AMEN! Don't patronize the airlines that have ridiculous fees. These are the major airlines that quote the lowest prices on the websites, but end up charging you more on the back end with fees.

Let's only hope our government doesn't bail them out when the consumers make their choice.

5) drive, or take a bus- the most gauranteed way of getting around the fees

Re Tip #1: Unless that empty water bottle can hold only three ounces or less, good luck getting it past security.

I am in the Army, and recently I flew with bags exceeding their 2 pound checked limit, but they put a TSA No Check (and heavy) tag on my bags because I was flying on orders. I didnt get bumped to first class though. ;)

One of the best pictures I've seen on Consumerist, haha!

@ophmarketing: Well the idea is to take the empty bottle past security then fill it up on the other side.

Someone needs to come up with a super high speed train system... like say something from New York to LA.

Yeah, but it might get you knifed, or the driver might fall asleep.

@snoop-blog: Yeah, I usually drive places. only if fuel costs more than the ticket will I fly.

@ophmarketing: I Just went through with a 3 Liter Camel Bak.

@ophmarketing: I fly a lot and never have a problem bringing a regular-size empty water bottle through security at SFO, JFK, OAK or SEA.

Amtrak?

You just buy your drinks after the security checkpoint and carry them on the plane. Southwest also doesn't charge for unaccompanied minors but the kids have to fly direct. They can stop but they can't change planes.

I'm all about supporting the Southwest's of the world. You don't hear about Southwest whining to Uncle Sam to come save them, which is why I don't want to hear it from the other guys. If Southwest can manage, so can the others and if some of the others can't, then tough cookies.

@ophmarketing: They'll let empty bottles of any size past the checkpoint. I've done it a few times with no issues whatsoever.

@snoop-blog: With today's gas and food prices, eating, sleeping, and driving on the road can run you dry just as well as airline fees. Trains are also way too expensive. The moral of the story is that you need to consider all your options and go with the least of the evils.

I personally think flying is worth it because of the time it saves and the fact that it still remains reasonable compared to other travel options. Sometimes, it's a bit more expensive, but my family only travels cross country to visit relatives. Driving that long would cost a lot in terms of days of work we'd need to take off.

@exconsumer9

They are supposed to let them by...as we all know that means about 10% won't

Carry-On Ninja? For the love of God, that increases the likelihood that some schmuck will try to bring overstuffed luggage that is too big for the overhead compartment resulting in the back-and-forth of said schmuck going up and down the aisle looking for storage, which slows down boarding and may result in later departure and which we will hear about on Consumerist. The good of the many in this instance outweighs the good of the one. Please, don't be a Carry-On Ninja.

@VA_White: maybe if you're a millionaire. Have you seen the prices they charge you after the security checkpoint?

With all the fees how long is it going to be before a "family holiday" means everyone has their webcams pointed at their tables durring their holidays and everyone eats "together", but no "pass the potatoes" unless fedex is involved.

@esqdork: How about just not being that schmuck?

@esqdork: I have no compunction about packing as much crap as I can into my carry-on. Its a tragedy of the commons, true, but I'm not gonna sacrifice my time and money so that others have more space in the overhead compartment.

@snoop-blog: Well, since that decapitation incident on Greyhound, I don't think too many people will be taking the bus! And since I don't drive - my options would be train (if/where available) and plane.

@exconsumer9: I haven't had problems either. Usually I just put it through with the cap off (especially on the Sigg bottles, which obviously aren't transparent).

Regarding #2 Pack less shit. Seriously. Unless I'm traveling up to school, I rarely check bags for short trips, if I do it's one, and there's tons of empty space in it. Why are people cramming a bunch of shit into a carry on? Get a nice 25" bag. You need clothes. Toiletries. Your Ipod. A couple of books. Toss in a laptop maybe. That's it. What else do you need?

1) Beverages- Bring an empty water bottle and hit the drinking fountain.

But the rest suck. Your solution to getting around the other fees is "avoid the airlines that charge the fees"? Come on, lol.

I'm sure as heck not driving to Dubai next month from Houston. I carry one of those "safewater" filtering bottles and fill it at the water fountain closest to the gate. And I'm taking one carryon for a two-week trip... I'll just have to visit the gold souk this time instead of the spice souk or the duty-free shop at Heathrow.

@dante1337:

I try to pack as much as I can into my laptop backpack when I fly from Japan to the US once or twice a year, but I still keep the size of the average overhead bin and the fact that I'm not the only person on the airplane that needs to store their carryon. The way you're phrasing your comment makes you sound inconsiderate.

@wtrwlkr: Whoops, I meant "I still keep the size of the average overhead bin and the fact that I'm not the only person on the airplane that needs to store their carryon in mind". Sorry.

@The_Gas_Man: Does that tip suck? If Jetblue and US Airways both fly to your destination, it only makes sense to fly the airline that won't nickel and dime you to death. If a large chunk of the flying populace do the same thing, either the other airlines would change their policies or they'll go under. Once they go under, it's up to us to pressure the government to stop bailing them out.

What happens when Delta, American, United, USAir, NWA and Continetal all go under?

Ya think Southwest will be especially generous and continue to fly from point A to point B for just a few bucks?

Don't forget about the food! Here's what we do at 30,000 feet, a post which has gotten a tremendous number of views and mentions:

[beatofhawaii.com]

Aloha, Jeff

@snoop-blog: Except I really, really cannot drive to Puerto Rico from Washington DC. I could try, but... ;)

@IamNotToddDavis: Yeah there not complaining because they bought a ton of gas credit when it was $59 (or something like that). I'm sure they'll be complaining sooner or later once it runs out.

@ophmarketing:

You can bring a container through as long as it's empty. I recently took a liter bottle with me to Europe because I like a big glass of water by my bed at night. I filled it after hitting security and enjoyed on the plane ride even though I would normally just buy a bottle of water with company money once in the terminal.

However, on the way back I went through security in Italy. My flight was very early so I wasn't so awake. I had my water bottle in my backpack and they found it on the X-ray. I asked if I could dump it out and they responded NO. I could only keep the water bottle if I drank every bit of water in it, so chug away I did. I refilled it on the other side and went on my merry way.

Lesson: always make sure your bottle is empty even if boarding a flight just from a destination in Europe to another destination in Europe.

Yah, I already cashed in the majority of my FF miles. I figure they'll start slashing those programs soon. Even trying to use the non-restricted FF awards (double cost) was very difficult on united.

Of course, if you actually do avoid the airlines with higher fees, it'll just prove to them that they need to raise them more. Many companies seem to have a deep-seated belief that they are entitled to be successful and make large profits, just for being in business. If they earn lower profits, it must be because their customers are screwing them somehow. The recording industry has used this sort of business model for a while now (drop in CD sales must be due to piracy, not because people can't afford overpriced CDs). It's a shame the airlines are now adopting such an insane outlook...

@vitonfluorcarbon: Hey, Elastomer Guy, thanks for the reminder to empty the canteen between international flights... exactly the sort of thing I'm stupid enough to forget.

When do you suppose the geniuses at the airlines are going to realize that there is profit to be made by putting pay toilets on the planes?

So to sum it all up, fly southwest.

I find the photoshopping of the white person (racism?) on his knees at the chapel with the assumption that he's praying.

Everyone knows that he's really down there to shine and service the priest.

Doesn't really apply to the general population, but for those of with medical equipment - those bags are checked free of charge - finally a bonus for having a bipap!

All the more incentive for scientists to start working on the matter-to-energy transporter systems.

Simply put in the coordinates, and "Energize"

Beam me up, Scottie!

>> proves he's still a geek <<

I just flew American and carried on a bag that was slightly over the carry-on size limit because I wanted to avoid the $15 fee (both ways, that's $30 that this recent graduate would like to save). On the way there, I got the bag through security just fine but got busted at the gate -- but they checked it curbside at the gate for free. On the way back, I was a stealthier carry-on ninja and managed to take the bag carry-on.
By the way, that bag does still fit in the overhead compartment, and does not take up most of the bin. So I wasn't being an inconsiderate carry-on ninja.

@EtoilePB: That's just laziness. You could hangglide, fly like paper get high like plane, when they catch you at the border you'll have a visa in your name. Swim? Row? Come on, show some initiative.

@beatofhawaii.com: I admire your ingenuity, but if you open up a casserole that smells like cheese or cream of mushroom soup right next to me, my next move will be to direct my air conditioner in your face.

I really don't get the whole bring food from home on to the plane thing...it's too much hassle. Any time I've been on a flight long enough to get hungry, they serve a meal. Mostly international flights I guess, but the longest you'll be in the air over the US is 5 hours...so bring a freaking clif bar.

@The_Gas_Man: Agreed.

I'll spend the $1.99 for a 20 oz. drink at the airport and pass on anyrhing that the airlines want to charge me for unless it is a beer. Actually as bad as air travel is lately tying on a good buzz is a pretty good way to make the trip bearable.

I'm waiting for them to start charging for using the lavatory, using the tray table and recling the seat. Beyond that I don't think there is anything left for them to charge for.

@Acd: There is plenty to still charge for!

I guess you haven't gotten the "Canadian Airlines" e-mail yet. They charge for seat belt clips, air from the oxygen mask, and so much more! It's quite funny!

@wtrwlkr:
Yes, that tip sucks. It sucks because it isn't a tip.
They said, "If you have to choose between an airline who charges you a fee and an airline who doesn't, you should choose the one that doesn't."
It's not helpful advice when no one is that stupid.