case you misplace one or more. We’ve all seen masks on the ground littered about over the last year or so, and I’m sure we’ve even misplaced a few ourselves (I know I have), so be sure to keep several additional ones in different places throughout your luggage and person. You don’t want to keep them all in one container in the off-chance the entire container goes missing.

Medications

This one’s going to vary a lot from person to person, so there’s really not a one-size-fits-all approach to packing meds in your toiletries kit. This is why medication should be one of the first things you think about when you get to packing. 

Obviously, if you take any prescription meds, get those in your kit first and double-check that they’re there as you’re walking out the door. Next should come anything you take every day like a vitamin or supplement, and lastly, medication to manage any pain or discomfort you may experience during your trip. Almost everyone has had a perfectly nice outing spoiled by a headache or stuffy nose, so bring any painkillers, antihistamines, or acid reducers you can see yourself needing while you’re gone.

People who take a lot of different pills, vitamins, or supplements should think about getting pill organizers for trips. Travel-sized versions of these are easy to find online and at any store. Keep in mind that medically necessary medications such as inhalers, ointments, and liquids—items that would otherwise be restricted—are fine to bring, you’ll just need to have them checked with TSA. 

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

This combo counts as one item because, really, what good is one without the other? 

You may love your electric toothbrush when you’re at home, but ditch that for something smaller that won’t leave your toiletry bag. Get a designated travel toothbrush—ideally one that comes in its own case, bonus points if it’s compact. Foldable toothbrushes that collapse are a great, affordable choice. As for toothpaste, any travel-sized kind will do, but toothpaste tablets are a convenient option too. These often come in reusable metal tins, so they’re a favorite among eco-conscious travelers.

If you want to go the extra mile in keeping your breath fresh while traveling, grab some disposable mini toothbrushes. No water necessary for these—perfect when you want to freshen up on a plane.

Shampoo and Conditioner

No matter where you’re staying, you’ll be glad to have your own hair products when you’re there. Hotels and resorts do usually provide complimentary shampoo and conditioner, but it’s rarely as good as you hope it will be. These days, you can buy mini versions of just about any brand of shampoo, but if you can’t find your favorite, just grab a small reusable squeeze bottle the next time you’re at the store.

Many people like to take shampoo bars with them because there’s no risk of spillage and they last much longer than regular shampoo. Whatever you decide, remember the TSA restricts all liquids in your carry-on to a maximum of 3.4 ounces.

First Aid Kit

You should never be without a first aid kit of your own when you’re traveling, but that doesn’t mean you have to try to pack an entire pharmacy into your toiletry bag. Just stick to the essentials: bandages, antibiotic ointments, tweezers, gauze, and some sort of antiseptic. Nail clippers would also be a great addition. Grab a first aid pouch or box that completely closes and bring along anything you use regularly at home.

Again, choose these items wisely to ensure that you will be allowed to bring everything. For example, instead of bringing a bottle of antiseptic that would have to count toward your liquid limit, grab some antiseptic wipes. And rather than pack a gel ointment, choose one that is more like a balm or cream. 

Deodorant

Bringing deodorant is a no-brainer, but it’s also an item that’s easy to forget (and awful when you do leave it behind). Purchase a deodorant specifically for traveling and make sure it never leaves your toiletry kit.

Try to avoid gel- or spray-type deodorants if you can as both of these fall under the liquids category. Instead, stick with a tried and true solid deodorant—travel-size, of course—or pick up some deodorant wipes, which are excellent for long trips and travel well.

Face Wash

If face wash is normally part of your daily routine, don’t forget to bring some along when you travel. Try to choose a face wash that is as gentle as possible to avoid having to moisturize frequently, and make sure you test whatever kind you get before leaving for a trip to avoid an adverse reaction (a situation made exponentially worse when you’re on an airplane).

Facial cleansers, like shampoo and conditioner, are easy to get in bar form as well. Plenty of brands are even approved as facial and body bars, and two-in-one options like this should always be purchased when they are available.

In lieu of face wash or sometimes in addition to, many people like to pack disposal face wipes when they travel. This is especially great if you’re going to be in a plane or car for an extended period of time and you won’t have access to a sink. Look for some that double as makeup removers if this is something that would be useful to you.

Earplugs or Headphones

If you’re the type of person that has trouble falling asleep when there’s noise happening around you, don’t forget to put something to dim the sound in your toiletry kit.

The only issue is that headphones, especially the noise-canceling ones, can be a bit bulky. Try to find some foldable ones that come in a hard case to save space and money (as it’s easy for headphones to get broken when they are loose in your bag). These are not at all hard to find at affordable prices through online retailers, and you probably don’t want to travel with more high-end items than you need to anyway. If you prefer, noise-canceling, bluetooth earbuds are widely available too.

As for earplugs, this item can actually function both to block out sound and to reduce pressure in your ears when flying, if you pick the right ones. Look for plugs marketed as aviation earbuds or airplane earbuds for this; these are often disposable. If you’re sensitive to pressure changes and think saving your ears from relentless popping sounds nice, you’re going to want to make sure a pair of aviation earbuds makes it into your toiletry kit as well. 

Comb and/or Hairbrush

Forgetting a comb or hairbrush on a trip, though fixable with a quick visit to the nearest store, is a hassle. Make sure this travel essential is in your trusty toiletry kit.

There are many travel hair brushes to choose from that take up less space than a typical hairbrush. Some are simply shrunken-down versions of the standard, some have no handles at all, and others fold into themselves. If you find a good one that comes with a case, grab it to save yourself time picking hair off of everything in your toiletry kit and generally keep things more sanitary.

If you’re a comb user, a collapsible one should do just fine. Look for one that is anti-static to and suitable for your hair type to cut down the time it takes you to get ready in the morning even more.

Multi-Purpose Balm

While lotion and moisturizer are technically permitted in carry-ons as long as they do not cause your liquids to exceed 3.4 ounces total, it can be difficult to keep all of your items under this tight limit. This is why you should bring a multi-purpose balm in place of lotion or cream, which is better anyway because it’s much more versatile. Cosmetic items in solid form do not have to comply with any volume or weight restrictions. 

A good multi-purpose balm can often be used safely on your hands, body, face, and lips. Some can even be applied to your hair or used as ointment. Everybody knows how dry airplanes can get, and a balm can solve a lot of the problems this may create for you.

Trimmer or Razor

You may not need to bust out the razor or trimmer for a short business trip, but you certainly don’t want to get caught without one when you really need it.

Electric razors or trimmers are permitted in your carry-on or checked luggage, though these aren’t always the easiest to travel with. Disposable razors are more portable and also permitted as long as the blade part is completely covered and secured in your bag. Safety razors are only allowed when they do not have blades. Do NOT bring any blades not contained in sealed individual cartridges in your carry-on. If you must bring these, you’ll need to get them checked.

If you bring shaving cream, aftershave, or any other type of shaving products, they’ll count toward your liquid limit of 3.4 ounces.

Sunscreen

You may not usually use sunscreen year-round, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of a place in your toiletry kit. And really, you should be using it no matter the season, especially if you’re going to be flying. 

Believe it or not, your skin is at a much greater risk of being damaged by the sun when you are flying than when you are on the ground. This is because the sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes, and airplane windows don’t always help much with this. A lot of people swear by applying sunscreen whenever they fly to protect their skin, and this is something you should be doing too if you’re not already.

Hand Sanitizer

Last but not least, pack sanitizer to keep yourself safe from germs. The last thing you need when traveling is to contract a cold that could have easily been prevented with a scrub of sanitizer after touching a communal doorknob, handling money, and before eating.

Single use hand sanitizer wipes are a solid option and not better or worse than a regular gel or liquid sanitizer, and the same goes for hand sanitizer spray. Whatever you prefer is fine, as long as you have something. As you’ve probably experienced once or twice, you can’t always count on hotels and airports having their sanitizer dispensers fully stocked.

At least for now, you don’t have to worry about hand sanitizer affecting your liquids allowance. Per the TSA’s current COVID-19 travel guidelines, every passenger is allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer without penalty. However, if you do decide to bring this much, know that you will need to check it with TSA.

Remember that, besides sanitizer, all of your liquids, gels, and aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces. Additionally, anything that falls into these categories must be packed together in a one quart size baggie that seals completely. Failure to do this may result in your items being confiscated and/or check-in being delayed. Keep this bag in your toiletry kit for faster check-in.

Final Thoughts

A good toiletry kit can take some of the guesswork out of packing and alleviate some of the stress that comes with remembering you left something important at home. Having these 13 must-have items in your travel bag will put you in good shape to have the best trips possible, every time.

Uber VIP Program [2021 Overview]

by Leave a Comment

Now available to Amex Platinum and Centurion card holders.

Uber VIP is an elite-level rewards tier, first introduced in 2015, that was previously only accessible to the most frequent riders.

In 2021, however, the program rewards a different set of riders but offers many of the same perks. The Uber VIP program really morphed back in January of 2019 when Uber and American Express decided to partner on the program. Today, the rewards are simply offered to American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders (regardless of their Uber trip count).

If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card and wish to take advantage of the Uber VIP program, simply enter your card information as the primary payment option in your Uber profile. From there you’ll gain immediate access.

To learn more about what the Uber VIP program has in store for riders in 2021, continue reading our review below.

What is the Uber VIP Program?

The Uber VIP program rewards a small portion of credit card customers with access to highly rated drivers and high-quality vehicles.

Uber VIP is not something that Uber advertises as an option to all of its riders. When it was first rolled out, access to this program was only offered to Uber’s “most valued riders” via private emails. Those designated as top riders completed 100 trips in one city and were extended an invitation into the VIP program. This status wasn’t something you could apply or even pay for, you just had to be invited. 

Now, VIP access is automatically granted to Uber riders regardless of trip history if they have one of two credit cards:

  1. The Platinum Card from American Express or
  2. the American Express Centurion Card.

Both of these cards are premium. The Platinum Card is a well-known travel card with numerous exclusive benefits and the Centurion Card is a coveted invite-only business card with elusive perks not revealed to the public.

If you’re an Uber regular, you probably already know about Uber Rewards because it’s impossible to avoid. Uber VIP and Uber Rewards are not related, so you don’t have to be a member of one program to be a member of the other. However, some of the rewards offered at the highest level of Uber Rewards are similar to those offered by Uber VIP. 

But even Diamond-level Uber Rewards members can’t qualify for VIP status unless they have one of those two Amex cards linked to their account. Additionally, those that used to have VIP status were booted when Uber changed its policy to allow only Amex members.

Uber VIP Program Benefits

The Uber VIP program matches riders with only top-rated drivers in nice vehicles. More specifically, drivers with a rating of 4.8 stars or above—VIP drivers—and high-quality vehicles. 

It is not clear what vehicles are considered to be high-quality, but newer models and attractive rides can be expected. However, these might be luxury cars and they might not as the level of luxe depends on what ride type you select. You will be able to choose between UberX VIP and UberBlack VIP trips.

Uber VIP members also receive exclusive discounts and deals and are the first to hear when Uber is running a new promotion. You do not have to pay Uber VIP membership fees and trip prices are not higher through this loyalty program than they would be for non-VIP rides.

How to Join the Uber VIP Program

If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card and you link it to your Uber account, you will automatically gain access to Uber VIP if it is offered in your area. 

Uber has plans to continue expanding its network of Uber VIP-eligible cities but a full list of locations is not available. However, what is known for sure is that this program favors big cities and metropolitan areas. For example, Washington, D.C., New York City, Dallas, and Atlanta are included. 

If you qualify for VIP status but don’t live in an area that offers VIP travel, you’re out of luck and will have to take non-VIP trips.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Uber VIP is probably not anything to get too excited about. It’s not better than what any other Uber rider can access with enough points and it’s not well-established enough to really come through for the few members that actually qualify for it. 

Uber does a pretty good job of rewarding its loyal customers already, and Uber Diamond is generally thought to be much better than Uber VIP.

Uber Diamond, the top benefits tier of Uber’s four-tier rewards program that requires 7,500 to unlock, offers its members loads of complimentary perks such as upgrades to Black rides and a credit for three free Uber Eats deliveries every six months. Diamond members also have access to 24/7 customer support and highly-rated drivers, like VIP members. Plus, Uber Rewards is no longer location-dependent, so your Diamond benefits follow you wherever you go. Even Platinum-level perks are nothing to scoff at.

Another potential negative to the VIP program to consider is ride availability. Uber VIP is not widely available across the country, and even in locations where it is, you might have more trouble hailing a VIP ride than you would a non-VIP ride. Not all vehicles are going to qualify as high quality and a smaller portion of drivers have the service ratings to qualify for VIP driving, so there is no guarantee that you’ll always be able to get a ride when you need one.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees & Loopholes [2021 Edition]

by Leave a Comment

Scroll down to find clever ways to avoid or reduce baggage fees when flying on Alaska Airlines.

If you haven’t visited the Alaska Airlines baggage information page in a while, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with current rules. Knowing the ins and outs of baggage policies makes it possible to save as much time and money as possible when flying, and this guide to 2021 fees and allowances can help with that.

From up-to-date bag size restrictions to every potential fee and waiver, here’s every baggage policy you’ll need to know before flying Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Rules

Alaska Airlines passengers are allowed two free carry-on items per flight: one personal item and one standard carry-on bag.

In 2021, carry-on bags must be no larger than ​22” x 14” x 9”​. Current size guidelines stipulate that your total bag measurement (length + height + width) should not exceed ​45 inches ​(linear).

There is no size rule for personal items, but Alaska Airlines lists purses, laptops, and briefcases as examples of acceptable carry-on items. Lap infants are ​not g​ iven separate baggage allowances, so diaper bags must be counted toward the standard carry-on allowance.

Other items that can count as a carry-on bag but that may exceed size restrictions (as long as they still fit safely on board) include:

  • Human Organs
  • Art/advertising portfolios
  • Paintings
  • Delicate scientific equipment
  • Fishing poles
  • Small musical instruments

Items that can be brought on board that do not count toward the carry-on limit include:

  • Coats, hats, and umbrellas
  • Pillows
  • Food to be consumed on the flight
  • Child restraint seats and transportation devices such as car seats and strollers
  • Properly documented service animals
  • Mobility and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, breast pumps, and walkers

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Rules for 2021

  1. Alaska Airlines allows a weight of ​50 pounds​ and linear measurement of ​62 inches​ for standard checked baggage. Bags weighing and/or measuring more than this will be charged additional fees (outlined in the section below).

For bags within the standard size and weight restrictions, the fees are as follows:

1 bag2 bag3 bag3+ bags
$30$40$100$100 (each)

Items exempt from checked baggage charges include:

  • Strollers and car seats
  • Pineapple from Hawaii
  • Mobility and medical ​assistive devices
  • Wine—for ​Mileage Plan​ members through select US airports only

Fees for checked baggage may be paid at any airport counter or during check-in online. If your flight is eligible for ​self-tagged baggage​, you can print your luggage tags at home beforehand or at a self-tag kiosk to save yourself time in lines (note: size and weight fee restrictions still apply).

It’s useful to know about the Alaska Airlines 20 minute baggage guarantee. Alaska Airlines commits to getting its customers their checked bags within 20 minutes of their plane’s arrival at the gate. If this time guarantee is not met and a customer is kept waiting at baggage claim for their luggage, they are eligible to receive either a $25 discount code or 2,500 bonus miles.

Baggage Fees for Trips that Include Multiple Flights

If you’re flying to a destination with one or more stops along the way you may have to pay additional baggage fees if any of your layover(s) are more than 12 hours. In the event that your layover is longer than 12 hours you will need to claim and recheck your baggage. If you had to pay for additional or oversized baggage in a previous leg of your trip, then you’ll likely pay for it again in this scenario. Any layover under 12 hours, Alaska will book your luggage all the way through to your final destination.

Excess Baggage Fees

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds and/or measuring greater than 115” (linear) are strictly prohibited, but checked-baggage may exceed the standard limits as long as it does not exceed these maximums. Oversize and overweight baggage incurs additional charges.

Here is a chart of price per bag for checked luggage that exceeds size allowances.

AllowedFees
< 50 lbs and < 62” YesStandard
51 – 100 lbsYes$100
63 – 115”Yes$100
> 100 lbs and/or > 115”No–

If a bag weighs more than 50 pounds ​and​ measures more than 62 inches, only $100 is charged. ​Special baggage items​ including firearms, sports equipment, fragile/bulky items, musical instrument, and big game have their own restrictions, so make sure you know those as well. Also see ​seasonal checked baggage limits​ per person during peak travel times.

These Credit Cards Reduce Baggage Fees

Many travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for incidental fees associated with flying, and that includes checked bagged charges. The following major credit cards offer annual baggage fee reimbursement:

  • American Express Platinum:​ $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Many cards also offer luggage reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, which is probably worth looking into if you do a lot of traveling or are flying with valuables.

Credit Cards That Give You 1 Free Checked Bag

You get one free bag per flight with any of these cards above.

Alaska Airlines has a few airline-branded credit cards that you can use to automatically get free checked bags rather than having to get your payments reimbursed. These cards, associated with Bank of America, are:

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Business
  • Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Each of these cards offers its members ​one free checked bag​. This baggage fee waiver applies for up to 6 guests traveling in the same reservation. In addition to free checked bags, Alaska Airlines credit cardholders can earn miles, get cashback on in-flight purchases, take advantage of ​Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare​, receive discounted lounge passes, and more.

Waivers and Loopholes

Travel cards aren’t the only way to hack the system. Some flyers that do not hold qualifying credit cards can still have baggage fees waived through Alaska Airlines if they meet certain guidelines. These include:

  • Active duty US Military personnel and dependents​: first 5 bags free (see more exemptions below)
  • First Class flyers, upgraded before baggage has been checked​: first 2 bags free
  • Flyers traveling within Alaska​: first 3 bags free
  • Elite Mileage Plan members: first 2 bags free
  • Club 49​ (a Mileage Plan program for Alaska residents) members:​ first 2 bags free

To qualify for military discounts, individuals must present valid military ID at the time of baggage check. In addition to free checked bags, active duty military personnel and their dependents have overweight and oversize fees waived for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring greater than 115.”

Knowing Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees and Policies

Find out if you qualify for baggage fee exemptions, whether your baggage meets acceptable guidelines, and what you are allowed to bring with you ​before ​you board your plane. Be an informed traveler to make the most of every flight.

Icelandair Baggage Fees, Policy & Loopholes [2021]

by Leave a Comment

[January 2021 Update: Iceland Air returned to their regular carry-on baggage rules as of December 10, 2020.

They still recommend for your safety and convenience traveling with as little carry-on baggage as possible.

Passengers are reminded that they still have the option to check in approved carry-on baggage at no additional cost. Please speak with a representative at the airport check-in desk or at the gate.]

You probably know that the aptly-named Icelandair can get you to and from the lush Nordic island of Iceland (and several other European countries), but do you know everything there is to know about their baggage policies and allowances in 2021?

If not, and for more information about ways to save, keep reading.

Carry-On Rules for Icelandair

When it comes to baggage fees for Icelandair flights, what you’ll pay and what you’re allowed to bring is entirely dependent on your flight class. There are ​five flight classes​ for this airline:

  • Economy Light
  • Economy Standard
  • Economy Flex
  • Saga Premium
  • Saga Premium Flex

Every​ flyer is allowed ​one free carry-on​ and ​one free personal item ​aboard their flight, and Saga Premium Flex passengers are allowed ​two free carry-ons​ and one personal item.

Carry-ons are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​21.6” x 15.7” x 7.8” ​and maximum weight of ​22 pounds​ and these must fit in the overhead compartment of your plane.​ ​Personal items are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9” ​and these must fit under the seat in front of you. These size and weight restrictions for carry-ons and personal items apply to all passengers.

Checked Baggage Rules for Icelandair

Size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, on the other hand, are ​not ​the same for all fare types on Icelandair flights. If you’re in a premium Saga class, you are permitted to check heavier bags for no additional fee. With that said, the standard weight allowance for checked bags is ​50 pounds​ and the standard dimension ​62 linear inches.

See the chart below for bag allowances by class.

Number of Checked BagsWeight
Economy Light0–
Economy Standard150 lbs
Economy Flex150 lbs
Saga Premium270 lbs
Saga Premium Flex270 lbs

But flying Economy Light doesn’t mean flying with no checked baggage. These allowances are simply what’s included in your fare.​ Any passenger can purchase additional bags or heavier bags than their fare permits. The maximum per person is 10 checked bags.

Certain ​baggage is allowed free of charge​ to qualifying passengers, either onboard or as cargo. This includes:

  • Folding strollers
  • Approved child car seats
  • Wheelchairs (read about maximum dimensions ​here​)

Excess Baggage Fees For Icelandair

Icelandair enforces excess baggage rules depending on flight route. Flights from Iceland to Europe, from Iceland to the U.S. or Canada, and from Europe to the U.S. or Canada all incur distinct oversize, overweight, and additional bag fees. See these below.

1 Additional Bag (50 lbs)1 Additional Bag (50 – 70 lbs)
Iceland to Europe$59$50
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$69$58
Europe to U.S. or Canada$95$80

Icelandair’s website does not specify what you’ll pay for items that are oversize in dimension but not weight (A.K.A. too large but not too heavy). Though if your items fall into one of the following oversize baggage categories, here’s exactly what you’ll be charged per item for a one-way flight:

Skis, Angling, Golf Equipment, Skateboard, Weapons, Diving, HockeyBikes, Kites, SurfboardsKayaks, Vaulting Poles, Windsurfing, Surf BoardsOversize Musical Instruments
Iceland to Europe$42$83$126$42
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$49$99$148$49
Europe to U.S. or Canada$58$116$174$58

Keep in mind that heavy bags can only be paid for at the airport and that excess baggage fees are non-refundable.

Money saving tip:​ If you pre-purchase extra baggage through ​Manage Booking​ or an Icelandair service center ​before checking in ​for a flight exclusively through Icelandair, your baggage charges will be discounted 20% ​(a maximum of three additional bags can be discounted in this way).

How to Get Reimbursed For Baggage Fees

Travel credit cards are the way to go when it comes to getting the money you pay in incidental flight fees back. For more cash in your pockets, consider one of these credit cards:

  • American Express Platinum: ​$200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Travel reimbursements will save you some serious money long-term.

Credit Cards That Let You Check Bags For Free

The Icelandair Mastercard and Icelandair Premium Mastercard are the two airline-exclusive credit cards to look into if you’re wanting to earn more points for Icelandair flights and purchases. These cards, issued by ​First Bankcard​, have no foreign transaction fees and can earn you points, called Saga Points, on Icelandair purchases and purchases made anywhere else. These can be spent on baggage fees, flights, and more. To apply for these cards, you must become a member of the ​Saga Club frequent flyer program (more on this next).

The Icelandair Mastercard comes with no annual fee and awards 5,000 points as a first purchase bonus, one point per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and 0.5 points per dollar spent everywhere else. The Icelandair Premium Mastercard costs $39 a year, awards 10,000 points as a first purchase bonus, two points per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Icelandair Fee Waivers & Loopholes

Because it is a European airline, Icelandair does not offer discounts or fee waivers to U.S. active duty military members or their dependents. However, there are a couple of ways to hack your way to discounted prices through Icelandair. The first is to become a member of the ​Saga Club​.

Anyone over the age of 12 can ​become a member​ of the Saga Club, but only members with 40,000 or more Saga points are upgraded to Saga Silver status and only members with 80,000 are upgraded to Saga Gold. Silver and Gold flyers earn more rewards and have priority access to exclusive offers (remember those free extra checked bags?) and upgrades that other passengers do not. The Saga Club does not cost anything to join.

Another way to save is to use Alaska Airlines points and miles on Icelandair flights and fees. This works because ​Alaska Airlines is Icelandair’s largest U.S. partner​, so many rewards between these airlines are interchangeable. Of course, always opt for economy class when possible, check your bags ahead of time, and keep your baggage under the size and weight restrictions, as well.

How to Save Money Flying Icelandair

You’ll find that there are many ways to cut costs when flying with Icelandair. By knowing the (above) baggage rules, policies and potential waivers, you’ll be in the best position to fly Icelandair at the lowest possible cost to you and your family.

Ryanair Baggage Fees, Allowances & Loopholes [2021]

by Leave a Comment

Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, has highly specific baggage policies and allowances. Are you up to date on their current policies?

If not, here’s all of the information you’ll need regarding baggage for Ryanair flights in 2021.

Carry-On Rules for Ryanair

Ryanair passengers have ​one small bag​—such as a laptop, purse, or small backpack—included in their fare as a carry-on. This carry-on must be no larger than ​15.7” x 7.9” x 9.8” ​(40 x 20 x 25cm) and must fit underneath the seat in front of you. This is the policy for ​non-priority​ passengers.

Ryanair airports have bag sizers stationed around various terminals that you can use to make sure that your carry-on bag meets size restrictions and will fit under a seat (these sizers will also show whether your checked baggage is the right size). If a small bag does not fit in the sizer, non-priority passengers must pay a fee of about $28 (€/£25) to check their bag as cargo and will not be able to take it as a carry-on.

Priority t​ravelers are allowed to take ​two bags ​on board: ​one wheelie bag ​(a rolling suitcase) and o​ne small bag. ​The wheelie bag has a weight limit of about ​22 pounds ​(10kg) and a size limit of ​21.7” x 7.9” x 15.7” ​(55 x 20 x 40cm).

This 22-pound carry-on is available for purchase by non-priority passengers for a price of between $11 and $28 (€/£10 – 25), depending on the flight. This can be done during check-in, at the time of booking, or up to 40 minutes before take-off through the ​Ryanair app​. If added to your flight at the gate, expect to pay $28. These carry-ons must be checked-in at the airport bag drop desk. Alternatively, passengers can pay between $7 and $16 (€/£6 – 14) to add priority to their trip and bump up their cabin bag allowance.

Checked Baggage Rules for Ryanair

Every passenger may purchase up to ​three checked bags​ ​per flight and these are each restricted to a maximum weight of ​44 pounds ​(20kg). Baggage is charged per person, per one-way flight. Checked baggage may not exceed ​70.5 pounds ​(32kg) and/or ​31.9” x 46.9” x 46.9” ​(81 x 119 x 119cm), for safety reasons. Weight restrictions do not apply to medical and mobility assistive devices.

If you add checked baggage to your flight at the initial time of ​booking​, you will pay $28 (€/£25) per bag. If you add checked baggage to your flight online, through a call center, or in-person after booking, you will pay about $45 (€/£40) per bag. These prices are subject to change during peak travel times.

For those traveling in groups, know that you are allowed to pool per-person baggage allowances as long as everyone checks in at the same time. Otherwise, if you exceed your personal bag limit of three, you will be charged additional fees by weight.

Items allowed to all passengers free of charge include:

  • One child stroller
  • One child restraint seat or carrier
  • Medical/mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes

2020 Ryanair Excess Baggage Fees

Ryanair offers an in-depth ​guide to all additional fees ​(from extra legroom to flight-change fees) on its site, but the table below gives a complete list of charges for oversize and overweight sports and musical equipment. Prices vary based on whether you add an excess baggage item at the time of booking or after booking.

During BookingAfter Booking
Bikes$67 | €/£60$84 | €/£75
Large Sports Items$61 | €/£55$72 | €/£65
Sports Equipment$39 | €/£35$45 | €/£40
Ski Equipment$50 | €/£45$56 | €/£50
Golf Clubs$33 | €/£30$45 | €/£40
Musical Instruments$56 | €/£50$72 | €/£65

If a piece of sports or musical equipment weighs more than the 44-pound (20kg) allowance, extra baggage fees apply on top of the above fees. The current rate for extra baggage is $5.70 per pound (€/£11 per kilogram) for every bag you check outside of your three-bag limit. In addition, extra child/baby equipment may be purchased for about $17 (€/£15) a piece.

Get Baggage Fees Reimbursed With These Cards

If you’re on the hunt for top-rated travel credit cards that will reimburse you for baggage fees, keep these five in mind:

  • American Express Platinum​: $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve​: $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

How to Get Free Checked Bags Through Ryanair

At this time, Ryanair does not have its own airline credit cards that will get you free checked baggage, so you’ll have to try to save money on flights in other ways. Other than the small personal bag that’s free for everyone and the free 22-pound bag for priority flyers, there is no way to get checked bags for no cost or to have fees waived.

Ryanair is already a discount airline, so tracking down additional discounts is nearly impossible. With that said, follow these tips to save the most money:

  1. Add baggage to your reservation at the time of booking.
  2. Travel priority if your baggage weighs 10kg or less.
  3. Pool your bag limit with other passengers in your reservation.

Ryanair Fee Waivers and Loopholes

Ryanair Choice​ is an annual frequent-flyer membership, launched in 2019, that offers free priority boarding, flight discounts, and exclusive access to members. It costs about $222 (€199) annually, so be sure that joining is something that makes sense for you before committing. Consider joining the Ryanair Choice frequent flyers program only if you plan to do a lot of flying through Ryanair in a year.

Ryanair does ​not ​offer a miles-earning program. However, booking stays with ​Ryanair Rooms​ ​earns flight credit that can be used on any Ryanair purchases.

Ryanair does not offer military discounts to U.S. active-duty military members and/or their dependents.

Special Declaration of Value for Checked Bags

If you plan on flying with something of value in your checked bag(s), then you may want to look into Ryan Air’s Special Declaration of Value coverage. By default and per the Montreal Convention 1999, liability coverage only extends up to ~ €1,600.00 per bag.

You may pay a Special Checked Baggage Declaration of Value fee prior to your trip to have the liability coverage increased to ~ €2600.00 per bag.

Customers may purchase this at the Airport Ticket Desk and must do so for each airport of departure.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to fly Ryanair, you can already be sure that you’re getting some of the best flight prices out there. But if you travel light and book smart by taking advantage of ways to save on baggage fees, you can score low fares on any number of international flights.