Luggage Surcharge - Beware!

[JuJuJasmine]

I posted this on the Budget Board, but thought it would be helpful here, as well...

Just in case you haven't heard - any piece of checked baggage over 50 pounds is being charged a per pound surcharge. I don't have all of the details but a local woman was just singing her tale of woe...to the tune of $80! She packed one large wheeled suitcase for herself and her 1 year old daughter. As she was travelling alone, she thought one bag would be easier to handle with the little one. She did her best to fight the charge but got nowhere!
So - if you're going on a long trip, are a heavy packer, or all of the other countless possibilities of why your bag may weigh in at more than 50 pounds, I encourage you to call your airline and check their rules.
Oh yeah - don't forget all the extra stuff (gifts, etc) that you may come home with.
JuJu

 

[hercamore]

Very timely reminder and I feel for that woman and DD.

On our past two trips, have been taking an extra small bag along to check thru with our heavy shoes and jackets, etc. This really saves space and weight in our big bags.

herc.

 

[n2mm]

Also remember that you are only allowed 2 checked bags per person. We also use to do one large and one medium bag for the 2 of us, now have to take 3 medium bags. We also pack a foldable bag (duffle) in our suitcases, pack it with the dirty stuff and put our soveirners in the suitcases for the return home. Also you are allowed one carry on bag and I think the weight is 40 or 45 pounds and a certain size.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by n2mm
Also remember that you are only allowed 2 checked bags per person. We also use to do one large and one medium bag for the 2 of us, now have to take 3 medium bags. We also pack a foldable bag (duffle) in our suitcases, pack it with the dirty stuff and put our soveirners in the suitcases for the return home. Also you are allowed one carry on bag and I think the weight is 40 or 45 pounds and a certain size.

The size of the carry on depends on the airline. Some just limit the size, others limit the size and the weight. Some airlines allow 3 checked pieces of luggage. As I said, it depends on the airlines and I would strongly advise folks to check with their specific airlines and avoid surprises.

 

[n2mm]

Gail, I didn't know that. I thought all domestic flights only allowed 2 checked bags p/p. I usually only fly Delta/soon to be Song and United. Only 2 non-stops out of Dulles to MCO. Maybe for those bigger vacations I'll have to check around....probably not. 2 bags is OK with me especially vs a non-stop flight out of Wash. DC--only 2 hours!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by n2mm
Gail, I didn't know that. I thought all domestic flights only allowed 2 checked bags p/p. I usually only fly Delta/soon to be Song and United. Only 2 non-stops out of Dulles to MCO. Maybe for those bigger vacations I'll have to check around....probably not. 2 bags is OK with me especially vs a non-stop flight out of Wash. DC--only 2 hours!!

Ah, the beauty of this board, we learn from each other ( I learn something new each day).
I do know that when we fly to Jamaica we are only allowed two checked items on both Air Jam and American.

SWA is very generous with their baggage allowance, yet another reason why I like them so much.
70#, 3 bags checked, (I hate carryons), life is good.

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

Gail I wholeheartedly agree with you here! LOL

 

[Claudia1]

I got charged $40 for a bag that was just 10# over. Delta had a flat rate of $40/bag.

We have flown with 4 very large bags in the past so I watched for good luggage sales and bought some smaller, new ones. In the long run, it will be cheaper than paying for overweight bags.

On our last trip, I shipped formula, diapers, and other heavier items to to resort to avoid an extra suitcase. It cost me $15 but it was well worth it to me for all I sent. By using smaller suitcases, we had more cases to handle (7 for 6 people plus our carryons and the stroller).

 

[n2mm]

I agree, even when you think you've heard everything, boom, something else. Recently I heard a co-worker talking about buying luggage and I became obsessed about warning her not to get anything too big. We just got back a couple of weeks ago and was a little worried when they put my bags on a scale. My husband always says that if I can lift it, it isn't over 50 pounds because I'm a weaklyn. Secretly, I did find myself putting my suitcases on our bathroom scale just to make sure......sad isn't it?

 

[Ralph&Pam]

ATA is also a 70 lb limit for checked bags on domestic flights. The overweight charge is a flat $50 per overweight bag. My DW's suitcase is usually right around 45-50 lb; that's plenty heavy when I carry it down the stairs.

Ralph

 

[vellamint]

Just back and flew Delta's Song.......my bag (with very little for me - packed to the gills with snacks and everyones toiletries!) was overweight but I think the fact that I curbside checked in and tipped the skycap saved me! He just came over and said next time the bag can't be that heavy!!!!

Needless to say - on the way home - we did curbside!!

 

[Mel6197]

I got a nice Big Bag, Since it will be only me and my daughter this trip, Ive been throwing in exta's I have, Suprises etc. Well I weighed the Luggage and its 45pounds.. Flysong Only is up to 50 Pounds..

So Since I only have the one suitcase and Cant Return it, (bought it on sale, awhile ago and threw away the recipt) What do you all suggest I do??
I Planed on 2 carry ons, One of my cameras film 1 extra outfit incase my daughter gets airsick
And her book Bag with Snacks, and Stuff to do on the plane. .

Any Tips Suggestions!!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Mel6197
I got a nice Big Bag, Since it will be only me and my daughter this trip, Ive been throwing in exta's I have, Suprises etc. Well I weighed the Luggage and its 45pounds.. Flysong Only is up to 50 Pounds..

So Since I only have the one suitcase and Cant Return it, (bought it on sale, awhile ago and threw away the recipt) What do you all suggest I do??
I Planed on 2 carry ons, One of my cameras film 1 extra outfit incase my daughter gets airsick
And her book Bag with Snacks, and Stuff to do on the plane. .

Any Tips Suggestions!!

You will be allowed 2 checked bags per person. If you bought your daughter a seat you can have a total of 4 checked bags between the two of you. Still use your large suitcase just don't overfill it. Buy an inexpensive duffle bag or other light weight piece of luggage to balance out other items. Rent a "Smarte Carte" near the luggage carousel to tote your luggage and you will be fine. I always use my duffle type bag as the dirty clothes bag at the hotel. Renting a smarte carte is approx $3. You will have more bags to handle this way but it is better than paying the overweight fees

 

[Wendynjane]

I recently was charged $25 each for two overweight bags. One of the bags was only over by 3 pounds and they still charged me. I had a MEAN skycap at curbside check-in who decided he was going to take it upon himself to make United an extra $50. He searched far and wide for a scale and finally got my bags weighed. Actually, all of his scale searching took 20 MINUTES and with security waits we almost missed our flight. Even after several customer service agents said "just put it here, I'll check them in" he would say, "no, I want these bags weighed". Needless to say, I wasn't too happy. Not sure what his deal was but those same bags went outbound with no problem at all, their policy seems to be extremely random so you never know when it could be you. Believe me, I'll be weighing my bags at home from now on.

 

[Lewisc]

Very surprised (unless your other bag was VERY OVERWEIGHT) usually the skycaps don't want to forfeit the tips we give them. There was a rumor that some airlines were giving the skycaps a cut of the fees.

Originally posted by Wendynjane
I recently was charged $25 each for two overweight bags. One of the bags was only over by 3 pounds and they still charged me. I had a MEAN skycap at curbside check-in who decided he was going to take it upon himself to make United an extra $50. He searched far and wide for a scale and finally got my bags weighed. Actually, all of his scale searching took 20 MINUTES and with security waits we almost missed our flight. Even after several customer service agents said "just put it here, I'll check them in" he would say, "no, I want these bags weighed". Needless to say, I wasn't too happy. Not sure what his deal was but those same bags went outbound with no problem at all, their policy seems to be extremely random so you never know when it could be you. Believe me, I'll be weighing my bags at home from now on.

 

[Wendynjane]

My bags weren't really overweight, as I said, one was 52 or 53 and one was 55 pounds and they went out without even a blink so obviously they weren't huge. I don't know if they are getting a cut of the fees or not but they are definitely forfeiting tips with that sort of behavior. I tip EVERYBODY, even if I've had horrible service I still tip as I figure the person is, in most cases, trying their best. For the first time ever, I didn't tip him, not at all. Of course I felt guilty about it later but he was such a jerk I just couldn't bring myself to do it at the time. Lesson learned for me, I will definitely make sure I'm not even close to the fifty pound limit from now on.

 

[seashoreCM]

You should not withhold tips or call the guy a mean guy because he is following the rules. He might have been written up for an infraction or a demerit the previous night by letting overweight bags go through. But I consider the 20 minutes to find the scale worse than having to pay the surcharge. I would tell him I will carry the bag in myself.

What also counts is his attitude. A friendly voice and smile on his part always helps.

About the lady who put everything in one large bag, maybe it was more convenient to roll one heavy bag as opposed to carry two lighter bags.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Lewisc]

I don't agree. Assuming the account is accurate (bags slightly overweight, 20 minute delay, other customer service agents wanted to just check the bag) NOT ONLY WOULDN'T I TIP but I'd file a complaint. The experiences of other posters and the fact that it took the skycap 20 minutes to find a scale indicates weighing luggage is not a normal procedure for curb checked luggage. A bag that's a few pounds overweight should not have been enough to motivate the behaviour. If one of the bags weighed in signficantly over 50 lbs I could understand it.

TIPS originally meant "to insure prompt service"

Originally posted by seashoreCM
You should not withhold tips or call the guy a mean guy because he is following the rules. He might have been written up for an infraction or a demerit the previous night by letting overweight bags go through. But I consider the 20 minutes to find the scale worse than having to pay the surcharge. I would tell him I will carry the bag in myself.

What also counts is his attitude. A friendly voice and smile on his part always helps.

About the lady who put everything in one large bag, maybe it was more convenient to roll one heavy bag as opposed to carry two lighter bags.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[CarolA]

Assuming the account is accurate (bags slightly overweight, 20 minute delay, other customer service agents wanted to just check the bag) NOT ONLY WOULDN'T I TIP but I'd file a complaint

You could file a compaint for rude or ask for a refund for the second bag that was not overweight, but NONE of this other stuff holds a candle. The rule is overweight by an oz not just slightly.

If you encounter this my recommendation is to ask for a Customer Service supervisor IMMEDIATLY. Airlines are not known for good responses to complaints. Live contact works better and NEVER lose your temper.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by CarolA
You could file a compaint for rude or ask for a refund for the second bag that was not overweight, but NONE of this other stuff holds a candle. The rule is overweight by an oz not just slightly.

If you encounter this my recommendation is to ask for a Customer Service supervisor IMMEDIATLY. Airlines are not known for good responses to complaints. Live contact works better and NEVER lose your temper.

I agree the poster should have asked for a supervisor on the spot. If the luggage is overweight by an oz the airline has a right to charge BUT it might be faster to waive the charge rather than waiting for the customer to transfer stuff to another checked bag, carryon or even the customers pocket.

I fly SWA, can check 3 70 lb bags. No trouble.
The larger bags go overweight and don't fit in many of the rental trunks.