Michele says...
You’re wise to be concerned. With slim profit margins, airlines are seeing fees for bags as fresh revenue. I was dinged $50 once for overweight luggage—and I vowed never again. I now have a duffle bag that folds flat, which I tuck into the front pocket of my suitcase. If my suitcase is overweight, I remove enough items to get it to the weight allowed and use the duffle bag for the excess, which I treat as carry-on. Couples have the advantage of sharing luggage space: If she runs out of room, items can be put into his luggage. Another option? Consider shipping your bags by courier. Sometimes it’s cheaper than the airline fees for excess baggage.

A travel writer extraordinaire, Michele Sponagle has visited more than 40 countries around the world. Send her your travel questions here.