Baggage surcharges

Travel

Most major U.S. Airlines are now charging $25.00 for a 2nd checked bag, and earlier this week, American Airlines announced, that in addition to the $25.00 2nd checked bag surcharge, it would soon begin assessing a $15.00 surcharge for the first checked bag for passengers who purchase discount economy class tickets.

Press release here

There was a time when I put everything in carry-on anyhow. That era ended when the Bush admin’s newest department and agency over-reacted to a threat of liquid, binary type explosive. click for parenthetical comments

Now – If I expect to remain the most frugal traveler that I can possibly be, I’m going to have to figure out a way to beat these surcharges. You can bet that this is just the beginning. Ever flown Easy Jet or Ryanair in Europe? Baggage surcharges are the norm. I learned the hard way during a ski trip. To the Europeans though, baggage surcharges are just a way of life. I suspect this is why, judging by the smell, their standards of hygiene aren’t the same as ours.

So, what to do to combat the baggage surcharges? Firstly, if you are the type of neo-nomad who flies a lot, you probably already have a ff account. American won’t apply this surcharge to its elite class members, so check to see if you are close to attaining elite status. They also aren’t applying the fee to fares purchased at the full economy rate or first or business class fares, yet. So, a full fare may be worth the few extra dollars that it will cost over the discounted rate. At this time, the charges don’t apply to International airfare either, but how long before they start is any body’s guess – as you may have noticed, fuel isn’t getting cheaper.

Since, however, these fees are only going to become more prevalent parenthetical comments

then we should seek ways to change our travel habits. The fact is, it’s time to go back to everything in a carry-on, but that requires a solution to the liquid thing. I tend to travel for extended periods – and to places where soap and shampoo aren’t provided in my accommodation. Maybe it’s time to just give up on my brand loyalty on personal hygiene items and buy small amounts of what I need at destination.

Don’t think you can pack everything you need in a carry on? Check this site
parenthetical comments

And for even more tips, check out onebag

So…what are your ideas for packing in carry-on only? leave a comment or for discussion with like minded people check out our forum

Will @ May 26, 2008

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