New, extremely high baggage Fees! If you are flying soon, you will want to read this

[WDWHound]

The airlines have begun enforcing strict size limitations on checked bags. If your bags exceed their max size, they will charge you extra. In some cases, a LOT extra. The article I just read (see link below) gave examples of $170 to $270 PER BAG! This is not just for huge things like foot lockers either. Many of the large suitcases currently sold in stores will not meet the new size limits. The limit is usually 62 inches (thats height, width and depth added together).

Heres the link to the MSNBC article with all the details. Its worth your time if you will be traveling soon:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/800209.asp?pne=msn

 

[CarolA]

Fees like this are going to become much more common on airlines as they look for ways to make up revenue.

 

[nativetxn]

Uh oh, $270 is more than I paid for my ticket

 

[DopeyRN]

That is absolutely outrageous. That poor woman who had to fork out an additional $810...makes me woozy!

 

[MosMom]

And my family wonders why we won't fly anymore

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks, Don, for the heads up.

 

[Laurabearz]

Bummer.....

It makes me happy that I am a DVC owner, so I have laundry right in the room........... thus packing lighter and smaller!

 

[Rajah]

That is rediculous! I understand them needing to make up extra revinue, but to charge more for the size of the bag than the cost of the ticket is totally out of line, IMHO.

 

[janette]

I have some that are oversize but we rarely have our limit since we usually have 4 passengers. I quess I might have to start packing in several smaller bags instead.

 

[Deb in IA]

Maybe this is in reaction to the FAA mandate that all CHECKED bags must be x-rayed by the end of the year.

If they have to install screening machines for the checked bags, I can see how it would be a major problem if the larger bags did not fit.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
If they have to install screening machines for the checked bags, I can see how it would be a major problem if the larger bags did not fit.

Sure, but to make you pay more than the cost of the ticket because your bag is too big? That's rediculous. You could buy an extra seat, plop your bag on it, and save money. (I know, policy won't allow that, but still)

 

[ZPT1022]

Wow, that really stinks. Usually we like to bring one of those big rolling pullmans and then a small duffel between the two of us. Hmmm, things to think about- thanks for sharing Don!

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

Makes me glad my best friend works for FedEX.

 

[CarolA]

Keep in mind that airlines are now charging if you have too many bags also. Basically it is one carry on and two checked pieces. While everyone is screaming about this, I don't feel real sorry for the woman. I have traveled overseas a lot and ALL the guidebooks give you those measurements. You have always been a lot more likely to get hit for weight and size restrictions on overseas flights (yes overseas has a weight requirement also and I have seen them weigh luggage!) My other question is how was she planning to haul these things. Foreign airports don't seem to have skycaps milling and their airports are not required to be handicapped accessible which can mean you have to navigate stairs etc.


Several years ago I charged about $80 for an extra bag several times. It was a bag related to work so my company did reimburse me. (That was when we moved to just sending the stuff by FedEx).

I have to admit that luggage is one of my big gripes with traveling. I see lots of people who seem to think that the kindness of strangers will help them with their luggage. On my last flight a woman about my age attempted to chew out the flight attendant because there was no closet on board and she had to lift her carryon overhead. (She was complaining loudly that she had tendonitis and that is was HARD for her!) The only reason she did not get real far with this session was that the man next to me, looked at her, smiled and told her "If you can't handle it, I am sure the flight attendant can gate check it for you."

 

[LuvTigger]

Giving a bump to the top.

Thanks for sharing this info. Though I knew there have always been rules (usually unenforced), this is a wake-up call. I went home to check my luggage after reading this, since I'll be travelling soon! (Mine was within the requirements.)

 

[Disney Debbie]

$810???? I would have left the darn bags and bought new clothes at my destination!