Unlock Avelo’s Baggage Secrets And Save Big On Flights

by Sky Skylar | May 23, 2025 | 0 Comments

Avelo Airlines entered the travel scene in 2021, operating Boeing 737 aircraft and targeting underserved airports with fares that can start as low as $19. I’ve tracked fare data from several online booking tools, and those ultra-low prices remain a huge draw in 2025 for anyone hoping to save some money. However, the separate fees for carry-on bags and checked bags can quickly climb, so I’ve pulled together seven tips to help us all navigate these rules responsibly.

One Free Personal Item: Understanding the Dimensions

1. One Free Personal Item: Understanding the Dimensions

Most travelers only spot the fine print about bag dimensions long after booking, so I like to measure my backpack and wallets in advance. According to Avelo’s rules, each passenger gets one free personal item that must fit under the seat, with approximate dimensions of 17 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches. If you stay within these guidelines, you avoid additional overhead bin charges.

I’ve noticed that many people overlook how personal items can expand. A small purse might seem fine at first, but stuffed with extras, it could exceed the acceptable size. A recent study suggests that nearly 30% of travelers end up paying a last-minute fee at the gate for oversized personal items. Double-checking your bag’s measurements before leaving home is the simplest way to avoid a last-minute expense.

Paid Carry-Ons: Book Early to Save

2. Paid Carry-Ons: Book Early to Save

After you’ve sized down your personal item, the next question is whether you need a carry-on for the overhead bin. Avelo charges around $25 or more for overhead bin space, but I’ve seen that fee fluctuate depending on your booking and travel date. Pre-booking your carry-on slot can save you a good chunk of money compared to paying at the airport. According to industry data from 2024, average bag fees at the airport can skyrocket by as much as 40%.

In my own travels, planning ahead has always paid off. Even if I’m uncertain about my final packing list, I lock in the carry-on fee early and then remove the extra if I decide I don’t need it. Avelo often allows changes up to 24 hours before flight time, so keep track of those deadlines, and you’ll keep your trip running smoothly.

Checked Bags: Up to 10 for Domestic Flights

3. Checked Bags: Up to 10 for Domestic Flights

It’s rare that I check more than one bag, but Avelo lets you check up to 10 bags on domestic flights, which can be helpful for families or those relocating with lots of belongings. Booking your first checked bag online can cost as little as $10 if you do it far enough in advance—typically at least 24 hours before departure. This is a fantastic deal compared to legacy carriers that often start their first checked bag fee around $30.

I’ve personally tested the pricing across different booking windows: sometimes adding a checked bag at the last minute more than doubles the fee. According to airline pricing surveys, carriers frequently adjust these costs based on travel periods and booking channels. Being strategic and paying close attention to your booking receipt can help you lock in the lower rate before it climbs.

Oversized & Overweight Fees: Watch the Scale

4. Oversized & Overweight Fees: Watch the Scale

This is one area where I’ve seen many travelers miscalculate. If your bag weighs over 50 pounds or measures more than 62 linear inches, Avelo hits you with an oversize or overweight fee of about $50. That can be a harsh surprise at the check-in counter. From my observations, simply transferring a couple of heavy items—like shoes or gadgets—into your carry-on could keep you under the limit.

It’s also important to remember Avelo’s upper thresholds: no more than 70 pounds or larger than 80 inches in total size. If you think you might be close, invest in a simple luggage scale. A 2023 consumer study from a popular travel magazine found that using a personal luggage scale saves an average of $60 in overweight fees per domestic trip. For me, that’s a worthy trade-off for peace of mind.

Special Equipment & Military Benefits

5. Special Equipment & Military Benefits

There’s always that moment of panic if you need to bring a surfboard or golf clubs through the airport. Avelo treats special equipment under the same rules as regular checked baggage, but fees may apply for anything over the standard size and weight. I’ve observed that travelers often forget to bring protective cases, so remember that your gear should be packed sensibly to avoid damage—or even higher charges if it doesn’t fit normal bag protocols.

For active-duty military members, there’s good news: you can enjoy extra free baggage allowances. I’ve noticed that many service members choose Avelo particularly for this benefit when traveling with additional gear or personal items. Always be sure to bring official identification and check the specific rules, since other forms of military baggage privileges might differ.

Flexible Booking & On-Time Performance

6. Flexible Booking & On-Time Performance

Booking flexibility can be a lifesaver if your travel plans shift. Avelo generally has change and cancellation fees, but I recommend frequently checking their policies—I’ve seen them run promotions during off-peak months that allow free changes. Recently, I heard from a friend that making a change more than a week before takeoff saved her a steep penalty.

On-time performance is a big plus here. Avelo prides itself on an approximately 88% on-time departure rate. My own experience with Avelo flights aligns well with that figure, which is fairly competitive for a budget airline. Having a reliable schedule is especially valuable if you’re juggling connections or business appointments. If you want more comfort, I’ve paid anywhere from $6 to $13 for premium seats that add some extra legroom—worth it on longer hauls.

Credit Card Perks

7. Credit Card Perks & Final Thoughts

Baggage fees often sneak up on us, but certain travel rewards cards can help offset them. For instance, some Capital One and Chase products provide statement credits that effectively cover these costs. I encourage exploring the card you already hold—sometimes these benefits are hidden within the fine print of your membership agreement. With so many points-based strategies and incentives out there, it can be pretty exciting to see how these fees can diminish or even vanish.

Overall, Avelo’s model hinges on offering ultra-low base fares and then charging extra for bags. For me, the game plan is simple: pack wisely, pay for any baggage online well in advance, and think about credit card perks that help shoulder the load. You’ll get good value without letting extra fees spoil your travel budget.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Staying organized is the name of the game when flying with an ultra-low-cost carrier like Avelo. If you plan for bag fees early and keep a close eye on your allotments, you’ll be in control of your expenses. It’s also essential to know which options best fit your itinerary—maybe you’re okay with a single personal item for a quick weekend trip, or maybe you need multiple checked bags for an extended stay.

As of 2025, airfare trends suggest that these budget airlines aren’t going away. Their growing popularity means travelers will continue to weigh low ticket prices against ancillary charges. By doing a bit of homework, you can make that trade-off work in your favor. Knowledge, as they say, is baggage-power.

Sky Skylar’s Take

Given all I’ve read and observed, Avelo’s approach to baggage fees stands out for its simplicity—once you understand the guidelines. The fees might seem steep at first, but a little planning can keep everything affordable. I’ve seen countless flyers surprised at the gate by last-minute charges, so prepaying and limiting your luggage can genuinely spare you stress.

No matter how often you fly, there’s always more to learn about baggage rules and price-saving techniques. Smart travelers consistently do their homework, and with Avelo, that research is one of the best ways to ensure smooth skies.

Stay with us at BoardingArea for more.

Also on BoardingArea
Points With a Crew
Which Chase Ink card is best? (90,000 Ultimate Rewards or $1,000)
KEY LINKS: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card – Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. $0 annual fee. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card – Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Do This Instead of Ordering Room Service: Stupid Tip of the Day
Perhaps you suffered through a long day of traveling and taking care of what needed to be done during the day before finally returning to the hotel property at where you are staying — or maybe you are hungry but do not feel like leaving the hotel property. Do this...
Frequent Miler
Save 15% on IHG award stays if you’re a cardholder or have Platinum or Diamond status
IHG One Rewards has launched another award sale that gives a 15% discount for cardholders and/or those with Platinum or Diamond status. Cardholders get early access which starts today, while those with eligible status have to wait until Friday. The Deal Save 15% on IHG award stays as a cardholder and/or with...
One Mile at a Time
No Annual Fee Mesa Homeowners Card: Too Good To Be True?
Update: The card has a new offer for both new and existing members whereby you can earn 50,000 bonus points if you refer two people and spend $10,000 on the card, so I’ve updated the post to reflect that. Thanks to View from the Wing for flagging this. Link: Apply now...
View from the Wing
September 2025 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers
The best credit card offers are the quickest, easiest way to earn a large amount of miles and jump start your travel. These are the most lucrative. There are several new best-ever and limited-time offers that have come out over the last several weeks. Many of the offers on...
The Bulkhead Seat
Air France Begins Launch of Free High-Speed In-Flight Wi-Fi Across Its Fleet
Air France will become the first major European airline to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi to all customers on its flights. I first wrote about this back in September 2024 and the innovative service is now live with the airline equipping its fifth aircraft this week. This marks the introduction of...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: A220 to debut internationally with Brisbane–Wellington NZ flights
Qantas will debut its newest aircraft, the Airbus A220, on a trans-Tasman Brisbane–Wellington, New Zealand international route. From February 2026, the A220 will replace Embraer E190s and some Boeing 737s on the service. The A220s will fly up to three times per week on the route. The announcement marks the...
Altitude Yes
Japan’s Transport Ministry Issues Warning to JAL Amid Drunk Pilot Incidents
Japan’s transport ministry issued a warning to Japan Airlines over numerous delayed flights due to drinking pilots. This recent case in Honolulu comes just nine months after a similar incident in December in Melbourne, where two drinking pilots caused delays. Airline executives apologized during a press conference on Wednesday. “We take this...
ATX Jetsetter
Air France is Introducing Complimentary Wi-Fi Onboard
Earlier this week Air France announced that it would begin offering free Wi-Fi onboard its flights. However, the fleetwide rollout is far from complete. Air France is Offering Complimentary Wi-Fi for Flying Blue Members As of September 8, 2025, Air France is offering complimentary Wi-Fi for members of its Flying Blue...
Frequent Miler
Avios transfers are back between British Airways, Iberia & Aer Lingus
A couple of weeks ago, Avios suspended the ability to transfer between your British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus accounts. If you’d been waiting patiently for that feature to return, there’s good news: the ability to transfer has been reimplemented. There’s a bit of a change to how transfers are processed...
One Mile at a Time
Buy British Airways Club Avios With 40% Bonus (1.64 Cents Per Avios)
Buying airline points strategically can make a lot of sense, especially for first and business class redemptions, where redeeming points represents a disproportionately good deal. British Airways Club has just launched a bonus on purchased Avios, which some people might find to be worthwhile. While the program frequently sold Avios at...
View from the Wing
‘Every Worker Is Indian’: Here’s Why It Seems Like Nobody At London Heathrow Is British
A video recorded by an American passenger at London Heathrow Airport claims he couldn’t find a single British employee working there, that “every worker is Indian” and asking, “Where are the British people?” Let’s leave aside that the Indian-origin workers are very much British. “Not a single worker” from check-in...
View from the Wing
New 50,000 Point Bonus: No-Fee Mesa Card Pays Points On Your Mortgage + 3X On Daycare, Taxes & Insurance
I’m earning transferable points with no fee using the no annual fee Mesa card. You don’t even pay your mortgage with the card. You just tell them how much your mortgage is, and they award you the points as long as you spend $1,000 on the card each...
One Mile at a Time
Actress Fined $1,300+ For Bringing Jasmine Flower String Into Australia
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard a story like this, and it almost certainly won’t be the last time either… Celebrity fined for not declaring flowers in Australia Indian actress Navya Nair recently traveled to Australia for the Onam celebrations (a Hindu cultural festival), organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria....
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: WK1 Magnetic Dual-Beam Flashlight
I often see interesting travel related products that I think you guys might be interested in.  We’ve talked recently we talked about Gravel Toiletry Bags and blankets, the Evolutionary travel backpack, the RetraStrap luggage strap and the Uphold travel cutlery set, among others. Travel related Kickstarters: Gravix 4-in-1 Power Bank ($3,703 funded;...
The Bulkhead Seat
Southwest Airlines Will Add Four New Routes to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport
Avelo Airlines abandoned the West Coast this past summer. Among the airports cut was Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS). Southwest Airlines is now picking up two of the routes that got the axe along with two others from this California airport. New routes will begin on April 7th and...
Frequent Miler
Wyndham Amex Offer: Spend $100 & get $20 back (enrollment required)
A new Wyndham Amex Offer popped up a few days ago which has the potential to save you up to 20% on your next stay at a participating property in the US or Canada. The Deal Spend $100+ on room rate & room charges in one or more purchases at participating Wyndham...
Monkey Miles
Easy way to earn tons of Amex Points! Everything you need to know about earning Amex points via Rakuten
Personally, Rakuten is now my go-to portal since I value Membership Rewards over 1% meaning that for every 1% you see in cashback I apply a 2x multiple.  One way to think about this mentally is if you see 10% Cash Back listed you’ll be earning 10x Membership Rewards. Spend...
Miles To Memories
Best Rakuten Bonus, Join Now to Earn $50
Best Rakuten Bonus, Join Now to Earn $50 Rakuten today launched a signup bonus for new members, which is the highest ever offered by the shopping portal. If you join now through select referral links, you can earn $50. Check out the details below. The Offer If you don’t have a Rakuten account,...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Scenic Bear Mountain Bridge in New York
Note: This article pertaining to Scenic Bear Mountain Bridge in New York was originally published on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 3:41 in the morning and has been updated. The first thought which may come to your mind with the name Hudson River might be Manhattan. Perhaps New Jersey or the...
Monkey Miles
Highest Ever! Rakuten Referral Spend $50 get $50 – earn Membership Rewards as well.
New Members spend $50 get $50 *The biggest caveats here – you must be in the USA or Canada I’ve written extensively about Rakuten and using how using the Rakuten shopping portal is an easy way to rack up serious amounts of Amex points. I’ve earned over 250k+ Amex Points from Rakuten...
One Mile at a Time
Best-Ever $50 Rakuten New Member Bonus: A No-Brainer Deal
Link: Sign-up for a Rakuten account with a best-ever $50 bonus Online shopping portals can be a great way to pick up bonus points for purchases you’d make anyway. Just for following a specific link, you can earn bonus points or cash back in addition to the rewards you’d earn for...
{Tech} for Travel
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Add Heart Rate and Translation
Travellers and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate AirPods Pro 3 for its advanced design, extended battery life, heart rate sensor, and seamless on-the-go translation support. Credit Apple ...
View from the Wing
Airlines Made $28 Billion From Credit Cards—But One Gets 62% Of Its Revenue From Fees [Roundup]
News and notes from around the interweb: U.S. airlines collect over $28 billion from their credit card deals. Frontier Airlines leads the world with 62% ancillary revenue. Your fare is not the cost of your ticket! “Elsewhere in Nigeria, customs officials found a 40-foot shipping container filled with donkey genitals.”...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers