We love to travel, and 2020 was supposed to be a big travel year for us. Like the rest of you, that didn't happen. 2021 hasn't been so good either!
We're still dreaming about travel, reading about new destinations, and making (tentative) plans for the future. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
Let's hope we can all be traveling again in 2022!
Are you confused about baggage fees?
Now there's something that can confuse even the most savvy traveler.
People are always saying to me that flying isn't fun anymore.
What they're really saying is that it's changed.
It's just like everything, isn't it? People remember the "good old days" fondly.
It all seems easier and more romantic.
But
seriously, you probably don't want to go back to the times when you had
to make several stops to get to your destination,
And if you're honest, you probably don't want to pay more for your airline ticket....
That's what it would take if you wanted those free meals and wanted to be able to check your luggage for free. But we don't think you want to carry as much as we did to Africa one time... like that picture above.
What really will get your head spinning, though, is trying to figure out those baggage fees.
They vary depending on what part of the world you are traveling in or to.
They vary from airline to airline...
But from country to country? Well yes... sort of. Some carriers in other countries have lower weight and size limits, so you may have to pay to check what you thought was carry-on luggage.
It won't do you any good to argue about them. Sooner or later you'll end up paying something... just pad a little extra money into your budget.
Most U.S. airlines now charge some sort of a fee to check luggage. We've always tried to travel with one carry-on piece of luggage each, and that still works in the U.S.
In Europe, though, weight restrictions are tighter for carry-on luggage, and the allowable size is smaller... What you can carry-on in the U.S. must be checked on some European carriers.
Even in Europe and other parts of the world, some carriers are starting to charge for checking bags.
You will pay a fee for one bag, and usually slightly more for a second bag...
...even more for a third or fourth bag!
So try to limit those packing excesses.
The fees apply to each passenger however....
So if there is a family of four traveling with four bags, you will each be charged for one bag... at the smallest amount....
...as long as they also meet the weight restrictions.
Pay attention to how much your bags weigh.
Most airlines will charge more if your bag weighs more than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms).
The fee goes up substantially if the bag weighs more than 70 pounds (32 kilos), and some airlines won't even take them if they're over 70 pounds.
Pay attention to this....
I can't tell you how often Mark came home telling stories about people trying to repack at the airport... throwing heavy stuff out and trying to re-balance baggage weights.
If you check in online, you can usually save a little money, but remember the weight restrictions still apply.
Don't think you can get away with paying online and taking a heavy bag.
There's just no getting around it!
If you're lucky enough to be traveling first class, you've paid enough that you don't have to worry about this.
For the rest of us, those baggage fees are now part of travel.
Learn to pack smart, and you can keep the fees to a minimum... and if you pack light, it really does make travel easier.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark
Return to International Travel Tips
Go from Baggage Fees to MouseToursTravels Home Page
The Holidays are Here!
Time to remind you we have tips on
Surviving Holiday Flights
Holiday flight may be more frustrating than usual. Try to stay calm.
Remember, if you DO travel and if you’re carrying gifts, it’s better not to wrap them… airport security might make you open them!
And if you're not traveling far, reminisce about past trips.
European Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Seiffen Germany Makes Christmas Decorations
Cold Weather Packing List
The holidays can be hectic, but treat yourself...
Take the holiday time to explore more pages here... Get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip next year.
Need Travel Ideas?
Things to See in Europe
Africa Calls!
Travel In America
Don't just dream about it...
Start making plans!
Custom Tour Planning List
International Travel Planning Tips
Foreign Is Fun - Not Scary!
Get Your Passports and Visas
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
Our 2021 travels were only domestic. COVID kept us close home. Road trips and a cautious flights but still fun.
Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Love discovering less touristed regions? The three Guyanas are tucked up in the north east corner of South America that doesn’t get much attention.
Like Our Site Top Left
Like Our Fanpage Below
Thank You!
Related Pages
on
Airports, Security & Flights
Airline Booking Tips
Tips on Booking A Flight
The Flight You Book Makes A Difference
Flight Insurance - Is It Worth It?
Luggage
Airline Baggage Fees
Ship or Check Luggage?
All Our Packing Tips
Airport Security Tips
Security Packing Tips
Getting Through Security Lines
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Organize To Speed Through Lines
Airport Security Checkpoints
TSA Secure Flight Program
TSA-Self-Selecting Security Lanes
Airport Help
Your Airport Arrival
Airport Departure
Airport Help - The Airport Is Your Friend!
Dealing With Peak Travel Seasons
Flight Problems
Dealing With Cancelled Flights
Booking Problems
In-Flight Tips
Inflight Tips to Survive Long Flights
Fatigue After Flights
What Is Jet Lag?
How to Deal With Jet Lag
And just for Fun
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Did it help with your travel planning and preparation? Eager to leave on that next vacation? Please leave your tips or comments in the box below.