Beware packing too much and flying Southwest

[Disney Panda]

I overpack most of the time especially any time I travel with my 2-year old DS . 12/4 was the first time I've flown Southwest and two of our bags were overweight. We had to pay a charge of $25 per bag. So weigh those bags before you go!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Charging for overweight luggage is becoming the norm, and ALL airlines are really strict about it.

 

[Boston5602]

I think $25.00 is cheap for overweight bags. I thought most airlines START at $50.00 and go up depending on the weight.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You may well be right - and what's particularly interesting here is that Southwest allows each passenger THREE checked bags. Yeah, sure, hard to maneuver with a two year old - but at least no overweight charges.

 

[cybrkitn]

We almost had that problem the day we came back from Dis on 11/1. I could hardly lift DH's suitcase and when a CM weighed it, the suitcase was 50lbs. However, when we got to the airport, I believe it weighed at 48lbs. Don't know why there was a 2lb difference .

When we were packing, I was telling him that we might have to buy another suitcase. But I didn't know if Everything Pop had any. Luckily, we didn't need it. But next time, I'm going to try and remember to make sure I leave room for souveniers or possibly take an empty suitcase

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

US Airways charges $50.00 for overweight bags.

All the airlines are very strict about weight limits.

 

[debster812]

We almost had that problem the day we came back from Dis on 11/1. I could hardly lift DH's suitcase and when a CM weighed it, the suitcase was 50lbs. However, when we got to the airport, I believe it weighed at 48lbs. Don't know why there was a 2lb difference .

When we were packing, I was telling him that we might have to buy another suitcase. But I didn't know if Everything Pop had any. Luckily, we didn't need it. But next time, I'm going to try and remember to make sure I leave room for souveniers or possibly take an empty suitcase

I was actually in WDW for a long weekend with some girlfriends. I planned on doing quite a bit of Christmas shopping while I was there. I packed my clothes for my weekend in my small suitcase, and then put the small one, inside the large empty one. I was under the weight limit, and had plenty of room coming back.

I know this won't work for everyone, but it worked like a charm for me.

 

[vacation dreamer]

I overpack most of the time especially any time I travel with my 2-year old DS . 12/4 was the first time I've flown Southwest and two of our bags were overweight. We had to pay a charge of $25 per bag. So weigh those bags before you go!

Lately I've seen people repacking their bags to even out the weight.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We have purchased new luggage and it's all smaller sizes.We always carry our DVC tote in one of the bags just in case.

On our last trip with SW we were 1lb over and the CSR was making a big deal out of it . I just told her to wait a minute and I would make it right. We had plenty of time and I know this will happen sometimes.Well when I started to adjust she said never mind and let it go.

I can understand their point as 50lb is heavy for 1 person to throw around without damage or hurting themselves .his is why we are going to the smaller bags and do just a few more of them.

 

[CarolA]

Just a note... Delta has placed scales at thier check in area. If you think you have overpacked and are flying Delta please check before you go up to check in. (the scales are just where you enter the Kiosk check in area) that will allow you to "repack" without delaying the rest of the people in line.

And then when you get home go through that luggage. LOOK VERY CAREFULLY at each thing you unpack. Ask yourself "Did I really need this?" Remember you are not moving to Orlando and/or going to a third world country! Just because "if the world comes to an end I could need this" is not a reason to pack it!

 

[Lyndarella]

About a year ago, I flew Northwest, and had just one suitcase, which was over-weight. They gave me the option of purchasing a cardboard box from them for $10! That gave me 2 "suitcases" that were OK.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You know, I figure - if I can't lift my suitcase (into the car, for example), it's too heavy and I'm bringing too much stuff
Next trip: clothing only. I will have a rental car (GREAT deal from National, by the way) and I know where the nearest Walgreen's is...