Going out of town for your next meeting? Better pack light. As of this month two airlines – United Airlines and U S Airways – will now charge customers for a second piece of checked luggage. Both airlines made the announcement back in February to start charging $50 per round trip for a second piece of checked baggage. According to United, the new checked bag fees will apply to customers buying nonrefundable tickets for domestic travel as well as travel to and from Canada. The new fee doesn’t apply to international travel or to United customers enrolled in its top-tier frequent flyer programs. U S Airways does include international travel, but will exempt active military personnel and unaccompanied minors from paying the extra bag fee. Southwest Airlines implemented a $50 fee (round trip) for checking a third bag this year.

Analysts are speculating that other airlines will follow suit with the extra baggage fees. This fee, coupled with rising airfares, is said to be a result of high fuel prices, and should help to ease some of the expenses facing airlines.

Travel and meeting planner experts say that packing light requires some thought, and offer these suggestions:

• Wear your bulkiest items. Sweats and running shoes can take up loads of space. If you don’t have to go directly from the airport to your meeting, wear them on your flight to stay comfortable and save packing space.
• Pack interchangeable outfits. Bring one suit, an extra pair of coordinating slacks (or skirt), several shirts and several ties or accessories so you can mix, match, and obtain a different look every day.
• Purchase toiletries once you arrive. Purchase small travel sizes once you get to your destination. Of course, many hotels offer guests these items.
• Roll, don’t fold, your clothes. It will give you more room – you can even roll entire outfits together.
• Pack items within items. For example, pack your socks inside of your shoes and your underwear inside pockets (don’t forget to take them out).
• Use luggage with many compartments. You’ll be surprised at how much you can stuff into all those little areas. Tip: Pack the things you need access to (passport, cell phone, and boarding pass) separately in an outside pocket.
• Ship bulky items ahead of time to your meeting destination. Check for their safe arrival before you head to the airport.
• Use airtight packing bags. These are plastic bags specially designed for storage and travel. Simply place the clothing in a bag and vacuum out the extra air. The result: clothes as thick as a sheet of cardboard. Bonus: if something spills, your clothes are protected.

With all of these packing tips there comes one caution – check the airline’s weight limits and don’t exceed them or you’ll end up paying anyway.