Traveling by plane isn’t affordable in most cases to begin with, but checked bag fees can cause costs to spin out of control. This especially applies when you’re flying with your family, as fees for checked baggage are charged on both ends—on your way to your landing place and on the trip home.

How much will you spend to check your baggage to your destination? Since most airlines charge a fee of $30 for a checked bag, you’ll have to pay $90 for a family of three for each leg of their journey.

This may not seem high-priced to some, but for most people, we’re talking about a significant additional expense that could be used on something else. The worst part is when these fees catch you by surprise.

Luckily, checked bag fees are easily avoidable with a bit of prior research and a plan in mind. If you want to travel by plane this year without paying extra for your baggage to come along, this article is for you!

Get ready to save some money!

1. Fly With Airlines That Don’t Have Checked Bag Fees

As you start planning your trip and pricing your travel plans, keep in mind that there are some airlines that don’t charge for checked baggage up to certain limits. For example, Southwest Airlines is usually the best choice in this niche, allowing passengers to fly with two checked bags for free (you can either pay for your flight with cash or Southwest Rapid Rewards points).

Southwest operates flights within the US, to Hawaii, and several Caribbean and Mexico destinations. Many airlines let customers check one bag at no additional cost on international flights booked in the main cabin, but you have to read their policies as restrictions vary widely. For instance, American Airlines lets you check one bag for free on transpacific and transatlantic flights not booked in Basic Economy.

The same thing applies to Main Cabin economy flights with Delta from the US to Central America, Japan, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and more—if you have Medallion status, a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, or are a member of the military.

Also, make sure you read everything about checked bag fees on your carrier’s website and cross-reference these costs for your destination before you get too worried about having to pay for checked bags.

Don’t forget that most airlines waive checked bag fees for those flying in premium cabins. In other words, if you’re flying Business or First class, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to check a bag or potentially even two for free.

2. Earn Elite Status with an Airline

Having elite status with an airline comes with great perks, but unfortunately, it isn’t possible for everyone. However, if you fly a lot and can pool all your flights with one big airline alliance, earning elite status may not be that difficult.

If you do fly enough—for business or pleasure—to meet the requirements, elite airline status comes with perks such as automatic upgrades, priority boarding, and yes, no checked baggage fees.

For instance, Premier Silver status with the United MileagePlus flyer program allows you to bring one complimentary bag weighing up to 70 pounds. Premier Gold affords you two extra checked bags up to 70 pounds, and Premier Platinum lets you travel with three extra bags up to 70 pounds each.

A similar situation is true for the elite status from the Delta SkyMiles and American AAdvantage programs, two other major airlines with domestic and international flight paths.

In other words, if you travel by plane with the same airline often, enrolling in their frequent flyer program and earning elite status can offer you some benefits that make travel less expensive and more comfortable. Priority boarding and free upgrades are nice perks, but when it comes to saving money, free checked baggage is the greatest privilege.

3. Choose the Right Airline Credit Card

There are several airline credit cards that come with no checked bag fees for the cardholder, and some even extend that benefit to those who fly with the cardholder.

In order to qualify, you need to find the card that works for you and apply for it. Some cards require that you pay for your flight with the card to avoid checked bag fees.

Here are some airline credit cards that provide this perk:

• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card-your first checked bag is free on Delta flights, and the same is true for up to eight people flying with you on the same itinerary. Terms and conditions apply.
• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card-the same benefits as above.
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card-the same benefits as the Platinum card.
• United Explorer Card-0 checked bag fees for your first bag (the same applies to your companion on the same flight route); you must pay for your airfare with your card to qualify for this perk.
• United Club Infinite Card-up to two checked bags are free for you and your companion on the same flight path; you must pay for your airfare with your card to take advantage of this perk.
• Alaska Airlines Visa credit card-no fees for your and up to six companions’ first checked bag.
• Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard-no fees for up to two checked bags; you must pay for the flight with your card to qualify for this perk.
• Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard-the first checked bag is free for you and up to six people that travel with you on your domestic American Airlines itinerary.
• Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard-the same as above, with the mention that up to eight of your companions can check a bag for free.
• JetBlue Plus Card-your first checked bag is free (the same is true for up to three companions on the same flight route); you must pay for your airfare with your card to qualify for this perk.

4. Choose a Travel Card That Offers an Airline Fee Credit

Having an airline credit card isn’t the only way to avoid checked bag fees. Some cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, give you airline fee credits you can use to pay various charges, including checked bag fees, on a qualifying airline (you must enroll to receive these credits).

These credits can also be applied to dining, in-flight wifi, or seat selection fees. The downside is that American Express requires you to choose an airline at the beginning of the year, so you’ll only be able to use the fee credit with the airline you select ahead of time.

Some travel credit cards come with flexible credits that can be used for any type of travel. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers cardholders a $300 annual travel credit that can be used to pay any travel expense, including checked baggage fees.

Another option would be to pick up a fixed-value travel credit or card that lets you earn cash back, both of which can be used to pay checked bag fees.

For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 5 miles for every dollar you spend on rental cars and hotels booked via Capital One Travel and 2 miles for any other kind of purchase. There’s also a bonus: you get 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 within 3 months of the account opening.

5. Avoid Basic Economy

When you’re searching for flight tickets, you’ve probably noticed the lowest advertised prices are described as Basic Economy. While a “basic” flight may be what you need to travel from one place to another, it’s important to know what’s included in the price and what’s not.

Basic Economy fares usually don’t let you choose a seat ahead of time. This means that you’ll receive a seat on the plane when you check in, and it may or may not be anywhere near those you’re flying with.

In fact, Basic Economy fares don’t include a carry-on bag either. In other words, you’ll need to pay extra dollars if you want to check a bag and perhaps even bring anything larger than a purse or backpack on the plane.

The bottom line: You may want to avoid Basic Economy if you want to bring a carry-on bag and pick a seat without any additional charges. The plane ticket may be cheaper, but you’ll have to pay extra money along the way.

6. Pack Light and Don’t Check a Bag

Provided you don’t book a flight with a discount carrier or pick a Basic Economy fare, you should be able to board the plane with a carry-on bag and a personal item regardless of your chosen airline.

Nevertheless, you should read your airline’s terms and conditions regarding carry-on luggage, just to be sure that yours is small enough to qualify. Generally speaking, all carriers have basic requirements that determine the maximum size of a piece of hand baggage. Some airlines, especially the budget ones, have much smaller limits than others.

For example, on Air France, you can bring one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item along with you on the plane. According to their website, your carry-on bag must have a maximum dimension of 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Its weight also cannot exceed 26.4 pounds, or 12 kilograms. If your carry-on baggage doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s likely you’ll be stuck with a checked baggage fee.

You may also want to read Spend Less On Vacation With These 6 Clever Budget Planning Hacks.