Air travel: more expensive and more fees. We can't control the price of air travel, but we can help you avoid a few of those pesky airline fees. Almost every domestic airline now charges for a second-checked bag, and four of the big six airlines charge for the first. Moms and dads know that air travel with the kids often means traveling with lots of gear, and no one wants to waste their vacation dollars on services that were once free. Shipping services and UPS are gaining popularity among families with (literal) baggage, but even if the cost is nominal, it’s still going to cost you. Instead, get creative and use these five ways to get around the fees.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member raymond longaray

Stay loyal or travel with someone who is. We all know those frequent-flier miles are getting harder and harder to use, but did you know that those with elite status (for example, Silver Preferred and higher status on US Airways) are generally exempt from the checked-bag fees? That and being first to board (more room in the overhead!) are a few of the remaining perks of being an airline loyalist. One certain airlines, if one of your travel companions has elite status and they make the reservation for the whole family, everyone gets to check bags for free regardless of individual frequent-flier status.

Upgrade. If you can’t use miles for a free ticket in coach, you may be able to use them for a free upgrade to business or first class. Customers traveling in these cabins don’t have to pay for checked bags (or in-flight cocktails for that matter).

Jet set. International travelers – particularly outside of North America – are with few exceptions, still allowed two free checked bags.

Choose carefully. There are a few airlines that still allow at least some free checked baggage. American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways charge $15 for the first-checked bag and $25 for the second. AirTran, Delta, Continental, and JetBlue, Mexicana, Midwest and Virgin America charge for the second-checked bag, but still allow passengers to check one for free. Southwest allows two free checked bags.
Jet set. International travelers – particularly outside of North America – are with few exceptions, still allowed two free checked bags.

Stick it to the hotel. First it was gas cards, now it’s baggage reimbursements. Hotels early to get in on the trend of paying you back for checking your bags include several properties participating in the “Pack Your Bags for Amelia Island” promotion, giving guests a room credit of up to $80 when you stay three or more nights and show your checked-bag receipt before September 30. Addison on Amelia, Amelia Hotel at the Beach; Ash Street Inn; Amelia Island Williams House; The Fairbanks House; Hampton Inn & Suites, and Summer Beach Resorts are all participating. Loews Hotels reimburses guests up to $30 per room (enough to pay for the first-checked bag to take a round-trip flight) on their final bill with a bag receipt from the airline through September 1. Kimpton Hotels “We Got Your Bag” offer issues a room credit of up to $25 when guests show proof of the baggage charge through September 9.