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U.S. airlines provide significant discounts for media representatives when transporting their luggage. These airlines make exceptions to support news outlets, so media professionals don’t need to worry about the high costs of carrying equipment across the U.S. While similar discounts might be available with other airlines, this article focuses on those based in the U.S. It’s important to confirm current rates directly with each airline, as they can change.
Virgin America
Virgin America offers some of the best conditions for media representatives. The standard baggage fee is $N for up to 10 pieces. However, with a valid media credential (from a television company, sports organization, or film production company), media professionals can bring up to 25 pieces at $N each. This applies to domestic flights within the U.S. and Mexico. Overweight or oversized bags will incur additional charges.
Virgin recommends contacting the airline in advance to discuss baggage registration for large amounts of luggage, and in some cases, they may provide a special check-in area.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offers special rates for media representatives. According to their policy:
“Cameras, film, video tapes, lighting and sound equipment checked by television companies or commercial film studios will be accepted as baggage at the rates listed below. A company ID with a logo is required.”
Even with proper identification, you will need to pay standard Delta rates. For domestic flights, the first bag costs $N, the second costs $n. However, as a media representative, you can check from 3 to 25 bags for $N each on domestic flights and $N on international flights.
Alaska Air
Alaska Airlines allows media representatives to check an unlimited amount of baggage! The first and second bags cost $N each, with subsequent bags priced at $N. If a bag weighs between 51-100 pounds or exceeds 62 linear inches, an additional charge of $N applies. However, with media credentials, some restrictions can be waived.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers a special media rate. To access this rate, media professionals need to present:
- Media accreditation,
- A staff ID from an entertainment, media, or production company,
- Baggage cases with company logos.
You can check up to 25 pieces of luggage. The first two bags are priced at standard rates, and the remaining ones cost $N for domestic flights and $N for international flights.
Hawaiian Airlines
One of the main benefits of flying with Hawaiian Airlines is their free transportation of boxes containing pineapples or papayas! However, this is unlikely to help filmmakers. Hawaiian allows an unlimited amount of baggage, though at varying rates. For domestic flights, the first bag costs $N, the second $N, and the third and subsequent bags are $N. For North American flights, the third and subsequent bags are priced at $N. Oversized baggage will cost more, and items larger than 80 linear inches will not be accepted.
WestJet
WestJet, a Canadian airline, is strict about baggage policies. The maximum allowed is 4 bags per passenger, with no special provisions for media representatives. The costs are as follows:
- First bag: $N CAD,
- Second bag: $N CAD,
- Third and fourth bags: $N CAD.
If your flight involves a partner airline, it’s a good idea to check their rules in advance.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers favorable terms for media representatives. To qualify for the special rate, contact an Entertainment Sales Representative in advance or email entertainment.service@aa.com. Once your status is confirmed, you can check up to 25 bags. On domestic flights, each bag costs $N, and on international flights, the cost is $N. Overweight or oversized baggage is not covered.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, a budget carrier, does not provide discounts for media representatives. Rates vary by route, so it’s recommended to check the details before flying. Negotiating with them can be difficult, but you can try reaching out via Media_Relations@Spirit.com.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers special rates for media representatives upon request. You can send an inquiry to corpcomm@jetblue.com. Their standard baggage rates are as follows:
- First bag: $N,
- Second bag: $N,
- Subsequent bags: $N.
The maximum number of bags allowed is 3, but additional bags may be negotiated with “special circumstances.”
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is not particularly convenient for transporting large amounts of luggage. The only free item is a small personal item (8″ x 14″ x 18″). You will need to pay for carry-on luggage!
Estimated rates:
- First bag: $N,
- Second bag: $N,
- Third and subsequent bags: $N.
No special rates are available for media representatives.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has a special baggage policy for “Cameras and Film,” which is a good sign! The first two bags are free. Additional bags cost $75 each. If you confirm your media representative status, you will not need to pay for overweight or oversized luggage.
Air Canada
Canadian travelers are less fortunate, as there are no special rates unless you’re military personnel. However, there are no limits on the number of bags, but you should contact the cargo department (1-800-387-4865) before your flight.
Restrictions: 50 pounds per bag, 62 linear inches. Rates vary by route:
- First bag: $N CAD,
- Second bag: $N CAD,
- Third and subsequent bags: $N CAD,
- Overweight/oversized baggage: $N CAD.
Conclusion: If you have a lot of equipment, flying with Air Canada can be expensive.
Each airline offers different terms for media representatives. If you’re transporting a significant amount of equipment, it’s best to check the carrier’s policy in advance and, if necessary, request a special rate.
For even more travel tips and updates, check out Option Trip!