Avoiding airlines baggage fees might take some sacrifice

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Packing for a summer vacation or business trip can be ahassle. And more than ever, travelers are rewarded if they canstuff all their belongings into carry-on bags.
Airlines such as American, US Airways and United have startedcharging passengers $15 each way for the first checked piece ofluggage in an effort to offset soaring fuel costs. If each personin a family of four checks a bag, that can add up to $120 -- nearlythe price of another round-trip airline ticket.
Travel pros say there are ways passengers can avoid airline baggagefees and jet off with a single carry-on, but it will take somesacrifice.
"Don't even think for a nanosecond that you're going to wear adifferent outfit for every single solitary day," said Susan Foster,author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler.
It also helps to know the carry-on rules of each airline you planto fly -- because they're all different -- and to limit toiletriesand shoes, which are heavy and take up a lot of precious space.
More travelers say they are reluctantly coming to grips with thesetrade-offs or are simply avoiding airlines that charge fees.
"I refuse to pay for bags," said Yvette Lambert, 40. Lambert, whorecently flew American Airlines from Fort Lauderdale to her home inDallas, says she always used to check her bags. "Not anymore," shesaid.
Fees for first and second bags have already kicked in at Americanand US Airways, and next month United will follow suit. CompetitorsDelta and JetBlue charge only for the second bag. SouthwestAirlines allows passengers to check two bags for free, and isquickly becoming a favorite for frequent fliers like Lambert.
Since airlines have changed their policies, airport securityofficials have noticed an influx of carry-on bags going through thecheckpoint at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Andat Palm Beach International Airport, officials say passengers arebringing larger carry-on bags through security.
Still, some people are paying the fees instead of fretting overwhat to pack.
Henry and Mary Resnick of Boca Raton each checked large suitcaseson their recent American Airlines flights from Fort Lauderdale toSan Francisco.
"Of course I mind paying the fee," Henry Resnick said. "But whenyou go away for two weeks, what else are you going to do? There'sno way we could pack everything in a carry-on."
Most major airlines only allow carry-on bags that total 45 linearinches (length + width + height), which Resnick and others saymakes it impossible to travel comfortably.
Brad Till of Boca Raton rolls T-shirts and other clothing items,then places them in resealable plastic compression bags that helpsort items and release air to more than double the packing space.
"It saved me some space in case I need to bring something back,"Till said. "And at least it keeps your stuff from going all overthe place if they search your bag."
Such items are becoming mainstream at airports. Space Bag, a SanDiego-based product manufacturer, sells its plastic travel bags atWal-Mart, Target and other major retail stores.
Travel-niche retailers are developing their own plastic spacesavers. L.L. Bean, for example, sells a two-pack of plastic travelbags for $15 and a three-pack of ultralight clothing organizersthat zip up and have a mesh top for $29.
"There's no question that packing aids have picked up in sales asthe airlines have imposed new hurdles and fees," said JohnBartholomew, product lines manager for L.L. Bean. "The accessoriespart of our travel business has really grown at a faster rate thanthe rest of our business."
Here are more carry-on tips:
Use a lightweight, compact bag
Choose a "lightweight" carry-on with wheels that weighs about fiveor six pounds as opposed to a more traditional carry-on, whichweighs between 10 and 12 pounds, said Bartholomew. "Four or fivepounds doesn't sound like a lot but, boy, it makes a big amount ofdifference when you're trying to fit it into an overheadcompartment," he said, noting sales of these bags are picking up.
Duffel bags that have wheels are another option and are ofteneasier to fit into aircraft bins.
Streamline the wardrobe
That means sticking to essentials, mixing-and-matching clothesaround neutral colors, and doing some laundry away from home. Layeror wear heavy clothes on the plane.
Foster suggests traveling with fast-drying clothes made of awicking fabric can be washed out in a hotel sink and hung to dryovernight, making them great for any length of travel.(Fashion-conscious travelers can add flair with light, easy-to-packaccessories such as scarves, belts and costume jewelry, she says.)
Cut down on toiletries and makeup
Hotels provide basic items like soap and shampoo, so forgo thoseitems or pack travel-size essentials. Another option is to buytoiletries at your travel destination and leave them behind.Consider cosmetics that serve a dual function such as powder thatcan be applied as a foundation or moisturizer with sunscreen.
Choose your shoes wisely
Only take two pair plus what you wear on the plane. Shoes take upspace and will weigh down the bag. Pack them at the bottom of yourcarry-on or along the sides, and stuff socks, underwear, ties orbelts inside to maximize roominess, Foster said.
Roll your clothes and separate items with resealable plastic bags
This will keep items wrinkle-free and compact to make room forother items. The bags can be used later on to separate dirtyclothes from clean ones. For clothing that is better folded, limitthe number of folds to keep items thinner in your suitcase.
Take one guidebook, not five
Or, better yet, make copies of pages you find interesting and takethose instead. Books are heavy.
Leave room for souvenirs or gifts that could wind up going homewith you
Other options including shipping or packing a small, foldableduffel bag that can function as your onboard personal item.