#DMTBeautySpot #beauty

How to Avoid Common Airport Fees

It seems like traveling, specifically flying, has become more accessible than ever in North America. Not only do we have the budget airlines to rival those in Europe, we’re finally prioritizing travel as an important part of self-care and education. But even if you’ve scored a great deal on your flight, getting to the airport unscathed is a whole different story. Between checking your bags, overweight luggage fees, snacks to fuel your flight … an afternoon at the airport can easily run you over a hundred dollars per person.

RELATED: How to Get Rock-Bottom Prices on Flights

You shouldn’t have to dip into your travel budget just getting to your flight. That’s why we’ve outlined some of the most common airport expenses – and how to sidestep them and put more money in your pocket for your actual vacation.

About Checked Baggage Fees

GettyImages

Checked baggage can bring a cheap flight to mid-level flight prices in a hurry. Airlines charge anywhere from $30 to over $100 depending on the size and weight of your baggage. Unfortunately, the days of free checked luggage are pretty much in the past; there’s no getting around checked baggage fees these days, so we recommend just using a carry-on if you’re able to pack light enough to squeeze it all in.

If you do insist on checking luggage, consider paying for the fees online. Many airlines will give a small discount to flyers who plan in advance. Some frequent flyer plans, like Delta or United Mileage Plus, will give travelers the option to check their first bag for free.

Paying for Fuel Surcharges is Optional

If a free checked bag isn’t enough to convince you to sign up for a frequent flyer plan, then skipping fuel surcharges should be. Fuel surcharges can add a hefty amount to international tickets – sometimes upwards of $500 or more.

Aeroplan allows flyers to opt out of fuel surcharge pricing on any Star Alliance carrier (United, US Airways, Air Canada etc), which can significantly cut your ticket prices and leave you with more cash to spend on food and drinks at your destination.

Seat Selection Fee Workarounds

GettyImages

Almost every airline requires travelers to pay to select their seat, but with careful planning and a little luck, you shouldn’t have to pay to sit next to the person you’re traveling with – here’s how. Remember to set an alarm exactly 24 hours before your flight takes off and check in online immediately. This doesn’t work if you wait a few hours … by then, most people will have already checked in and you’ll be left with a less desirable assigned seat. When you’re among the first to check in, you’ll likely have a seat closer to the front and very close to the person you’re traveling with if you check in at the same time. Worst case? Ask to switch with someone once you’re onboard. Most people won’t mind switching if you’re seated in a window or an aisle seat.

Overvalued Airport Parking Hacks

Whatever you do, do not fork over cash to park long-term at the airport. It’s never worth it. If you’re able to, leave your car at home and take an Uber or public transit to the airport and back. If you don’t have the liberty of leaving your car for that long (if, say, you park on the street in the city), check out the local hotels or park-and-fly companies surrounding the airport. Most airport hotels have free shuttles to take travelers to and from the airport and parking costs significantly less than most major airport parking options.

Plan Your Snacks and Drinks

GettyImages

Airport security can be intimidating, and most travelers try to avoid ruffling any feathers in order to pass through as quickly and pain-free as possible. But did you know that most dry snacks are permitted in your hand luggage? This includes things like homemade sandwiches, salads, and even pizza. There’s literally no reason to pay for snacks once you’re through security when you can simply pack a bag at home or pick something up on your way to the airport. If you’re not one to pack a lunch, we recommend at least picking up a 6-pack of energy bars to store in your carry-on to give you a little extra fuel during long flights – that way you can skip the $20 impulse buys at Hudson’s News and not feel compelled to eat the sub-par airplane food.

It’s also totally permitted to bring an empty water bottle in your hand luggage. All major airports have water fountains that you can use to fill up your bottle for free once you’re through security. This is a great way to help out the environment – and save yourself the six dollars you’d spend on a Smart Water.

Always Check for Free Wi-Fi

Whether you’re traveling in another country or you’re taking a quick domestic flight, don’t pay for Wi-Fi at the airport, ever. Most major airports offer free Wi-Fi for travelers and the ones that don’t usually have a cafe or restaurant that does. When you land in a new country, especially for a layover, make sure your phone is in airplane mode the entire time – your cell phone provider will be quick to set up your roaming package and if you’re only in a given country for a few hours, it’s a total waste of money.

You Might Also Dig:

Best Travel Destinations for Single Guys Fly Last-Minute & Travel Cheap How to Properly Plan a Trip

DMTBeautySpot

via https://www.DMTBeautySpot.com

Kaitlyn McInnis, Khareem Sudlow