Do you have to pay baggage fees for connecting flights?

Navigating Baggage Fees on Connecting Flights

When booking connecting flights, understanding baggage policies can save you from unexpected expenses. While most interline agreements allow seamless baggage transfer between partner airlines, some connections require re-checking luggage, which may incur additional fees.

Baggage Fees on Connecting Flights with Interline Agreements

Interline agreements between airlines allow passengers to check their bags through to their final destination, even when connecting to a different carrier. In such cases, you typically won’t need to pay any additional baggage fees.

Baggage Fees on Connecting Flights without Interline Agreements

When connecting flights don’t have interline agreements, passengers are responsible for re-checking their luggage at the transfer airport. This re-checking process often incurs separate baggage fees from each airline involved in the journey.

Avoiding Baggage Fees on Connecting Flights

To avoid surprise baggage fees, consider the following tips:

• Check with your airlines: Contact both airlines to confirm their baggage policies and whether they have an interline agreement for your connecting flights.
• Choose airlines with interline agreements: Opt for airlines that have established partnerships to ensure seamless baggage transfer.
• Consider checked baggage limits: Pay attention to the checked baggage allowances of each airline involved in your journey to avoid exceeding the limits and incurring excess baggage fees.
• Travel with carry-on only: If possible, limit your luggage to carry-on bags to avoid the hassle and potential costs of checking luggage.
• Be prepared to pay baggage fees: When connecting flights without interline agreements, be aware that you may need to pay separate baggage fees to each airline.

In conclusion, understanding baggage policies and interline agreements is crucial to avoid unexpected baggage fees on connecting flights. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective travel experience.