Saved Money Flying Low-Cost Airlines... Furious Over Extra Baggage Fees Bombardment [Hutdari Economy]

(24) Please Be Sure to Check When Booking Online

Passengers undergoing departure procedures. The photo is not directly related to the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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Not all items are "low-cost" just because an airline is a low-cost carrier (LCC). Benefits that were naturally included with traditional airlines may come with additional fees on low-cost carriers. Checked baggage and in-flight meals are examples. Especially, additional baggage fees vary depending on factors such as long-haul or short-haul flights, airline, route, and booking date. Prices may also fluctuate during special promotions or sales by airlines. It is important to carefully check these details before booking.

Ahead of the summer peak season, domestic low-cost airlines in Korea are successively raising baggage fees. Jeju Air was the first to increase fees, starting March 4. Jin Air announced that from July 1, it will raise excess baggage fees (charges for baggage exceeding the free checked or cabin baggage weight allowance). Most routes will see an increase of 1,000 KRW per kilogram for excess baggage purchased at the airport. For pre-purchased excess baggage, domestic flights will increase by 2,000 KRW per 5kg, and most international flights by 5,000 KRW. Eastar Jet will raise baggage fees on all flights starting August. When purchasing baggage in advance, a basic 15kg allowance is provided, but fees for exceeding this will increase. For an additional 5kg, domestic flights will rise from 8,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW, and Japan routes from 35,000 KRW to 45,000 KRW.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

What about overseas low-cost carriers? Jang Eun-ho (27), who recently traveled to France using an overseas low-cost airline, was shocked by the hefty additional baggage fees. Although generally satisfied with the affordable travel cost, he faced a huge extra baggage fee on the return trip. He had bought many souvenirs and food items for family and friends on the way back but had to pay over 500,000 KRW in additional airline fees. Jang said, "I was prepared to pay extra because I had a lot of luggage, but I was surprised that the additional baggage fee was more expensive than the airfare."

Hanna Young (35) had to pay extra baggage fees after traveling to Europe. She used free carry-on and checked baggage when flying to Portugal. However, problems arose when using low-cost carriers within Europe. She had to pay additional checked baggage fees every time she moved between Spain, Portugal, and Barcelona. Hanna said, "Even for the most basic services, additional costs occurred when placing luggage in the overhead bin, adding insurance services for schedule changes or refunds, and selecting seats."

How Much Are Additional Baggage Fees?

China Eastern Airlines allows one carry-on bag per person (8kg), and the total baggage dimensions (length, width, height) must not exceed 115cm. Checked baggage is allowed up to two pieces per person. Each piece must not exceed 23kg, and dimensions must not exceed 158cm. Additional fees are 1,000 CNY (approx. 189,400 KRW) for one extra bag and 2,000 CNY (approx. 378,820 KRW) for two. If the volume exceeds the limit, fees are 1,000 CNY for 158cm to 203cm and 2,000 CNY for over 203cm.

Looking at Ryanair's baggage policy, if you purchase a ticket online without selecting any options, you can carry one backpack or hand-carry bag (10kg). If you check the baggage option, one cabin bag of 10kg (dimensions 55cm X 40cm X 20cm) costs 14.99 euros (approx. 22,200 KRW), and 20kg (dimensions 120cm X 120cm X 80cm) costs 23.99 euros (approx. 35,500 KRW). Additional fees apply if the weight is exceeded. It is also advisable to check in online in advance. Checking in at the airport requires paying a 55 euro fee (approx. 81,400 KRW) to issue the ticket.

Batik Air only allows 7kg of cabin baggage for free. When booking checked baggage on a flight, 10kg costs 100 MYR (approx. 30,000 KRW), 20kg costs 200 MYR (approx. 69,000 KRW), and 30kg costs 300 MYR (approx. 87,700 KRW). If baggage weight exceeds the limit, an additional 14,500 KRW per kilogram must be paid based on standards for Korea and China.

Travel agency officials advise, "If you have a lot of extra luggage, be sure to check the 'additional baggage' option when booking tickets online." Although you can pay for extra baggage at the airport check-in counter, fees are cheaper when paid during online booking.