Every airline, with the exception of Southwest, is charging to check your bags. Not only are the airlines charging for bags, but they are weighing our luggage with increased scrutiny. Gone are the days of curbside check-in without putting your luggage on the scales. When we first moved overseas six years ago, the weight limit per bag was 75 lbs. The per bag weight limit is now 50 lbs. I have also noticed that no matter how accurate your scale at home is, the airline's scale is always 2 - 3 lbs. heavier.
On our recent three-legged, cross-country adventure, I knew that I wanted to reduce the amount of luggage, and therefore the amount of baggage fees as much as possible. I knew I would have ready access to a washer and dryer in the first two legs of our trip. Also, being in three different locales, there was less worry about wearing "repeat" outfits.
On our recent three-legged, cross-country adventure, I knew that I wanted to reduce the amount of luggage, and therefore the amount of baggage fees as much as possible. I knew I would have ready access to a washer and dryer in the first two legs of our trip. Also, being in three different locales, there was less worry about wearing "repeat" outfits.
I painstakingly limited the amount of clothing we were bringing and was able to pack for three children and one adult in ONE suitcase. Our bag weighed in at precisely 50 lbs. The ticket agent awarded me "Passenger of the Day." Admittedly, I was disappointed to learn that it wasn't an actual award.
My husband was utterly amazed. I was able to reduce our luggage fees from $150 to just $75. After taking this trip, I realized that I had packed a few items for myself that I could've left at home. I'm definitely going to try to pack smarter in the future, especially if laundry services are readily available.
One thing I didn't consider was the items added to our cargo throughout our trip. This added a considerable amount of weight. Fortunately I was able to include some of the excess weight in our car seat bag along with the children's car seats. At the present time, the airlines consider car seats as a "baby item" or a "device" and do not charge for checking this item. I always verify that there has not been a change in this policy before flying. In my opinion, it's just a matter of time before they start charging for car seats and strollers as well.
My husband was utterly amazed. I was able to reduce our luggage fees from $150 to just $75. After taking this trip, I realized that I had packed a few items for myself that I could've left at home. I'm definitely going to try to pack smarter in the future, especially if laundry services are readily available.
One thing I didn't consider was the items added to our cargo throughout our trip. This added a considerable amount of weight. Fortunately I was able to include some of the excess weight in our car seat bag along with the children's car seats. At the present time, the airlines consider car seats as a "baby item" or a "device" and do not charge for checking this item. I always verify that there has not been a change in this policy before flying. In my opinion, it's just a matter of time before they start charging for car seats and strollers as well.
**TRAVEL TIPS:
- Always verify your airline's baggage policies before flying. We flew two legs of our flight without paying for the car seats, but on the third leg of our flight (JFK to SFO), the airline agent was going to charge us for checking the car seats. I insisted he check with a supervisor regarding this policy and twenty minutes later I was vindicated. He ended up giving us one checked bag free for his error. The airlines' policies change so frequently, that even their employees are not always aware of them.
- Pack an extra, light-weight duffle bag in your suitcase that way if your luggage weighs over you can carry on the extra items, provided you don't already have 2 carry on items per person.
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