To the dismay of travelers, most major airlines have recently begun to demand unprecedented fees for baggage check and oversize luggage.

Air-travel giants, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, have all fallen on hard times as a result of an unpredictable recession and ever-rising jet-fuel prices, and now they are passing some of that pain along to their passengers.

Some airlines now charge at least $15 for a first checked bag, with the price increasing exponentially thereafter. Furthermore, luggage deemed overweight by the airline can cost its owner up to $50 in many cases. Check a couple of bags or one heavy one, and your budget could take a considerable hit.

The reality is that many of us will still board flights to some of our favorite destinations this summer despite the marked-up costs. That being the case, there are plenty of tricks you should employ to minimize your luggage-related expenses.

Change your way of thinking

“Think in terms of what you can do without,” says travel guru Rick Steves, “not what will be handy on your trip.” That advice cannot be overstated. Ask yourself how many times you’ve packed something for a trip, and then forgot you even had it until you got home. It is far too easy to want to stuff everything into your luggage “just in case,” but the packer who exercises a little self-control will be rewarded with a lighter bag and a lighter bill. And besides, if you leave your snorkel gear at home, is it really going to ruin your vacation?

Ditch the liquids and gels

The Transportation Security Administration forbids any containers of liquid or gel exceeding 3 ounces to be carried onto a plane. Those who can’t go without their preferred shampoo and conditioner often throw the whole bottles into a suitcase. Those striving for efficiency break out the lab equipment necessary for transferring suntan lotion into 3-ounce tubes. However, the shrewdest space-saving traveler understands that most toiletries are offered at every hotel in the world, enabling them to safely leave theirs at home. Don’t forget that towels are also provided at hotels, often eliminating the need to pack them.

Start with a smaller bag

Nutritionists often say people eat too much simply because they use too large of plates and are subconsciously compelled to fill the entire dish with food. The same theory applies to packing. If you start with a gigantic suitcase, you will find enough items to completely fill it. Instead, begin with a carry-on size backpack or duffle, and upgrade to a full-size suitcase only as a last resort.

Compressibility is crucial

The most serious obstacle to efficient packing is items that don’t compress well, like shoes and thick sweatshirts. The simplest solution is to just bring fewer of these space-hogging commodities. However, since traveling the world barefoot is an undesirable prospect, there are other ways minimize volume.

One crafty, little-used method is to stuff your shoes with anything that will fit, such as underwear and, appropriately, socks. Rolling up your clothing is another proven technique. Not only is it more volume-efficient than traditional folding, it reduces wrinkling as well.

Fashion matters

A good strategy for the fashion-conscious is to take only one or two pairs of shoes which color-coordinate with everything you’re bringing. That goes for your entire travel wardrobe: If bringing your favorite top means you also need to pack the perfect sandals and hat to go with it, you might consider leaving the whole ensemble behind. It can be invaluable to plan your travel duds around one or two basic colors so that all of your garments can be worn interchangeably.

Reach contributing writer Will Giersch at specials@dailyuw.com.