2012Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport forum
Obtaining media rate discounts for excess baggage when traveling with film and broadcast equipment
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Multiple US airlines including Delta, American, and Southwest offer media rates that allow checked baggage up to 100 pounds per item at a reduced fee (typically $50), rather than standard overweight charges.
- Airlines typically request official identification such as a press badge or media card to verify eligibility for media rates, though policies and enforcement vary by counter agent.
- Custom ID cards can be produced affordably from online printing services and designed using browser-based tools or personal design software, allowing freelancers and independent contractors to create company identification.
- Some counter agents lack familiarity with their own airline's media rate policies and weight limits, requiring passengers to provide printouts of official policy documentation.
- First class upgrades purchased at the airport within 6 hours of departure may sometimes cost less than excess baggage fees while also allowing higher weight limits and additional checked bags.
- International flights to Canada may not qualify for domestic US media rate policies.
- Bring a printout of the specific airline's media rate policy when traveling, as counter agents do not always have accurate information about weight limits and eligibility requirements.
Depends on
- The discussion focuses exclusively on US domestic travel, with limited information about international carriers and cross-border flights.
- Media rate availability has decreased over time, with some airlines no longer offering the discount at all.
- Individual counter agents enforce eligibility requirements inconsistently, with some accepting business cards or self-made identification while others require official badges.
- Some regional commuter airlines operating under a major carrier's name may have exemptions from parent company policies.
- System glitches have been reported in at least one airline's baggage weight limit settings.
- Airlines do not uniformly recognize self-produced ID cards, and policies vary by airport and agent.