(ABC 6 News) – Traveling can be an exciting adventure but don’t let that adventure begin at the airport check-in desk trying to navigate luggage rules. Consumer Reports has some easy pre-travel tips to help you navigate your way through a seamless travel experience.

As many of us know, navigating airline luggage rules can sometimes turn that excitement, into a challenge.

“I had to pay an extra charge for my luggage, for each luggage, so it was really expensive,” said Zamira Vergara who recently traveled to Colombia.

A Consumer Reports survey found that 40% of people who flew in the past year chose a higher fare just to avoid baggage fees. We’re not just talking about checked bags. In CR’s survey, 30% percent of the Americans who had flown in the past year paid for a carry-on bag.

Consumer Reports says careful planning when you book your ticket, may save you money. Not to mention a headache later at the airport.

“It’s always smart when booking a flight to check to see if your airline offers a discount for prepaying baggage fees online,’ said Deb Silber with Consumer Reports.

Keep in mind that luggage marked as “carry-on size” can be bigger than those standard dimensions. CR found that during its recent luggage testing, a bag that should get in most overhead bins and not break the bank is the Amazon Basics 21-inch hard-side spinner for about $80.

For now, most airlines will still let you bring a personal item for free – so make the most of it.

“A great choice for that personal item is a travel backpack. A good one will have plenty of compartments that are easy to access in-flight, but also be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you,” added Silber.

The Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC for $199 was a staff favorite – along with the eBags Pro Slim for $75.

Two more tips: Be sure to sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program. If you travel often on the same airline, you might consider its co-branded credit card for more perks. Though those cards can sometimes carry high fees.