Beware Of Airline "weigh In"

[makaylee]

Originally posted by rae519
WE do make a good pair, don't we?!!!!!! Considering the average size of the American woman is 14, we aren't doing too bad! Come on down and I'll get you a nice row of stalls to muck out - that will give you weight loss if nothing else does!!!

IF you hear my horse groan, then we know I'm too fat!!! He might want to ride me!!!

Rae

Rae, you about knocked me out of my chair!

Actually I would love to muck out your stalls! I love horses. We don't have any, but there is a farm in my back yard (my neighbors) and they have horses, sheep cows, etc. I love looking out my frenchdoors and seeing them. Actually I'm doing it right now. Gorgeous!

 

[jodifla]

This is why my family avoids flying these days whenever possible.
We used to fly all the time.

Airline travel these days is a nightmare for families, and airlines don't make it any easier on people with their ever-changing rules and the rude way they treat people.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by jodifla
and the rude way they treat people.

Customer service isn't what it used to be, that's for sure!!!

Worst experience is going to a 5 Star restaurant after DCL and seeing how LOUSY the service is there. Makes me want to cry!! I sure do love my DCL servers!!!

Rae

 

[tap & dap]

The weight restrictions are getting crazy. Most airlines are now 50 lbs. and 2 bags each. On a recent Aloha Airlines flight from Kona to Honolulu, they weighed our carry on bags as well, we were only allowed 25 lbs. each. One of our carry on bags had 2 pin bags (met some great people pin trading in Honolulu) in it and weighed 40 lbs., they made us check it at no additional cost. It was just crazy.

I will take Southwest Airlines any day 3 Bags each and up to 70 lbs.

 

[dharma517]

If the armrest is pointing at the ceiling (can't go down at all)...it is time to buy two seats! I did see a very interesting thing that an obese couple came up with so they wouldn't have to buy 3 seats so they could go over into the middle seat. They purchased two aisle seats!!! UGH...so instead they got become very cozy with both myself AND the person in the opposite aisle. And don't even get me started on the commotions of trying to get the drink cart thru! Not fat bashing here just wishing people would be courteous!
Jenn

 

[two-foxes]

Here's what we've worked out, as we are notorious overpackers and our big suitcase is BIG! We try to estimate the weight of the bag after it is packed by doing the whole weigh yourself with and without the bag thing. We have found that to be not that accurate for whatever reason. So, we pack all our stuff in the 2 1/2 gallon ziplock bags and pack it in the big suitcase like normal, then we throw this foldable duffle bag we got at wal mart in the front pocket of the BIG suitcase. So, when we weigh in, and it is over (almost always) we take out the duffle, unload a few ziploc bags, then check the duffle in, too. It takes all of 2 minutes. On our last trip, we were 50 lbs on the nose....so we may have mastered the weight thing.

As far as the constant restrictions with airlines....as long as they get me to my destination safely, I will jump through the hoops...maybe not with a constant smile, but some inconvience must be met for safety of all, IMO.

 

[jgalecpa]

We always pack extra suitcases for things we buy, but now they are also used to disperse weight.

Lightweight nylon bags are good for dirty laundry, which can actually weigh a lot. Think jeans, etc.

We now have a new routine where I stand on a Bathroom scale with and without a piece of luggage and we move things around until we get to the magic 50 lb number.

I also understand it is a personal injury thing for the employees thing.

Jim

 

[ErikdaRed]

As I understand it the weight and linear size limits have been around forever (as well as bag limits). I remember reading on my ticket about 20yrs ago and they had them then. Its just that recently as the airlines hemorrhage money they see the fines as secondary income (they expect people to pay the fines, since they are basically a captive audience).

 

[jodifla]

That's right. They basically try to extort money out of you once you're already there, because what can you do? Not fly? Not go on your trip?

And the airlines wonder why they are losing money so badly!

 

[ZebraStripes]

Originally posted by two-foxes
Here's what we've worked out, as we are notorious overpackers and our big suitcase is BIG! We try to estimate the weight of the bag after it is packed by doing the whole weigh yourself with and without the bag thing. We have found that to be not that accurate for whatever reason. So, we pack all our stuff in the 2 1/2 gallon ziplock bags and pack it in the big suitcase like normal, then we throw this foldable duffle bag we got at wal mart in the front pocket of the BIG suitcase. So, when we weigh in, and it is over (almost always) we take out the duffle, unload a few ziploc bags, then check the duffle in, too. It takes all of 2 minutes. On our last trip, we were 50 lbs on the nose....so we may have mastered the weight thing.

two-foxes -- I like your idea. I think I'll give it a try this weekend. In Februry we caught heck from Delta for being two pounds over. (This was after she gave my DD8 a serious anxiety attack telling her that there wasn't anything she could do about getting seats together. She would have to sit alone). They don't have to be as rude as they are about it.

Kris

 

[gottaluvdis]

One of our suitcases was over the weight limit last October in MCO on our return. Southwest was very nice about it and the baggage handler let it go without imposing the fine. I've since learned to weigh all bags before departing, and adding an extra duffle for return items. We're also taking an extra suitcase on our trip at the end of the month (used to check 2 big ones; now checking 3 big ones). We'll be carrying on less though. Not all airlines are snooty about it, which is another reason I'll continue flying Southwest. We also usually end collecting all kinds of items at my in-laws prior to going to Disney, so we end up sending those to ourselves via UPS so we don't have to deal with lugging them on the plane.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by lori saxman
A short time ago while at MCO I was fined $25.00 for luggage that exceeded the airline's (Northwest Airlines) weight limit, which I believe was 50lbs per item. (My luggage was @ 62lbs) I was very rudely told by the NWA ticket agent to either unpack 10lbs. of my luggage or pay the fine. Well, needless to say, I was not going to make the HUGE line of people behind me wait so I could unpack "10lbs." of clothing (plus my other bag was already filled to the brim!) So I had to pay ! Just a word to the wise for all fellow DIS travlers, pack lite, or do as I did-- This is a great excuse to purchase some addtional new luggage. That way I can "spread my weight around"


Can't WAIT For Our Upcoming DCL Adventure July 22!!!!!!

Excellent advice, THANKS!

 

[jazstar87]

Has any one heard of any cruise that had a 30 pound bag limit per person? A TA told us that there was a 30 pound limit, but we never heard of such a thing.

 

[Jamashp]

USAirways policy as per their website: (Domestic Flights Only)

For each ticketed customer, US Airways will transport free of charge a maximum of three bags:
Up to two (2) bags may be checked free of charge
One (1) bag may be transported as carry-on


Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a weight of 50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and height.


Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece per customer, plus a personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop, small backpack, diaper bag or camera case. The personal item cannot exceed total overall dimensions of 36 inches, and the other item of baggage cannot exceed the following maximum dimensions:

Valet Closet--4x23 1/2x45
Overhead Stowage--10x16x24
Underseat Stowage--8x16x21
Both items cannot exceed a total combined weight of 40 pounds. Carry-on baggage allowance may be restricted due to lack of space.

 

[ruvidu]

When leaving MCO after a week at WDW back in Dec. the same think happened to us. We were given the option of purchasing a cardboard box and repacking or paying $$$. We took the money option. As soon as I got home I found a set of fish weighing scales that go up to 50#. It also has a built in tape measure that is 39" long. The whole thing is only 5" long and will fit in the outside pocket of our suitcases. I ordered it from Bass Pro Shops on line, item # 38-489-071-00. The cost is $5.99 plus shipping. Cheaper than a $25 fine.

Have a great trip all.

Russ

 

[rae519]

I think I'm going to pack a small fabric suitcase - JUST IN CASE!!

Rae

 

[makaylee]

Thats what i'll be doing also. I'm gonna stuff a nylon duffle bag in one of my suitcases incase we buy to many goodies on the ship. I'm not paying $25 again! I'm not! I'm not!

 

[Sarah'sMomfrom PA]

We flew last summer to Missouri on Northwest Airlines and decided to pack light and only bring two suitcases (for three people for two weeks)--our one bag was 52 lbs and the other one was 54 lbs and they refused to check them in because they were over the weight limit--I would not pay the $25.00 per suitcase because I felt that I had a valid complaint--I could have packed 6 suitcases for the 3 of us with a 300 lbs weight limit or limit myself and family to just two suitcases that weighed 106 lbs total--the customer service agent told me that union regulations forbid them to check in (without paying extra) any bag over 50 lbs. There was a line of people behind me and after getting no satisfaction from the supervisor, I proceeded to open the bags up and take my time getting the 6 lbs. out of the bags. Sorry passengers behind me but you should complain to the people weighing the bags--300 lbs which I was allowed or 106 lbs which I had. I felt that it was the principle of the thing--there was no way I was going to pay $50.00 extra for 6 lbs. especially since the tickets were not that cheap to begin with.

 

[SandraLee]

I think it is reasonable to keep the luggage to 50 pounds or less. Really. Just weigh it before you leave your home and check. It is not that hard. I have taken to NOT bringing my gargantuan size suitcase and I use the smaller roller board. It works better, anyway. I know *I* would not want to lift 80 pound suitcases all the time.

I guess the problem is not with the weight limit, but with the passengers *knowing* about the weight limit.

I do also put in a folded canvas bag for emergencies! If I have too much stuff, I can always repack and check extra.

I think it is rude to make a line of passengers wait while unpacking / repacking a suitcase. Why punish those passengers for your problem? If I was in the line behind you, I would have politely asked for you to step aside and let thru those behind.

With all that said, they should have a scale there so you can check the weight before standing in line.

 

[CAMICKEY]

After reading this, I just had to relate this story to everyone for a laugh. I hope no one gets offended as it is not intended in that light. When my DW and DS and myself were flying out of Ontario airport when they first put these restrictions on, we were waiting in line for America West. In fron of us were two guys and in fornt of them were two young ladies (shall I say around 25ish). My wife and I were wondering what the holdup was for these two ladies. Well the ticket lady said. Your suitcase wighs 82 lbs and we are going to have to charge you for the extra weight. She immediately started pulling all sorts of shoes (I counted 7 different shoe varieties) and started passign them to her friend. Still too much. She then asked the two guys behind them in line where they were going. It turned out they were going to Las Vegas as well. The girl then asked them if she could put some of her luggage in their luggage. Now the girls were fairly attractive, so the guys relented. Well here's the kicker. This young lady was only going to Las Vegas for one night and one day. 82 lbs for one day, one night and part of the next day. My wife and I cracked up laughing. Well the young lady gave us some dirty looks for laughing but what the hey. That's life. - Mike