The tendency to over pack cost Indians on average Rs. 7,500 as excess baggage fee per trip while flying abroad, according to online travel company Expedia.The survey conducted during January and March this year polled 500 travellers who booked air travel online, said 60 per cent of the respondents had not even used all the items that they carried with them.
"Nearly 40 per cent of Indians have paid excess baggage fees while traveling. While more than 60 per cent said they had not even used all the items that they had carried with them," said Expedia.co.in Marketing Head Manmeet Ahluwalia.
Indian travellers have spent on an average Rs. 7,500 on excess baggage fees per person, prompting them to take considerable steps to avoid paying for this extravagance, it added.
Interestingly, to avoid paying for excess baggage, some of the respondents admitted wearing extra clothes, including up to three jackets, stuffing small things in pockets
and befriending fellow passengers travelling with less baggage, to help accommodate their stuff.
"Some even used infant strollers to carry heavy items, since strollers are allowed into the cabin, amongst other innovative solutions," the survey said.
Ahluwalia said proper planning and packing smart can help consumers save money, thereby giving them the extra cash to spend an additional day holidaying or allow them to enjoy some of the interesting activities.
According to Expedia's estimates, airlines charge as much as Rs. 2,250 for excess baggage and nearly Rs. 9,000 for an overweight bag.
"In the recent past, many airlines have also not allowed more than one check-in baggage," he added.
The survey said holidays in the cool escapades in the Alps posed a challenge for traveller to pack.
"Mountain breaks also emerge as one of the most difficult holidays to pack for, with over half of the respondents (58 per cent) stating that they were flustered while planning for such a trip," the survey said.
