Extra Baggage on an Airplane

dollardaze · #1 06-18-2008, 11:16 PM

The airlines are now charging more for each extra bag that you want to take with you on an airplane. These fees really add up, especially those on vacation who would like to buy souvenirs for themselves and those loved ones left at home.

I just saw a news report that a familiy on vacation had to leave their vacation one day early, simply because the extra baggage fees are so high. They needed to use the 'extra day vacation' money to take their extra bags home with them. This family even had to leave some of their personal belongings behind.

My thought was this: Why not send those souvenirs home via the postal mail? It wouldn't be hard to do. Simply find a box (they are almost always found in stores, or the dumpsters right outside the store), buy some tape, a marker, and some mailing paper. If there is some breakables included, then you may need to also buy some bubble wrap.

As you buy those souvenirs, pack them into the box, and at the end of your vacation, send the package to yourself at home.

The USPS has flate rate boxes, that can be mailed anywhere for around $10.00, other rates are also affordable.

Seems to be a no brainer to me, lol. Much better than going home early, or leaving personal items behind, because the airline won't let you take an extra bag without paying those high fees.

moneysense · #2 06-19-2008, 05:08 AM

Now that is an excellent idea, and would be a lot cheaper than giving up a days vacation time, and leaving your personal things behind.

And, I imagine that some of the better hotels have the services that you need on site, so you dont have to run around looking for a post office.

dimetime · #3 06-19-2008, 06:28 PM

Airlines are really trying to find new ways to nickle and dime their customers to death.I am thankful that my idea of a vacation is camping. Camping in a tent is cheap, no extra costs for souvenirs or worries of airlines extra costs. All vacation money is spent enjoying the great out doors and fending off mosquitoes.

carol b · #4 06-20-2008, 02:40 AM

I agree the airlines are really getting creative in finding ways to
take more of your money. I to love to camp but don't have time.
I don't miss the mosquitos at all. I get them in the house and
darn don't they make it next to impossible to sleep.

moneysense · #5 06-20-2008, 01:23 PM

What I am wondering is, where will you be paying the extra baggage fee at? Will they be asking how many bags you will be taking when you pay for your ticket? And then keep you to that amount of bags as might be printed on said ticket?

Or, will they have you pay for the baggage when you go to the baggage check in place in the airport?

I have only flown once so getting around the airports to begin with is totally new to me and having answers to the changes before I fly again would be great.

dollardaze · #6 06-20-2008, 07:38 PM

I did a little extra research in regards to your question about when the fees will be imposed.

The Secretary of Transportation says that airlines should notify passengers of any extra fees at the time they purchase a ticket. They must disclose these baggage fees in any internet ads, and also on print ads, before anyone purchases a ticket.

I'm glad that the fees must now be disclosed at the time of ticket purchase. It will help to know exactly what it will cost to travel by plane now. It's hard enough to come up with travel money, without finding out that you must pay a lot more just because of an extra bag or two.