Airlines Sanction Disney Travelers Flying to Orlando or Anaheim Post-Booking

Traveling to Walt Disney World or Disneyland involves detailed planning. Guests need to factor in park tickets, accommodation, dining, and transportation. Often overlooked is the cost of travel itself, especially the expenses associated with checked luggage.

Airlines Sanction Disney Travelers Flying to Orlando or Anaheim

Families traveling to Orlando for a week at Disney typically carry significant luggage, making checked bags almost necessary. Recently, several major airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, impacting the overall budget for a Disney vacation.

Fee Increases by Major Airlines

Multiple airlines have raised checked baggage fees due to rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The airlines include:

• Delta Air Lines: First checked bag fee increased from $35 to $45; second bag from $45 to $55. A third bag now costs $200, effective for tickets booked from April 8 onwards.
• American Airlines: First checked bag fee rose to $45 prepaid and $55 payable at the airport. The second bag is now $55 prepaid and $60 at the airport for tickets purchased from April 9 onwards.
• Southwest Airlines: First checked bag fee increased to $45, and the second to $55 for tickets bought after April 9.
• Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines: The first bag fee increased to $45 and the second to $55, effective from April 10.
• JetBlue and United Airlines: Made similar fee adjustments in the prior week.

Impact on Disney Vacation Budgets

For a family of four flying to Orlando, the increase in Delta’s baggage fees adds an extra $80 to the trip cost when checking two bags. This is a significant change for travelers, particularly those flying under the new fee structure or on basic economy fares. Travelers must carefully evaluate the cost differences when booking their flights.

Guidance for Travelers

Those eligible for fee waivers via elite status or airline credit cards can mitigate these new charges. It’s crucial to confirm that these benefits are activated prior to travel.

Additionally, travelers should consider how baggage fees affect the choice between main cabin and basic economy fares. The potential savings may be negligible after new fees are calculated.

New Regulations for Power Banks

In a separate update, Southwest Airlines announced new restrictions on portable chargers, effective April 20. Each passenger is allowed to carry one power bank with a maximum of 100 watt-hours. Chargers cannot be stored in overhead bins and must remain accessible during the flight.

Loyalty Programs Insights

A recent WalletHub report highlighted the top airline loyalty programs. Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards topped the list, followed closely by United and Delta. Traveling families should be aware of the rewards value to maximize savings for their Disney trip.

As families prepare for their Disney vacations, now is the time to review the updated baggage fees and travel regulations. Planning ahead can help ensure that the trip remains enjoyable without unexpected expenses.