In case you missed it, five of the six major US airlines recently increased their checked baggage fees. Alaska Airlines started the trend in December 2023 by increasing checked bag prices to $35 for the first checked bag fee (an increase of $5), which took effect on January 2, 2024. American airlines, Delta, JetBlue And United followed suit with similar increases.
There are still ways to pay less for checked bags. United offers customers a $5 discount when they prepay for checked bags at least 24 hours before their flight, for example, but if you're looking for a surefire way to avoid checked baggage fees altogether: put away all your belongings in a carry-on bag. and a personal item.
Most airlines, with the exception of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Let's take a look at some must-have gear and travel tips to help you pack everything you need on the plane. And save money on checked baggage fees.
Carry-On Travel Equipment Only
Padded neck pillow
This DreamShore travel pillow is no ordinary neck pillow. This is a cushion cover that you can pack with up to two days' worth of clothes, freeing up space in your carry-on bag so you can avoid checked baggage fees. The material is velvety soft and the pillow is surprisingly comfortable when fully stuffed. You can also fold it into your carry-on and carry t-shirts or other souvenirs on your return trip.
A word of warning: If you're flying on an ultra-low-cost carrier like Spirit Airlines, other travelers told us that gate agents sometimes consider a neck pillow a personal item. If you can't fit your pillow in your suitcase or personal items, they may charge you a fee to check your bag at the gate.
Buy: DreamShore Padded Travel Pillow$22.99 (normally $35.99)
Clothes travel bag
When is a gym bag more than just a gym bag? When it comes to the Ruima Convertible Duffle Bag, which manages to be both a garment bag and a gym bag in one. You can lay it flat and hang any clothes you want to keep wrinkle-free, then slip it into a gym bag to fill it with your other travel necessities.
Most duffel bags only have one cavernous space that you throw your stuff into (and then have to painfully dig through to find your stuff), the Ruima Convertible Duffle Bag has plenty of pouches and pockets to keep your gear organized. There's even a dedicated shoe compartment and exterior pocket for storing travel documents and other items you may want to easily access at the airport. It's also perfectly sized as a carry-on bag for your flight.
Buy: Ruima Convertible Clothing Duffel Bag$52.99
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Vacuum storage bags
If you've ever wished you could incorporate a few extra elements into your packing cubes, these vacuum storage bags from Upgogo will be your new favorite travel gear. This space-saving set of 12 bags comes with a cordless electric pump, allowing you to release excess air and compress your items until they're almost flat. Each set comes in four different sizes, so you always have the right combination of bags, whatever luggage you're using.
Buy: Upgogo Vacuum Storage Bags$29.99 (normally $33.99)
Mini hand luggage
Good things come in small packages. In this case, we're talking about a suitcase so small that it fits under most airplane seats. The Take Off Luggage Personal Items Suitcase was designed to perfectly match the dimensions required for a personal item on ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier (18″ x 14″ x 8″). In fact, some reviewers Amazon have mentioned that Spirit is so familiar with the brand and they no longer require people to test Take Off bags in their sizers. But rest assured, if you need to test them in the sizer, they would be fine.
This bag features removable wheels (you will need to remove the wheels at the boarding gate to meet size requirements), an interior pocket for organization, and fits easily under your airplane seat.
Buy: 18 inch takeaway suitcase$119.99
Refillable Travel Containers
If you refuse to compromise your hair and skin care routines and settle for hotel toiletries, you'll need travel-size bottles that meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards. 3-1-1 guidelines for liquids. Essentially, in flight, liquids must be stored in a container of 3.4 ounces or less; and these liquids should be placed in a liter-sized clear plastic bag. Each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag.
These Kitsch refillable travel pouches are durable, compact and waterproof. Each set comes with three pouches so you can pack your favorite shampoo, conditioner, styling products, lotions, creams and more.
Buy: Kitsch travel pouches$8.49 (normally $9.99)
Jacket with hidden pockets
When you look at the SCOTTeVEST women's windbreaker, it's hard to believe that this stylish jacket has 19 hidden pockets. If you're short on space in your carry-on, this water-repellent coat can hold a surprising number of items. When it's time to go through security, you can remove the jacket instead of emptying your pockets.
Interior pockets are sized to hold items like a tablet, phone, water bottle, ID or passport, headphones, sunglasses and more. When you're not using the jacket, it stows away in its own back pocket for easy storage.
Buy: SCOTTeVEST windbreaker for women$149
Travel Tips for Carry-On Only
Know the airline's maximum size for carry-on baggage and personal items
Each airline has individual size guidelines for carry-on bags and personal items. Remember that each airline's carry-on policy takes into account the size of your entire bag, including your luggage handles and wheels.
Before your trip, you can check the size guidelines on the airline's website or in our hand luggage size guide. In the case of personal items, most airlines will let you get away with any items that are under the seat in front of you. The exception is low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, which have specific size requirements.
In addition to knowing what item sizes are allowed, you need to know what items are allowed in your fare class. A few basic economic rates, for example, only allow one personal item and you must pay a fee to bring a carry-on bag.
Know what items cannot be taken on a plane
Some items you cannot take with you on the plane, regardless of their size. These include flammable items like aerosols, lighter fluid, fireworks or anything that could easily start a fire, liquids larger than 3.4 ounces, tools, sports equipment or weapons which could potentially be used to cause harm and firearms. A few surprising items, like snow globes, are also on the list.
Read TPG's guide to what not to pack in your carry-on here.
Bring only what you need
This may seem obvious, but you need to be ruthless with your packing list when trying to fit everything on the plane. Do you really need three pairs of shoes, or will two be enough? Do you need your hairdryer at home or can you use the slightly noisier one at the hotel? Can you pack less by doing laundry while you're away?
Related: 7 Tips to Avoid Overpacking
These are all things to remember when eliminating your packing list to save space.
Carry your largest items on the plane
If you're old enough to remember the “Friends” episode where Joey wears all of Chandler's clothes, you can put this sitcom moment to good use the next time you travel. If you plan to bring a hat, jacket, boots, or sweater, wear them on the plane to save space in your luggage.
Don't break the rules
It can be tempting to pack a bag that's too big or hide a backpack under your clothes, but it's just not worth it. You will be forced to pay for a checked bag if you are stopped. What's worse is that some airlines will charge extra if you pay for your checked bag at the airport rather than in advance.
Get a credit card with a free checked bag benefit
Sometimes checking a bag can't be avoided no matter how hard you try. Fortunately, there are more than 20 credit cards with free checked bag perk. Which airlines accept this benefit depends on which card(s) you have. Most major airlines offer several types of cards offering this benefit. For example, Delta has six co-branded credit cards which offer free checked baggage.
Related: How to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees on Major Domestic Airlines
Several travel credit cards offer general travel reimbursements that you can apply toward checked baggage fees. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offer up to $200 in annual statement credits for incidental expenses from an eligible airline, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers up to $300 in statement credits for travel purchases charged to your card each year.
Conclusion
Avoiding checked baggage fees is one of the easiest ways to save money when traveling. You will have more money in your pocket and will easily cross the airport with your extra-light luggage.
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