Avelo Airlines Baggage Fees: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

Traveling with Avelo Airlines offers an affordable way to reach your destination. However, understanding their baggage policies is crucial to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth journey. Drawing from my own personal experience, here’s a detailed guide to Avelo Airlines’ baggage allowances, fees, and tips to help you pack smartly.

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1. Personal Item Allowance

Avelo Airlines permits each traveler to bring one personal item free of charge. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and should not exceed the following dimensions:

• Dimensions: 17 inches (43 cm) in length x 13 inches (33 cm) in height x 9 inches (22 cm) in width.

Examples of acceptable personal items include:

• Purse
• Briefcase
• Laptop bag
• Small backpack
• Small camera case

It’s important to note that Avelo does not specify a weight limit for personal items. However, the item must be light enough for you to lift and stow under the seat without assistance. Additionally, items such as coats, jackets, wraps, or similar outer garments do not count against your carry-on allowance.

2. Carry-On Bag Policy

If you need more space, Avelo allows one carry-on bag for a fee. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and adhere to the following size restrictions:

• Dimensions: 22 inches (56 cm) in length x 14 inches (35 cm) in height x 9 inches (22 cm) in width.

Examples of acceptable carry-on bags include:

• Roller bag
• Garment bag
• Large backpack
• Tote bag

The fees for carry-on bags vary depending on when you pay:

• During Initial Reservation: $43 to $50
• Post-booking Before Check-in: $60
• During Online Check-in: $60
• At the Airport: $65

These fees are per one-way trip, so round-trip travelers will incur these charges twice.

3. Checked Baggage Policy

For those needing to check luggage, Avelo allows up to 10 checked bags per traveler. Each checked bag must meet the following criteria:

• Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds (22 kg)
• Size Limit: Up to 62 inches (157 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height)

If your checked bag exceeds these limits, additional fees apply:

• Overweight Bag (51 to 70 pounds): Additional $100
• Oversize Bag (Exceeding 62 inches): Additional $100
• Overweight & Oversize Bag: Additional $200

To avoid these fees, it’s advisable to prepay for checked bags during your initial reservation. Fees for checked bags vary depending on when you pay:

• During Initial Reservation: $40 to $45
• Post-booking Before Check-in: $60
• During Online Check-in: $60
• At the Airport: $65

These fees are also per one-way trip.

4. Special Items and Sports Equipment

Traveling with special items like sports equipment or musical instruments requires additional considerations:

• Sports Equipment: Items such as golf clubs, skis, or bicycles are accepted but may incur additional fees. It’s essential to check Avelo’s specific policies for each type of equipment.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments may be checked subject to a limited release of liability. If the musical instrument exceeds 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) or 62 linear inches (157 cm) in size, an additional charge may apply.
  Avelo Air

5. Traveling with Pets

Avelo allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for a fee. The pet must be in a hard-sided carrier no larger than 17 inches (43 cm) in length x 13 inches (33 cm) in height x 9 inches (22 cm) in width, or a soft-sided carrier that fits within these dimensions. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The fee for bringing a pet in the cabin is $125 per pet, per direction.

6. Military Personnel Exemptions

Active-duty military members on official or personal travel who present a current active-duty military identification card may check two bags for free and are not subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges. The maximum weight for any checked bag is 70 pounds. Active-duty military members may also bring one carry-on bag for free.

7. Tips to Avoid Additional Fees

• Prepay for Baggage: To save on baggage fees, prepay for your carry-on and checked bags during your initial reservation.
• Pack Light: Consider packing only a personal item and a carry-on bag to avoid checked baggage fees.
• Weigh and Measure Your Bags: Before heading to the airport, weigh and measure your bags to ensure they comply with Avelo’s size and weight restrictions.
• Use the Bag Price Checker: Avelo offers an online tool to check baggage fees for your specific route. Utilize this tool to plan and budget accordingly.

8. Understanding Avelo Airlines’ Baggage Fees – Additional Details

From my own personal experience, one of the most common pitfalls when flying with Avelo Airlines, or any budget carrier, for that matter, is not fully understanding the baggage fees and policies. Often, these fees are one of the hidden costs that can make what seems like a great deal suddenly less affordable. Let’s dive deeper into how you can save money, and how to navigate the baggage fees without any surprises.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Planning ahead when it comes to baggage fees can save you significant amounts of money. As with most airlines, Avelo offers cheaper baggage fees when you pre-purchase your checked bags or carry-on bag before your flight. The closer to departure time you get, the more expensive these fees become. Here’s why: when you book your flight in advance, you’re locking in the lower rate for your baggage, which means you won’t get caught paying more at the airport.

Save by Paying for Bags During Booking

One of the most important things to remember when flying with Avelo is that the earlier you book your baggage, the cheaper it will be. The airline offers several opportunities to pay for your bags:

1. At the time of reservation: This is the cheapest time to add your baggage, whether it’s a carry-on or checked bag. If you’re booking multiple bags, you can add them in bulk, saving more than paying per individual bag later.
2. At check-in: As your departure date approaches, Avelo increases its baggage fees. If you wait until check-in, you could be looking at a more expensive bag fee. At this point, the carry-on or checked bag fees could rise significantly.
3. At the airport: This is by far the most expensive option. Not only are you paying the highest fee for your checked bags, but you also risk getting stuck in long lines at the counter, especially during peak travel times. Avoid this by pre-paying.

The Cost Breakdown of Baggage on Avelo Airlines

Carry-On Bag Fees:

For a carry-on bag, if you pre-purchase it when booking your flight, you’ll be looking at a fee between $43 and $50, depending on the route and time of booking. However, if you wait to add the carry-on during check-in or at the airport, it will cost you around $60 to $65, respectively.

Checked Bag Fees:

Checked bag fees are another area where you can see a significant price increase if you wait until the last minute. Pre-paying for a checked bag will cost you between $40 and $45 during booking. If you add it post-booking, the fee rises to around $60. At the airport, the checked bag fee could go up to $65.

Oversized and Overweight Bags:

If your checked bag exceeds the weight or size limits, expect to pay hefty penalties. A bag that weighs between 51 to 70 pounds will incur an additional $100 charge. For oversized bags that exceed 62 inches, the penalty is also $100. The real kicker is when both weight and size exceed the limits, in which case you’ll be looking at an additional $200 charge.

Personal Item vs. Carry-On: What’s the Difference?

A common mistake travelers make is misunderstanding the difference between a “personal item” and a “carry-on bag.” While both are allowed on board, the critical distinction is size.

• Personal item: This is the smaller of the two options and should fit under the seat in front of you. For instance, a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag fits this category. No additional fee is charged for a personal item, but it must fit within the size restrictions.
• Carry-on bag: This is a larger item that goes in the overhead compartment. If you want to bring a carry-on bag, you’ll need to pay the carry-on fee. If your bag exceeds the dimensions of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, you’ll be required to check it, incurring additional fees.

Pro Tip: When traveling light, make sure you’re utilizing the personal item allowance to its fullest extent. Keep essential items, such as your phone, wallet, documents, and electronics, in this smaller bag to avoid the need for a larger carry-on.

Are You Traveling with Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know

Avelo Airlines does not charge additional fees for children’s items, including strollers and car seats, which is great news for parents. You can bring a stroller and car seat for free, but these items must be checked in at the gate. If you’re flying with an infant or toddler, the rules for carrying baby items are typically more lenient, as they don’t count toward your baggage allowance.

Be sure to check Avelo’s updated guidelines on traveling with children and baby gear to ensure there are no surprises at the airport.

Traveling with Special Items: Sports Gear, Musical Instruments, and More

Avelo allows you to bring certain special items, including sports equipment and musical instruments, but there are some important details to note when traveling with these items:

• Sports equipment: If you’re bringing sports equipment, such as skis, golf clubs, or bicycles, you may need to check in your gear. Avelo accepts these items but typically charges an additional fee, especially if they exceed the standard baggage size and weight. Be sure to pack sports gear in sturdy cases to avoid damage during transit.
• Musical instruments: Avelo also allows you to carry musical instruments, but they must be appropriately packed to avoid damage. If your instrument exceeds the size or weight limits, you may need to check it in as an additional piece of luggage. Always consult with Avelo ahead of time to ensure you comply with their requirements.
• Other special items: Items such as medical devices or assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, CPAP machines) are allowed and are exempt from standard baggage fees. You should always call Avelo in advance to confirm any special arrangements or requirements.

Best Practices for Packing Light

Packing light is not only convenient but can also save you money. Here are a few packing tips to keep your baggage fees to a minimum:

1. Pack multi-purpose clothing: Instead of packing multiple outfits, choose clothing that can be mixed and matched easily. Think neutral colors, versatile pieces, and layers.
2. Avoid packing heavy items: Heavy clothing or bulky jackets can easily push your checked bag over the weight limit. Consider wearing your heaviest items on the plane.
3. Invest in packing cubes: Packing cubes help keep your luggage organized and prevent overpacking, making it easier to avoid exceeding the weight and size limits.
4. Use your personal item wisely: Remember, you can fit a lot of essentials into your personal item. Use this space wisely, especially for electronics, snacks, and valuables that you want to keep close.

Carry Essentials in Your Carry-On

Pack a small bag with essentials such as:

• Snacks
• A water bottle
• A phone charger or power bank
• A book or entertainment device

Conclusion

When it comes to Avelo Airlines, understanding their baggage policies and fees is crucial to avoid any unnecessary costs. From personal items to checked bags and everything in between, knowing the rules can make your travel experience smoother and more affordable.

By planning ahead and pre-paying for your bags, you can avoid paying the higher fees that come with waiting until the last minute. Remember, packing light and using the personal item allowance can save you both time and money.

I hope this guide helps you navigate Avelo Airlines’ baggage policies and ensures that your next flight is stress-free. If you’ve had experiences with Avelo’s baggage fees, or if you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!

Safe travels! ✈️