Navigate the world of budget airlines and discover the exceptional carriers that offer the best luggage benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler seeking value or a novice embarking on your first budget adventure, this article unveils the airlines that provide exceptional luggage allowances and policies.
Key Takeaways:
- Safety: Budget airlines prioritize safety and comply with aviation standards.
- Affordability: Save significantly on airfare compared to traditional airlines.
- Wide Destinations: Access diverse destinations, including major cities and remote areas.
- Limited Amenities: Expect essential services only, with additional options available for a fee.
- No-Frills Experience: Enjoy basic flights without extensive in-flight comforts.
- Baggage Considerations: Understand baggage restrictions and potential extra fees.
- Seat Comfort: Anticipate cramped seating compared to full-service airlines.
Budget-Friendly Airlines with Luggage Benefits
Finding budget-friendly airlines with luggage benefits is a traveler’s dream. When every penny counts, it’s good to know your bags won’t cost a fortune! Here are a few airlines that offer generous baggage allowances without breaking the bank:
Southwest Airlines stands out with its free checked bags, allowing you to pack as much as you want (within reason) for no extra charge.
Spirit Airlines offers a free personal item, while checked bags cost between $30-$50, depending on size and weight.
Frontier Airlines also provides a free personal item and charges $35-$65 for checked bags, or you can upgrade to their Works bundle, which includes a checked bag, priority boarding, and seat selection.
Allegiant Air has a free personal item and checked bag fees ranging from $40-$60, based on bag size.
Sun Country Airlines rounds out the list with a free personal item and checked bag fees of $30-$45, depending on bag size.
To save even more money, pack light, consider using a reusable duffel bag instead of a suitcase, and keep an eye out for baggage fee discounts and promotions. Flying during off-peak times can also lower your baggage costs.
Remember that budget airlines often sacrifice amenities for lower fares. Be prepared for basic service and limited legroom. But if you’re willing to trade a few comforts for big savings on luggage, these budget airlines won’t steer you wrong.
budget airlines with the best baggage allowance, economical airlines with generous baggage policies, and thrifty airlines for baggage allowances are excellent because they offer generous baggage allowances and are very budget-friendly.
Frontier Airlines: Free Personal Item, Paid Checked Bags, and Works Bundle Option
Key Takeaways:
- Frontier offers a free personal item that must adhere to specific dimensions (14″x18″x8″).
- Checked bags typically cost between $35 and $65 each, varying based on size and weight.
- The Works bundle includes a checked bag, priority boarding, and seat selection for an additional cost ranging from $99 to $179.
- Elite 20K or Elite 50K status holders qualify for a complimentary carry-on bag.
- Elite 100K status is required to waive the first checked bag fee.
Consider the following:
- Minimize packing to avoid extra baggage fees.
- Utilize reusable, foldable duffel bags as your free personal item.
- Keep an eye out for baggage fee discounts and promotions.
- Opt for off-peak travel dates to potentially reduce baggage costs.
Citation:
Southwest Airlines: Free Checked Bags with No Weight or Size Limits
Planning a budget-friendly trip but need to pack a lot? Look no further than Southwest Airlines, the undisputed champion of generous baggage policies.
Key Takeaways:
- Southwest Airlines distinguishes itself with a remarkable policy: two free checked bags per passenger, regardless of weight or size, up to a max linear dimension of 62 inches and 50 pounds each.
- Golf bags and skis count towards this free checked bag allowance, keeping your sporting essentials safe and secure.
- Enjoy the convenience of digital or self-tagging kiosks (where available) for quick and easy bag check-in.
- Rest assured that Southwest’s unwavering commitment to free checked bags applies to all fares, making it a budget-conscious traveler’s dream.
Citation:
Southwest Baggage Fees & Policy (2023 Update)
Additional Tips for Saving Money on Baggage Fees
Pack light to avoid exceeding the weight limit for carry-on luggage.
Consider purchasing a reusable, foldable duffel bag to check as your free personal item.
Look for discounts and promotions on baggage fees. Some airlines offer discounts for booking early or flying on off-peak days.
Fly on off-peak days or during non-peak hours to potentially lower baggage fees. Many airlines charge higher fees for checking bags during peak travel times.
Key Takeaways:
Pack light to avoid exceeding the weight limit for carry-on luggage.
Consider using a reusable, foldable duffel bag as your free personal item.
Look for discounts, and promotions on baggage fees.
Opt for flying on off-peak days or during non-peak hours to lower baggage fees.
Be aware of the fees charged by different airlines for checked baggage.
Check baggage at the gate instead of the check-in counter to avoid additional fees.
Consider acquiring elite status with an airline or flying with someone who has elite status; this will often provide free checked baggage.
Check baggage after clearing security for free at some airports.
Citation:
7 Ways to Avoid Paying Checked Baggage Fees