Baggage fees?

[la79al]

Apparently it has been too long since I have flown . Are most airlines now charging baggage fees? I'm really wondering if it might be possible to pack carryon only for 2 adults and a toddler for a December trip.....

 

[Jestocost]

Yes. With the exception of Southwest and a couple of others, most airlines are now charging for all checked baggage. Typical fees are $15 for the first bag and $25 for a second bag. Fees are charged each way on a round trip, so one passenger checking one bag will pay a total of $30. Southwest allows each ticketed passenger to check two bags at no charge.

 

[kevgraub]

Apparently it has been too long since I have flown . Are most airlines now charging baggage fees? I'm really wondering if it might be possible to pack carryon only for 2 adults and a toddler for a December trip.....

I think Southwest (and maybe Jet Blue?) are about the only airlines that do not charge baggage fees anymore.

You might not be able to go completely carryon with 2 adults and a toddler, especially considering you are going in December and might need some heavier clothes. However, I'd bet you can get it all in carryon and one checked bag. With most airlines, the first checked bag is only about $15-$20. Not really that huge of an expense.

 

[Disneyfanatic108]

For our october trip we were able to do all carry on and 1 checked bag for our family of 5.

 

[serene56]

remember the TSA rules about liquids and gels...so if planning to do carry-ons you might have to buy your liquids when you arrive-- shampoos, bodywashes, toothpaste, makeup etc etc.
Last flight we took there were so many people taking carryons that there was no were else to put the luggage for people still getting on. (the attendants then took the extra stuff and stowed it for free)

 

[goofy4tink]

Can you? Probably. Should you? You may want to give it some thought. With the restrictions the TSA has in effect, you won't be able to carry any liquids, gels, or creams that are larger than 3.4 oz. That can be an issue for a lot of people. I have an Owners Locker at WDW...that has all my liquids, gels, etc. I don't need to bring shampoo, conditioner, deoderant, toothpaste, sunscreen, detergent, etc with me anymore. It's all in that Locker, waiting for me upon checkin.
If traveling in Dec, you are going to need heavier clothing as well. It can get chilly at WDW in Dec...especially at night. I usually fly in one pair of jeans, pack a second pair as well as a few pair of capris. Then, you'll need a sweatshirt or jacket, longer sleeved shirts. Those clothes take up more space than shorts and tank tops.
I would seriously consider one of several options...
1. fly SW if at all possible. You get two checked bags, free.
2. fly Jetblue..you get one checked bag free, per person
3. check one bag, if flying on an airline that charges for that first bag. Pack all that non-allowable stuff in it, as well as heavier clothing. Then pack the rest of your stuff in carryon bags. Each paying passenger gets two pieces...one piece of smaller luggage (must fit the dimensions put out by the airline) and a personal piece...tote bag, purse, etc.

I don't think I would try to fly with just carryon, with a toddler, in Dec.

 

[Missytara]

Agreed; I go the first week in December and one year it was really cold on two of the days. I always pack an extra pair of jeans and a sweater.

Honestly, I am traveling the weekend of Thanksgiving and I got an airfare, including baggage fees - for just about $200.00, flying non-stop both ways. I think it is pretty reasonable to go ahead and check baggage and not have to worry about stocking up on toiletries when you get down there.