Options to waive checked baggage fee?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: EWR/JFK
Programs: AA GLD 1.xMM, MAR SLV, HH DMND, IHG PLT
Posts: 839
Options to waive checked baggage fee?
Are there any other good options to waive checked baggage fees for Delta domestic travel? I finally managed to burn my stash of remaining SkyMiles flying on DL metal from Alaska to NYC 1 way but need to check 3 bags -- ~$35*3 = $105 in fees.
I am no longer eligible for the Delta Skymiles Gold card, personal or business...life time language. Tried to apply and AMEX gave me the warning that I won't get the bonus. Not sure if it is worth the credit card pull to get the card just to waive bag fees only w/o getting the bonus, that is really maximize and optimizing.
AMEX Platinum card, the math just doesn't work for me personally.
I am targeted for an AMEX Business Gold, do they still have the annual $100 statement credit for airline fees? I didn't notice it on the marketing promo material.
Note, I know this is a 1st world problem so no rants necessary please.
I am no longer eligible for the Delta Skymiles Gold card, personal or business...life time language. Tried to apply and AMEX gave me the warning that I won't get the bonus. Not sure if it is worth the credit card pull to get the card just to waive bag fees only w/o getting the bonus, that is really maximize and optimizing.
AMEX Platinum card, the math just doesn't work for me personally.
I am targeted for an AMEX Business Gold, do they still have the annual $100 statement credit for airline fees? I didn't notice it on the marketing promo material.
Note, I know this is a 1st world problem so no rants necessary please.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: EWR/JFK
Programs: AA GLD 1.xMM, MAR SLV, HH DMND, IHG PLT
Posts: 839
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,204
Yeah, with no status and no Delta credit card, only way is if you buy up to first you get 2 bags at 70lbs... So maybe you could check two and carry on one then. Otherwise, your math is incorrect as price goes up quickly with more bags.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
1st bag = $35
2nd bag = $45
3rd bag = $150
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
1st bag = $35
2nd bag = $45
3rd bag = $150
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: EWR/JFK
Programs: AA GLD 1.xMM, MAR SLV, HH DMND, IHG PLT
Posts: 839
Yeah, with no status and no Delta credit card, only way is if you buy up to first you get 2 bags at 70lbs... So maybe you could check two and carry on one then. Otherwise, your math is incorrect as price goes up quickly with more bags.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
1st bag = $35
2nd bag = $45
3rd bag = $150
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview
1st bag = $35
2nd bag = $45
3rd bag = $150
We might be able to reduce from 3 pieces to 2 but with packing in layers for Alaska not sure how we stuff it all into a carry on.
Thanks for the quick responses all.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: I've gone underground!
Posts: 4,604
With 3 passengers, your math was correct. You just didn’t have that detail until now.
You can get a gold card without a bonus… or if you’re churning, then select something you’re eligible for. I guess only you know if PLT or Reserve are worth it for you (I’m guessing not).
You can get a gold card without a bonus… or if you’re churning, then select something you’re eligible for. I guess only you know if PLT or Reserve are worth it for you (I’m guessing not).
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
Is one of the other two passengers traveling with you a credit-worthy adult?
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SEA
Posts: 126
Wear as many of those layers as you can stand onto the plane. Thermal underwear, fleece, down parka, rain boots, wool hat, mittens... If you get too hot, just open the window.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Hotlanta.
Programs: I've gone underground!
Posts: 4,604
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: EWR/JFK
Programs: AA GLD 1.xMM, MAR SLV, HH DMND, IHG PLT
Posts: 839
Folks, thanks for the all the feedback. Got lucky and got targeted and approved for an AMEX Business Platinum and I think i can make the numbers work to offset that crazy annual fee for this card (at least for 1 year). I will designate Delta for the remainder of this year and use that $200 towards the baggage fee.
Sidebar question: I assume I can't get the kids into the MSP Sky Club (using the AMEX Business Platinum) during the layover, right, w/o paying?
Sidebar question: I assume I can't get the kids into the MSP Sky Club (using the AMEX Business Platinum) during the layover, right, w/o paying?
#14
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Programs: Delta DM, United Silver, Marriott LT Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 854
Folks, thanks for the all the feedback. Got lucky and got targeted and approved for an AMEX Business Platinum and I think i can make the numbers work to offset that crazy annual fee for this card (at least for 1 year). I will designate Delta for the remainder of this year and use that $200 towards the baggage fee.
Sidebar question: I assume I can't get the kids into the MSP Sky Club (using the AMEX Business Platinum) during the layover, right, w/o paying?
Sidebar question: I assume I can't get the kids into the MSP Sky Club (using the AMEX Business Platinum) during the layover, right, w/o paying?
#15
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 2,407