5 Ways You Didn’t Realize You Could Avoid Airline Fees

Looking to avoid pesky airline fees? Join the club. You may be aware of some well-known tricks for saving, like bringing only carryon luggage, but here are 5 tips for saving that you may not have considered yet. Take a look:

Make Your Layover Stop Your Final Destination

This trick is often referred to as the “hidden city” airline ticket. Basically, instead of trying to fly nonstop to your desired destination, you make it so that your desired city is the layover location of a 1-stop flight. Airlines will not tell you about this trick, of course, but it is possible.

Here’s what Wise Bread says on the subject:

The trick here is to avoid booking a non-stop flight, and instead book one to a very popular destination with a big hub. The 1-stop or 2-stop flights are cheaper than direct flights, and what you want to do is find a layover that is your actual destination. Then, instead of switching planes, you just get off at the layover city and enjoy your vacation. You can save 30% or more by taking this route. Of course, you can only do this if you have no checked baggage, you must book one-way tickets, and if you get caught, you may get suspended from the airline.

Wear Layers of Clothing

It used to be that pillows and blankets were free on flights, but now that’s not the case with some airlines. So instead of worrying about freezing or paying a fee on a flight, wear layers. You could turn a sweatshirt into a pillow and a large scarf into a blanket, for example.

Upgrade to Business if You’ve Got a Lot of Baggage

If you need a check more baggage than is allowed for free on a certain airline, you may end up saving some money by upgrading to business. You just have to do the math. On some airlines, upgrading to business class can cost under $50. So if you’re going to pay more than that for your baggage, you could upgrade and get 2 or 3 bags checked for free.

Book Your Flight Online

If you call an airline ticketing agent on the phone and try to book for them, you’re likely going to get stuck with a $20 or so fee. So even if you’re calling to check out some of your flight options, get the info you need, thanks the agent, then go online to find and book the flight you want. That way, you won’t have to worry about paying any booking fees.

Get a Bereavement Fare

If you need to fly somewhere for a funeral because a loved one has passed away, contact the airline directly. Many airlines offer a “bereavement fare” for this purpose since buying a plane ticket on such notice is likely to be even more of a burden. If you’re traveling for this reason, don’t hesitate to ask about this airline offer.

Check out some more helpful money-saving travel advice!