So much is happening with travel in today’s economy, it really is hard to keep up.It’s not a secret that gas prices are through the roof. The cost of oil worldwide has definitely affected the cost of an airline ticket---everywhere. In defense of the airlines, they really have no choice but to pass on their increased costs, I just don’t like the way they are doing it! Fuel surcharges, like security charges, have been added directly to the cost of an airline ticket, and that does not seem unreasonable. However, that has not been enough to cover the skyrocketing cost of fuel. Many of the US airlines have now started charging for checked luggage. Of course, each airline’s policy is a little different and is changing rapidly, so I do suggest you contact your carrier immediately prior to travel.
American Airlines is not the only airline that is charging for all checked luggage. United and U.S. Air will also be charging $15.00 for the first bag and $25.00 for the second bag. That fee is in each direction. So far Delta and Continental are still allowing one free checked bag. If you plan to check a second bag it will cost you $25.00.
Most of the airlines are also cracking down on overweight luggage. When my daughter, Heather, flew to New York the end of May, Delta Airlines charged her an additional $80.00 for one of her checked bags because it weighed 54 pounds--four pounds over the legal limit. Most of the other airlines are only charging an extra $50.00 for luggage weighing between 51 and 70 pounds. For over 70 pounds it will cost an extra $100.00. It does seem prudent to make sure your luggage is within the 50 lbs limit, or take a second bag, even if it costs $25.00.As for carry-on luggage, most of the airlines are still allowing one bag plus one personal item, i.e. a purse, a briefcase, a laptop computer, camera case, etc. The weight limit for the carry-on bag is 40lbs and a maximum of 45 inches (total length plus width plus height).
Most of the rules above are for domestic travel. Most international rules regarding checked luggage have not changed: two checked bags (no charge), maximum weight is 70lbs with no one bag weighing more than 50lbs. I’m sure there are exceptions to these rules so I would definitely check with the airline prior to your trip.
Most of these restrictions apply to passengers in economy class. Business and first class passengers can check up to two pieces of luggage at no additional charge. Also, for those members of mileage programs that have reached “gold” status, the rules for checked luggage have been waived on most airlines
Since the baggage rules have taken effect, or will be enforced soon, I have read several articles about traveling light, packing suggestions, traveling with only a carry-on bag, etc. That is fine if you can do it. However, remember that there are still rules regarding liquids, pointed or sharp objects, batteries, etc in carry-on luggage. If you’re going for a long weekend you might be able to get away with small bottles (3 oz) of liquids--shampoo, conditioner, cleansers, liquid make-up, contact lens solution, etc. It may even be cost effective to leave those items home and buy travel size bottles when you arrive at your destination. Don’t forget to pick up a razor while you’re at it. I personally prefer to check a bag with all the restricted items than worry about what I forgot.
I can certainly understand airlines passing on higher costs, however, I would prefer them raising the cost of an airline ticket than nickel and diming everyone with luggage fees, soft drink charges (some airlines have started charging $2.00 for soda) and other fees they will most likely tack on in the future. Southwest has a great ad showing people scrambling for change to get into the bathroom on a competitor’s airline. To my knowledge that hasn’t happened yet, but anything is possible. By the way, Southwest Airlines is not charging for checked luggage, soda or peanuts.
It’s been several weeks since I asked everyone to check the expiration date on their passport. I thought by this time most people who were planning to travel had either applied for a new passport or had renewed their existing passport. Wrong. Most countries today are requiring at least six months be left on your passport from the return date of travel-- and that rule is being enforced. I realize the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has relaxed its rules concerning everyone needing a passport by January 2008, when traveling outside the United States. The biggest problem was the sheer number of people who applied for passports. There were an overwhelming number of passport applications and the backlog kept growing. That problem has been resolved with additional employees, so if you’re planning on traveling outside the US this year, I would download a passport application or pick one up at the post office. Start your application process now.
If you need to talk with a travel agent, please call Redlands Travel Service (800-339-8417/909-792-8100),
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