Weigh your luggage!!

[ncbyrne]

Our trip was for 11 days so DH and I each used one pullman suitcase. We flew Song, which has a 50# limit. We put all of our souvenirs in the luggage and each one was about 6#s overweight. We spent more than 15 minutes in the airport trying to figure out how to put the extra weight in our small carry on canvas tote bags!!

 

[ducklite]

Or better yet just ship the souvies home! It costs a lot less to send them home FedEx second day or ground than it does to pay the $50 overweight charge.

I've gotten to the point that I just do'nt want to deal with the extra mass, so I ship it home (unless I have a single t-shirt or postcards or something like that.)

AnNne

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

We use the skycap. Tip them well and you would be amazed at what gets through.

 

[NotUrsula]

Just pack an extra lightweight fabric duffel in the suitcase, with a luggage tag already attached. If it goes overweight, put your shoes and a handful of clothing into it and check it as another bag. I always recommend staying well under the limit on #of bags, but even if you don't, an extra bag is normally cheaper than an overweight bag.

 

[disneyokw]

We came back on May 28th using Song. My mother's suitcase weighed 55 lbs. The attendant did say I could move some items to my suitcase. We did not want to waste the time of unsecuring our safety lock (can easily be clipped off bought it from Magellean). I just paid the $25.00. What we get a kick out of is that either way the heavy load will still be on the plane.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by disneyokw
What we get a kick out of is that either way the heavy load will still be on the plane.

Yes, that's right, but this way the airline gets some extra $$ from you. Seems kinda silly that they would go to these lengths though.

 

[CarolA]

Yes, but if you move the weight around, the baggage handlers are not picking up a suitcase that weighs over the 50 lb. limit.

While, Gail's method works it does carry risks. If you have to go in to the counter to rebook then they will discover you are over 50 lbs. This often happens in the winter when storms strike the NE for example.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Wow! I don't think we've ever packed enough that we were even near the 50 lb limit, at least on domestic flights. When travelling to visit European relatives, I think the weight thing gets a bit tighter, since I tend to bring them some of the really good chunk American peanut butter (big heavy jars, to last them a while (all they can get is creamy, and not very good stuff either).

On WDW trips, we pack, then take out half the stuff, bring twice the $$$, and we're done. We are DVC members, so we get free laundry anyway (and in the 1BR and larger units, laundry is in the unit! oh yeah!)

I like Gail's method too.

 

[NotUrsula]

Pumpkin, you have to remember that the 50# includes the weight of the luggage itself. Some pullmans, especially older hardside cases, can easily weigh 20# empty.

I have a new 29" that weighs 17#, but I love it anyway b/c it has 4 wheels on the back, an extension handle and a built-in bungee cord; if I flip it all the way down, it serves as a flat cart for any other bags we have. It's especially useful at MCO when I travel alone w/ kid; I can pile all the odds and ends on (including the carseat), grab his hand, and pull the whole load out to the Aisle to get the car. If he falls asleep on me, I can even put HIM on the cart; it's quite comfy, and will carry 150#.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I dunno. Maybe my DW is just a genius at packing light? When we go down to WDW, even for 10 days, we end up with 2 big suitcases, neither one very close to 50 lbs fully laden, a smaller bag that we could carry on, but we sometimes check, some carseats, plus some smaller carry-on bags (maybe one each, but not always). Oh yes, and then there is my DS's wheelchair, which we gate check after loading him into the airplane seat. This is for myself, DW, DS (6) and DD (4).

And we have been trying to keep to the plan of taking out half of the stuff, and just washing clothes or wearing any souvenir tees that we buy.

 

[ckret01]

We flew song last year and had the same problem. But the women wasn't as nice to ask us if we wanted to move our stuff around, she just charged us and had an attitude. It was only 5lbs over. At least you got the option to move some of you stuff around (although I don't think I would have had the patience to open my suitcase and move my stuff around in front of everyone)

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by CarolA
Yes, but if you move the weight around, the baggage handlers are not picking up a suitcase that weighs over the 50 lb. limit.

While, Gail's method works it does carry risks. If you have to go in to the counter to rebook then they will discover you are over 50 lbs. This often happens in the winter when storms strike the NE for example.

I fly SWA and their limit is 70# and I have yet to have to go to the counter, thank goodness.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Wow! I don't think we've ever packed enough that we were even near the 50 lb limit, at least on domestic flights. When travelling to visit European relatives, I think the weight thing gets a bit tighter, since I tend to bring them some of the really good chunk American peanut butter (big heavy jars, to last them a while (all they can get is creamy, and not very good stuff either).

On WDW trips, we pack, then take out half the stuff, bring twice the $$$, and we're done. We are DVC members, so we get free laundry anyway (and in the 1BR and larger units, laundry is in the unit! oh yeah!)

I like Gail's method too.

Pumpkin,
Can you write my daughter and tell her how this theory works?
We are DVC members too, but, still she packs like she is going for 6 months.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Wow! I don't think we've ever packed enough that we were even near the 50 lb limit, at least on domestic flights. When travelling to visit European relatives, I think the weight thing gets a bit tighter, since I tend to bring them some of the really good chunk American peanut butter (big heavy jars, to last them a while (all they can get is creamy, and not very good stuff either).

My DW can hit the 50 lb limit just packing shoes, shoes, and more shoes . She's got it down to a science, usually coming in around 48 lb. I can understand the concern for the baggage handlers. I really feel the weight when moving her suitcase off the luggage return belt. Fortunately it's a wheeled bag.

On WDW trips, we pack, then take out half the stuff, bring twice the $$$, and we're done. We are DVC members, so we get free laundry anyway (and in the 1BR and larger units, laundry is in the unit! oh yeah!)

I like Gail's method too.

This sounds like a good strategy to me as well, half the stuff and twice the $$$ will just about do it. We also are DVC, but I think I'm the only one who packs with specific plans to do laundry half way through the trip.

Ralph

 

[ValDisney]

Ok I have a stupid question.
If i pack 2 duffels in 2 suitcases and then use these for my trip back (dirty laundry in one and other things in the other) is that ok. I am going for 2 weeks so I know I'll be buying during the trip.
thanks

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by ValDisney
Ok I have a stupid question.
If i pack 2 duffels in 2 suitcases and then use these for my trip back (dirty laundry in one and other things in the other) is that ok. I am going for 2 weeks so I know I'll be buying during the trip.
thanks

It is ok IF you are allowed 4 bags, if not, you will be charged for the extra luggage. Check for the baggage allowance on the specific airlines website.

 

[The Dog]

The reason the airline has the rule isn't just weight, but is space as well. It's easier to find space for two smaller bags in a luggage bin that weigh 30 pounds than one overstuffed monster weighing 60. At any rate, it is moot - you shouldn't be packing more than 7 days' worth of clothing anyway (see #3).

My advice for getting around the baggage restrictions:

1. Get a very good carryon for both you and everyone else you are traveling with. Remember, you get one carryon and a 'personal item', so ladies, get that huge purse ready. You should ALWAYS have 2 days worth of clothes in a carry on just in case the airline loses your luggage. If you are making a connection through one of the larger hubs (like O'Hare, DFW, or Hartsfield) then this is a MUST.

If you travel a lot, I highly recommend the TravelPro Rollaboard or something similar. It will pay for itself. I have one that is expandable and has a compartment for clothes that would normally need a hanging bag. My mother - who always needs separate shoes for each outfit - is able to put 4-5 days worth of clothes into hers.

2. This one has already been covered, but ship your stuff home if you buy a lot of souveniers. I once went all the way to Australia and there was NO WAY I was going to fit all of the crap I bought into my suitcase (by the way, I didn't check a single bag for a two week trip). Qantas allows two carryon bags so I had a rollaboard and a backpack. I was able to pack my goodies but gifts went via Australian Mail.

3. If you are going for longer than 7 days, then plan to do a load of laundry or two. Plan to have some morning or evening just to do laundry. I never pack for more than 5 or 6 days. If I'm staying longer I just plan to wash clothes while I'm there. This may also have an impact on where you choose to stay - you may want to find a place that has a washer and dryer or easy acccess to laundry facilities. However, if you are already going for that long you are probably looking for places with a kitchen and other facilities. Why not find a place with a washer and dryer as well? Most condos will have them already.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by The Dog
The reason the airline has the rule isn't just weight, but is space as well. It's easier to find space for two smaller bags in a luggage bin that weigh 30 pounds than one overstuffed monster weighing 60. At any rate, it is moot - you shouldn't be packing more than 7 days' worth of clothing anyway (see #3).

My advice for getting around the baggage restrictions:

1. Get a very good carryon for both you and everyone else you are traveling with. Remember, you get one carryon and a 'personal item', so ladies, get that huge purse ready. You should ALWAYS have 2 days worth of clothes in a carry on just in case the airline loses your luggage. If you are making a connection through one of the larger hubs (like O'Hare, DFW, or Hartsfield) then this is a MUST.

If you travel a lot, I highly recommend the TravelPro Rollaboard or something similar. It will pay for itself. I have one that is expandable and has a compartment for clothes that would normally need a hanging bag. My mother - who always needs separate shoes for each outfit - is able to put 4-5 days worth of clothes into hers.

2. This one has already been covered, but ship your stuff home if you buy a lot of souveniers. I once went all the way to Australia and there was NO WAY I was going to fit all of the crap I bought into my suitcase (by the way, I didn't check a single bag for a two week trip). Qantas allows two carryon bags so I had a rollaboard and a backpack. I was able to pack my goodies but gifts went via Australian Mail.

3. If you are going for longer than 7 days, then plan to do a load of laundry or two. Plan to have some morning or evening just to do laundry. I never pack for more than 5 or 6 days. If I'm staying longer I just plan to wash clothes while I'm there. This may also have an impact on where you choose to stay - you may want to find a place that has a washer and dryer or easy acccess to laundry facilities. However, if you are already going for that long you are probably looking for places with a kitchen and other facilities. Why not find a place with a washer and dryer as well? Most condos will have them already.

Carry ons, thank goodness, have size restrictions. while you may be able to take two on board (carry on and personal item) they do have to fit in the "size wise" box.


I am on vacation, I am not a pack mule. I check my luggage and with the advance in bar codes, luggage gets lost less and less.

I have a washer and dryer at DVC, so, packing light is not an issue, but, there are others that really don't want to be "domestic" on vacation and I don't blame them in the least.

Use the skycap, you get a lot through you would not normally be able to do if you checked in at the counter.

 

[DaveO]

If the airlines were really concerned about the overwieght luggage and the handlers they would not accept them AT ALL. Instead they charge you extra. This is purely a money making move.

Yet another reason to fly Southwest and the 70# limit.

Dave O.