When you fly, baggage comes with a hefty price. But with the holidays only months away a group of hotels is helping travelers save big even if they're packing big.
Large or small, almost everyone walking into the San Antonio International Airport brings some sort of baggage with them. Some people carry-on to avoid pricey baggage fees, but others, like Amy Dice, had to check all her families luggage.
"We just had to spend $100 right now to get home to Oregon with four bags, so that's a lot of money," claims the mother.
Illinois couple, Debby and Don Draper, are packing smarter to bypass luggage fees.
"I think just about every airline charges for bags now," says Debby Draper. "And we pack minimal so we wouldn't have two bags to check."
Now the Drapers can relax and bring that extra suitcase on their trip. Intercontinental Hotels Group, who represents over 4,000 properties around the world, like Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crown Plaza, and many others, are offering to reimburse travelers up to $50 for the cost of their checked luggage for each weekend they stay at one of their properties now through December 30, 2010.
"We know people travel a lot during that time," says frequent flyer Don Knezek. "Of course my own family is now scattered to the point where we try to get back together Thanksgiving or Christmas."
Some say this promotion takes the hassle out of having to roll your bags from gate to gate and even keeps your wallet from taking a hit.
Amy Dice agrees. "Every little bit helps. I mean we're all clipping coupons and doing what we can to save every little bit of money. So I think it's a great idea."
"For the average traveler who travels occasionally," states Knezek, "I think the benefit of offsetting the cost of the bags will make a big difference."
For information on how to take advantage of the free luggage rebate or a list of participating hotels, log on to Intercontinental Hotels Group's website here: IHG
