May 14, 2011 - Eastbound TransAtlantic

[seamour]

my carry on on wheels is large, it will fit in the overhead but fully packed it's a struggle, as such I fully intended to check in it on the way home filled to the gills as a 2nd suitcase and just pay the costs. Our first bag on KLM was free, but I had to pay for this one I think $35 Euros. The interesting part was we went to the check in desk, then I had to take all my luggage to another desk elsewhere and buy a "ticket" for my 2nd suitcase, pay for it there, I paid cash and it took her FOREVER to do the paperwork, honestly about 15 minutes there. I then had to haul everything back to the first desk where yes I did but in front of everyone this time, and check my bags with the agent who helped me the first time. Who knew it was so much hassle to check a 2nd bag?

 

[dylan'smom]

Wow - thanks sooo much for the feedback!!!!!

Be VERY careful. I took a discounted air to get from Barcelona to England and luggage cost me nearly $2000. Check their baggage fees first!

OMGosh Damian!!!!
At that point it's just too late to do anything but pay it or toss all your things, I guess. I would have to fight DH in that case to keep anything, I'm afraid, if we were confronted with that....!

...We flew Air Berlin last year from Frankfort to Barcelona. Baggage restrictions are very strict. You have an advantage if you are flying from the USA and not Europe but still expensive if you have more than one bag. Their carry on bag restrictions forced us to buy a special bag. I prepaid for an additional bag for each of us as it is cheaper. We actually used Luggage Express to ship two additional bags as United allows us three bags each...

Thanks!! Their extra bag fees don't actually seem that bad...we flew Delta earlier this month (coach) & my second bag was 50 euros if prepaid online (75 euros if purchased at the gate)!! But.....I'm curious as to what bag you bought when you needed to conform to the guidelines? I need a new carry on because my cute ones weigh a ton!!

This is the flight we took, Bev! Greyhound Bus of the skies, I call it . Because you will be taking an international flight, you are allowed one check on (under 51 pounds) and one carry-on (around 13 pounds) for free. We did not care for the food (Delta's was better last Oct.) but managed. Entertainment is lame as well, take a few good books! It is worth it to make the WBTA affordable. We did not pay in advance for our seat assignments. We checked in the night before, and were able to get window or aisle for all 4 of us (two sets of A + B, two in front of the other two). Good luck

Greyhound bus - too funny! Thanks so much -- gives me a good picture.....and it's a red eye so maybe I will just take melatonin or something!!!!

we ended up having to check our carry on, but as we travel light we were lucky and not charged. i hated to check my carry ons.

I wish wish wish I could learn to pack like you, Sonja!!!

...Our first bag on KLM was free, but I had to pay for this one I think $35 Euros. The interesting part was we went to the check in desk, then I had to take all my luggage to another desk elsewhere and buy a "ticket" for my 2nd suitcase, pay for it there, I paid cash and it took her FOREVER to do the paperwork, honestly about 15 minutes there. I then had to haul everything back to the first desk where yes I did but in front of everyone this time, and check my bags with the agent who helped me the first time. Who knew it was so much hassle to check a 2nd bag?

OMGosh, Michelle.....I can just picture you zigzagging across the airport wondering what was up!! We really felt like a mouse in a maize when we went through "customs" in Atlanta this time. We just sort of walked in circles in & out of security & it made no sense!!! Thanks for the heads up about extras though. Maybe it will be easier starting in the States...

Gotta love flying these days............not!!!!!!


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[seamour]

[/QUOTE]OMGosh, Michelle.....I can just picture you zigzagging across the airport wondering what was up!! We really felt like a mouse in a maize when we went through "customs" in Atlanta this time. We just sort of walked in circles in & out of security & it made no sense!!! Thanks for the heads up about extras though. Maybe it will be easier starting in the States...

Gotta love flying these days............not!!!!!!


.[/QUOTE]

yep looks like we have a TA watch out for rates for 4 of us now, LOL!

 

[birkner]

Thanks!! Their extra bag fees don't actually seem that bad...we flew Delta earlier this month (coach) & my second bag was 50 euros if prepaid online (75 euros if purchased at the gate)!! But.....I'm curious as to what bag you bought when you needed to conform to the guidelines? I need a new carry on because my cute ones weigh a ton!!

We found these Eddie Bauer bags last year at Target which exactly met the specs if you don't stuff it full. However, you can really add lots of stuff if you are not worried about size or weight for other airlines. Cost about $50 and DH uses his every day now.

 

[seamour]

Bev were you watching for TA rates for WBTA? They are out!

 

[dylan'smom]

Bev were you watching for TA rates for WBTA? They are out!

Thanks, Mic!! I was and did book, but just saw your post....are you booked? Seems like I read you were going. If so, are you on second seating? Going solo or with family?



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