stupid luggage rule - vent

[jbrnhrt]

these airlines really know how to get you. We're flying with southwest and each person is allowed 2 checked bags, and one carry on for no fee. dh and I are planning to pack our things together, as well as ds2's things all in one bag. now, they will fit in one suitcase, but will be over the weight limit, so southwest will charge us a $50 fee. How does that make sense? My family of 4 is allowed to check 8 bags for free, but if our only bag is over 50 pounds we have to pay for it?? I don't get it, 400 pounds of luggage is free, but one bag overweight is charged? no wonder people complain about flying

 

[dioxide45]

It makes no sense. Just pack two suitcases instead, problem solved.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

The weight limit has a lot to do with the human bag handlers I would think. Might even be part of an employment agreement for the airline to discourage bags over a certain weight.

 

[goofy4tink]

Why in heaven's name would you want an overweight bag?? Why not just pack two bags???
I see what you're saying though...one bag at 55 lbs vs 4 bags at 45 lbs each. You're saying that each person should get a set weight limit...doesn't matter how many bags they split it up between...sort of.
I would just pack two checked bags.

 

[PlutoPony]

The weight limit is there for the baggage handlers. Lower weight limit = less injuries, time off, and workman's comp claims. Given that SW allows 2 free bags per paid ticket, it would seem the weight limit should be much less of an issue with this airline compared to others

 

[Alesia]

What the other poster have said is correct.

One important thing to note is that it not a great idea to give every one their own bag. Divide everything up so that each bag has some of everyone's things.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I really do understand what you're saying. If I use our largest suitcases I can't help but go over the 50lb limit. I've learned to not use those bags for anything but car trips. I only use mid sized and carryon sized bags for my checked bags (I only carry on bags small enough to go under the seat in front of me) because I'm determined to keep my bags under 50lb each. With being allowed 8 bags for my family of 4 I have no problem just using more bags (we typically do 4 bags going down, 5 coming back; one bag is nested inside another for our trip down).

I can easily lift a 60lb bag into the back of my van to transport but I'm only doing this a couple times per year max for road trips. If I had to lift hundreds of overweight bags a day then I can see it would be a problem.

The thing that gets me about the fee is that they guys having to lift those oversized heavy bags aren't the ones getting paid that fee. They lift them regardless.

 

[Lewisc]

The fee for overweight bags goes to the party that's responsible for the workman comp claims paid for back injuries.

The PP are correct. The limit has to do with baggage handlers.

I don't know why the OP is complaining. Southwest lets her family check 8 bag, each bag can weigh up to 50 lbs with no charge.

Some people look for something to complain ("vent").

 

[dburg30]

And if you use DME / RAC and dont stay at OKW or CBR all you have to do is get your luggage to curbside checkin (worst case you have to get it inside to check in) at your home airport and get it back to your car from luggage when you get home.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree - you have nothing to complain about. Why would you want to lug around a 50+ pound bag? Use two bags.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Seriously? SWA has one of the most liberal baggage policies of all the airlines and you want to cram everything into 1 bag? Really? Just pack 2 bags and you won't have to worry about being overweight.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't get it, 400 pounds of luggage is free, but one bag overweight is charged?

So, OP: now that you've seen some of the reasoning behind charging for overweight (or oversize) luggage, along with the excellent advice to NOT pack everyone's everything in a single suitcase - what are your plans?

 

[dudspizza]

That stupid rule is to protect a human being, the baggage handler. If you think beyond your little box, the rule isn't so stupid. Imagine if every person had a 60-70 piece of luggage...... the back injuries for luggage handlers would be huge!

50 pounds is heavy enough!

OP, you have 2 adults, each should be able to handle 1 suitcase each to and from check in at the airport. My first trip we took 3 suit cases, two kids, one with a car seat, and everyone had a carry on. Everything will work out just fine.

SW have a very good baggage policy. Most charge $20+ per bag and also have the 50 pound rule...... go over that and you pay even more....

 

[goofy4tink]

The weight limit is there for the baggage handlers. Lower weight limit = less injuries, time off, and workman's comp claims. Given that SW allows 2 free bags per paid ticket, it would seem the weight limit should be much less of an issue with this airline compared to others

Duh....I was going to make that point but forgot to. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront. Dopey me.

 

[ccudmore]

Dont' forget that you're likely going to want to bring back a bunch of souvenirs from the trip so you bag would be even more over-weight on the return trip.

 

[Michael623]

Now I've heard everything. The one airline that still gives you 2 free bags and you're still complaining. All I can say is wow.

 

[dburg30]

That stupid rule is to protect a human being, the baggage handler. If you think beyond your little box, the rule isn't so stupid. Imagine if every person had a 60-70 piece of luggage...... the back injuries for luggage handlers would be huge!

50 pounds is heavy enough!

OP, you have 2 adults, each should be able to handle 1 suitcase to and from check in at the airport. My first trip we took 3 suit cases, two kids, one with a car seat, and everyone had a carry on. Everything will work out just fine.

SW have a very good baggage policy. Most charge $20+ per bag and also have the 50 pound rule...... go over that and you pay even more....

I swore they used gorilla's according to the old samsonite ads....

 

[2Tiggies]

The weight limit has a lot to do with the human bag handlers I would think. Might even be part of an employment agreement for the airline to discourage bags over a certain weight.

This is exactly what it is. To the OP, it would be better for you to use two bags. Remember on of you have to lift the bags off the carousel when you land. I know it seems to make sense to have one, but for your own sake, two underweigt bags are much easier to deal with.

Have a great trip.

 

[DaniB]

One important thing to note is that it not a great idea to give every one their own bag. Divide everything up so that each bag has some of everyone's things.

Great tip, thanks!

 

[justplaingoofy]

these airlines really know how to get you. We're flying with southwest and each person is allowed 2 checked bags, and one carry on for no fee. dh and I are planning to pack our things together, as well as ds2's things all in one bag. now, they will fit in one suitcase, but will be over the weight limit, so southwest will charge us a $50 fee. How does that make sense? My family of 4 is allowed to check 8 bags for free, but if our only bag is over 50 pounds we have to pay for it?? I don't get it, 400 pounds of luggage is free, but one bag overweight is charged? no wonder people complain about flying

If I worked for the airline I would rather pick up (2) smaller bags than (1) 50+lb