A TRAVEL expert has revealed the costly mistake passengers often make that leads to paying too much for their luggage.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of website Thrifty Traveler, has given holidaymakers his tips on the best time to add luggage to their basket to ensure it’s as affordable as possible.
Potter also recommends carrying only carry-on luggage if possible, as bags are often weighed and priced accordingly.
Many airlines even allow you to bring all your personal belongings on the flight for free.
But for those airlines that don’t offer free bags, Potter’s tip could be vital.
He says passengers should use the baggage cost calculator offered by many airlines to find out how much any additional luggage will cost, but always do so before purchasing a plane ticket.
Knowing the weight of your luggage means you can adjust your ticket type to suit your baggage needs.
Paying for almost everything costs a lot more at the airport compared to the weeks before your trip, so deciding your baggage allowance before your flight will make it as cheap as possible.
Potter told the Washington Post: “Adding it to your ticket at checkout is always going to be the cheapest time to do it.
“On some airlines, paying at the airport to check in or carry luggage can cost more than $75.
“In some cases it is quite disgusting to pay for that suitcase at the airport.
“You have to do mental calculations when booking your flight.”
A travel guru has issued a warning to holidaymakers hoping to pack their bags to the brim this summer.
The expert revealed which items you should “never pack” no matter how short your flight is.
She warned tourists not to carry essential holiday items such as adapters, sunscreen, contact lenses and medication in their checked luggage.
Airport bosses have finally explained why luggage is delayed more often when it’s hotter.
Officials revealed that “safety protocols” may mean unloading your luggage takes longer when temperatures exceed 30°C.
Another luggage hack posted online came from radio host Catherine Duranceau, who says she travels with a “fragile” tag on her belongings.
The media personality claims this means chargers will place it above others to prevent it from being damaged, meaning it also gets discharged first.
Three tips for traveling and saving money
READY to escape the dreary weather? Here are some money-saving tips
IT’S TIME TO FLY: Always use a flight comparison site, such as fly-scanner.com or kayak.co.uk, which will search for the cheapest operator on your chosen route.
Airlines release tickets up to a year in advance, and generally the earlier you book, the cheaper the flights will be.
This is especially true if you plan to fly during peak periods, such as the summer holidays.
FLEXIBLE EARNINGS: You can find the best deals if you are flexible about your destination or travel dates.
Flying during the week is usually the cheapest, while Fridays and Sundays are usually the most expensive.
If you already have set dates in mind, try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search tool, which will show you the cheapest destinations available at that time.
PACKAGE: You can usually save money by opting for an all-inclusive plan rather than booking flights and hotels separately, according to research by consumer group Which?.
However, it depends on the destination, so it’s worth doing your research.
Spain was found to be cheaper on an all-inclusive basis, but you would be better off making your own holiday in Portugal’s Algarve.
