How to search for flights that include checked baggage?

DavidL

Earlier this year (Feb '18) we had no problem finding flights to Florida that included the (previously) normal checked baggage allowance; now it's proving impossible on any of the recommended sites (Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak).

Despite Kayak having a button to specify baggage, when I get through to booking, checked baggage hasn't been included. It's becoming impossible to know what your tickets are going to cost.

Are the search sites going to be updating their facilities to specify checked baggage as an option (and have it work correctly)?

richardw

They did not do true comparisons before hand luggage transatlantic fares were introduced, they just give a guide and that continues.

DavidL

richardw wrote: »

They did not do true comparisons before hand luggage transatlantic fares were introduced, they just give a guide and that continues.

That's probably true, and because economy previously almost always included 1 checked-in bag that was fine.

It makes the search engines pretty useless now if you do need baggage because you don't have a clue whether you can even add checked-in baggage, or how much it's likely to cost you - and finding out is incredibly tedious, it'd almost be easier to trawl round travel agents.

richardw

Comparison websites for flights and hotels have never done true perfect price comparisons. They are just a guide, you have to put a bit of work in yourself.

stevie11

David, if using Google flights for example, the result will link you direct to the airlines web site so click through and it usually gives you the option to choose a Basic (HBO) or normal economy (with luggage). A little more frustrating than before but a couple more clicks and you should have the info.

I agree though you no longer get a full comparison of fares with luggage, although it is now the major airlines that have recently introduced these fares. Many of the smaller/charter airlines you always had to add luggage on separately.

Westin

I very much agree with others that Skyscanner.net and alike should be used as a guide but nothing more. Results will be price based and I have not found any that will allow you to add baggage at this early stage in a search.

Airlines have responded to their pricing knowning that 99.9% of people are searching these sites based on price. BA and VS now have hand baggage only fares on transatlantic flights to reduce that initial price being displayed on search sites. These lead in prices are what it seems customer want.

I have recently just booked another transatlantic flight for a trip in September. I used Google for initial results, also Skyscanner, but knew from research to add on a certain extra figure for each airline for a bag, meal and seat selection to get a rough comparison in my mind. Norweigan for example know to add on £100 round trip from the base fare that the search engine will pick up, add £120 for one bag and a seat on BA round trip etc.

You might want to set up a simple spreadsheet! Enjoy the research.

Mickoo

cheapoair dot com
travel
baggage-fees

This details most airlines and their luggage policy. I use this in conjunction with flight searches in order to compare. A pain but at least you get a better idea especially if carrying sizeable luggage.

Mike_from_Croydon

I agree this is a problem. I was booking a flight within Europe. As someone who is new to this, I deliberately chose British Airways because I presumed that unlike the budget airlines they would include baggage. If there was a point at which I could check exactly what deal I was getting, I didn't spot it. I even looked up the baggage allowance on BA's website but that is no help because it depends on your ticket.

I was devastated after paying to find out that my fare was for hand luggage only (especially as I didn't realise at first that I could upgrade it to add checked baggage) and was non refundable.

jpsartre

Did you book from a 3rd party? The cost of a ticket that includes luggage (Economy Plus as opposed to Economy Basic) is very clearly displayed during the booking process on BA's site.

Caz3121

who did you book your flight with? I suspect the information was there but you missed it. Hand luggage only fares are more common these days even for long haul.
However, the price for a basic ticket + cost of a bag, is usually the same as booking the flight with the bag included.
BAs hand luggage allowance is 23kgs (assuming it is within their generous size and you can lift it yourself)