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Traveling with your cases -- 50 lb rule?
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Traveling with your cases -- 50 lb rule?
Hi Guys,
Is the 50 lb limit per suitcase now a world-wide thing?
And while I'm asking -- that carry-on case, that's 22" at it's longest?
Just want to get the word from the experts!
That scuba gear mounts up the weight really quickly.
Thanks!
Cat
Is the 50 lb limit per suitcase now a world-wide thing?
And while I'm asking -- that carry-on case, that's 22" at it's longest?
Just want to get the word from the experts!
That scuba gear mounts up the weight really quickly.
Thanks!
Cat
(not sure the exact weight allowed) 
Someone told me it's more if you travel internationally, but 50 pounds for domestic travel. I'm not positive.
I do know, however, that my bag was right at 50 pounds on Sunday, and she let me through with it but I did get a warning. So they must be sticklers on it.
I do believe that carry-ons can only be 22" long. I used to be a carry-on only girl (mine's 20"), but with all the restrictions, I'm not anymore.
I do know, however, that my bag was right at 50 pounds on Sunday, and she let me through with it but I did get a warning. So they must be sticklers on it.
I do believe that carry-ons can only be 22" long. I used to be a carry-on only girl (mine's 20"), but with all the restrictions, I'm not anymore.
On AA, the dimensions of a carry on bag cannot exceed 45 inches. (add up length, width and height) You can find some 24" bags that meet this requirement. We are using 22" expandable bags now. On my last trip I had a big ole 30 incher packed to the gills and it weighed exactly 51 lbs. I got dirty looks. I did not use 3/4 of what I packed. Lesson learned the hard way!
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Thanks everyone. This is so annoying! Our carry-on rolling case did fit under the 45" rule, always, since it's not fat. But coming back from the UK it was an inch too long to fit into their new measuring thing. (It was fine going over.)
(And re the overseas rule -- our last trip to the UK the bag going to the UK was fine at 75 lb, but coming back it had to be 50 lb, making no sense at all.)
The airlines can and will drive you crazy.
Cat
(And re the overseas rule -- our last trip to the UK the bag going to the UK was fine at 75 lb, but coming back it had to be 50 lb, making no sense at all.)
The airlines can and will drive you crazy.
Cat
We just got back from Cozumel last night and they tried to say I couldn't have my hairdryer! I left it but got it back after I had gotten on the plane!
I think they are all confused so better safe than sorry!
I have traveled in the states and had to pay extra for over 50 pounds but never was I not allowed to take it all if that helps any.
I think they are all confused so better safe than sorry!
I have traveled in the states and had to pay extra for over 50 pounds but never was I not allowed to take it all if that helps any.
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Hi Cat,
That's helpful -- that you do get to take all of your stuff. (One time at Heathrow going to Manchester they suggested we leave one suitcase at Heathrow! I said -- how am I going to get it back then when I fly to the US from Manchester? The employees really have no idea which end is up.)
I don't understand about your hairdryer -- they took it away and then you got it back on the plane?
We're taking a computer, cables; I'm not sure how we're packing the dive computers yet. (Under or not.) One thing's for sure, I'm taking underwear and a bathing suit in carry-on.
Cat
That's helpful -- that you do get to take all of your stuff. (One time at Heathrow going to Manchester they suggested we leave one suitcase at Heathrow! I said -- how am I going to get it back then when I fly to the US from Manchester? The employees really have no idea which end is up.)
I don't understand about your hairdryer -- they took it away and then you got it back on the plane?
We're taking a computer, cables; I'm not sure how we're packing the dive computers yet. (Under or not.) One thing's for sure, I'm taking underwear and a bathing suit in carry-on.
Cat
The hairdryer thing was the wierdest incident I have ever had in an airport! I think that the lady behind me realy put up a stink. Her hairdryer was probably a lot more expensive than mine was since I was willing to leave mine behind!
I guess they finally realized that they were wrong and admitted it! Since that other lady realized that she could keep hers she may have said something but I'm not really sure! I was just glad not to have to go find another one for my trip to St Louis tomorrow!
I will be testing the 50LB rule tomorrow! I'll let you guys know when I get back!
I guess they finally realized that they were wrong and admitted it! Since that other lady realized that she could keep hers she may have said something but I'm not really sure! I was just glad not to have to go find another one for my trip to St Louis tomorrow!
I will be testing the 50LB rule tomorrow! I'll let you guys know when I get back!
I am currently researching my July 2008 trip to Prague and am pretty current with the rules these days.
BIG change-- anyone connecting in the UK will only be allowed ONE bag not to exceed 22 x 18 x 10 -- a purse or any other carry on has to go INSIDE that case.
If you are flying from the US to Europe in coach the limits are usually 2 cases up to 70Lb- sometimes limited to 50lbs depending on the airline.
BUT if you do like I do, and use points for the transatlantic portion of the flight and then purchase a ticket for flights within the UK and Europe your baggage allowance is MUCH more restricted.
Example: We are flying Virgin Atlantic into heathrow (upper class). Bag allowance is Very generous with three bags up to 70lbs each. But then we switch to another airline to fly from Heathrow to Europe. Coach baggage allowance is MUCH more limited deending on which airline we choose- one bag up to 50 lbs in some cases.
We decided when factoring in the costs of excess baggage even with cheaper ticket, that we'd be better off paying more for a Business class ticket and getting the extra baggage allowance and amenities within Europe-- which includes use of the airline loungs and most importantly a Fast pass thru customs & security (a huge time saver!).
Most of the UK and Europe draws the line at anything over 100Lb.s and won't even pick it up even if you pay for it.
Baggage allowances vary by class of service. Business and First allowances are much higher than coach.
Overall I find that the UK and Europe are very strict on baggaage allowances. Often offering cheap fares but screwing you on baggage charges-- so that you can only carry a briefcase and not get charged.
Also, excess baggage charges vary drastically amongst US domestic air travel. In Europe they charge per kilo, in the US it's a flat $25-$40 or even $50. In some cases you'd have been better off to just split the weight amongst TWO bags to avoid any charges - as most coach tix domestic allow you
two bags up to 50 lb each.
Also for anyone traveling to Europe, they are VERY strict about weight allowances for carry on's as well. So be aware BEFORE you get caught paying several hundred dollars in extra charges (made worse by poor exchange rates).
Also, some airlines (British Airways) allows you to pre-pay for extra baggage on line at a 30% discount than you would pay at the gate.
ANOTHER OPTION! For our trip to Florence, Italy last year we decided to travel "luggage free" and shipped our luggage to our destination using a service called "Luggage Forward." They were awesome and we enjoyed not having to haul our baggage thru customs. You have to pack and ship ahead of time (about 5 days) and it does take a couple days longer to get your luggage when you get back. But if you don't want to mess with a bunch of luggage then this is the way to go! It's not cheap but they were excellent to deal with.
Overall it pays to be a savvy consumer when it comes to air travel these days. It no longer pays to just choose an airline based on the lowest ticket price. You have to look at how you like to travel and how much baggage you travel with. Read the fine print. In some cases its worth it to pay a little extra ahead of time to avoid getting sacked with unanticipated charges at the gate.
I try to be a savvy traveller and get the most out of my tavel dollar. Sometimes it takes a little creativity and research, but I find that it pays off in the long run.
BIG change-- anyone connecting in the UK will only be allowed ONE bag not to exceed 22 x 18 x 10 -- a purse or any other carry on has to go INSIDE that case.
If you are flying from the US to Europe in coach the limits are usually 2 cases up to 70Lb- sometimes limited to 50lbs depending on the airline.
BUT if you do like I do, and use points for the transatlantic portion of the flight and then purchase a ticket for flights within the UK and Europe your baggage allowance is MUCH more restricted.
Example: We are flying Virgin Atlantic into heathrow (upper class). Bag allowance is Very generous with three bags up to 70lbs each. But then we switch to another airline to fly from Heathrow to Europe. Coach baggage allowance is MUCH more limited deending on which airline we choose- one bag up to 50 lbs in some cases.
We decided when factoring in the costs of excess baggage even with cheaper ticket, that we'd be better off paying more for a Business class ticket and getting the extra baggage allowance and amenities within Europe-- which includes use of the airline loungs and most importantly a Fast pass thru customs & security (a huge time saver!).
Most of the UK and Europe draws the line at anything over 100Lb.s and won't even pick it up even if you pay for it.
Baggage allowances vary by class of service. Business and First allowances are much higher than coach.
Overall I find that the UK and Europe are very strict on baggaage allowances. Often offering cheap fares but screwing you on baggage charges-- so that you can only carry a briefcase and not get charged.
Also, excess baggage charges vary drastically amongst US domestic air travel. In Europe they charge per kilo, in the US it's a flat $25-$40 or even $50. In some cases you'd have been better off to just split the weight amongst TWO bags to avoid any charges - as most coach tix domestic allow you
two bags up to 50 lb each.
Also for anyone traveling to Europe, they are VERY strict about weight allowances for carry on's as well. So be aware BEFORE you get caught paying several hundred dollars in extra charges (made worse by poor exchange rates).
Also, some airlines (British Airways) allows you to pre-pay for extra baggage on line at a 30% discount than you would pay at the gate.
ANOTHER OPTION! For our trip to Florence, Italy last year we decided to travel "luggage free" and shipped our luggage to our destination using a service called "Luggage Forward." They were awesome and we enjoyed not having to haul our baggage thru customs. You have to pack and ship ahead of time (about 5 days) and it does take a couple days longer to get your luggage when you get back. But if you don't want to mess with a bunch of luggage then this is the way to go! It's not cheap but they were excellent to deal with.
Overall it pays to be a savvy consumer when it comes to air travel these days. It no longer pays to just choose an airline based on the lowest ticket price. You have to look at how you like to travel and how much baggage you travel with. Read the fine print. In some cases its worth it to pay a little extra ahead of time to avoid getting sacked with unanticipated charges at the gate.
I try to be a savvy traveller and get the most out of my tavel dollar. Sometimes it takes a little creativity and research, but I find that it pays off in the long run.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Hi Guys,
We bought a new roller today. Here's a page that shows it in action in real airport situations (inside the carry-on tester; page part way down):
http://tinyurl.com/yraa8p
Cat
We bought a new roller today. Here's a page that shows it in action in real airport situations (inside the carry-on tester; page part way down):
http://tinyurl.com/yraa8p
Cat
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
Hi Lulu, thanks, yes, I remember that. Between 2 of us that's enough carry on weight (computer, dive computers, electronic odds and ends plus bathing suits and underwear).
I can't believe one has to have Battle Plans for travel and dress to spend a night on the airport floor. And this is civilization.
Cat
I can't believe one has to have Battle Plans for travel and dress to spend a night on the airport floor. And this is civilization.
Cat
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sapphirecat
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 2:43 pm
- Location: Turtle Bay, NYC
The equipment's a killer! But it's far, far worse renting scuba gear. Far. Have I said FAR? 
So, that's mainly what's in the checked bags. BCs, suits and fins are heavy out of the water and even heavier at 6 in the morning at JFK.
OH, well. As long as they don't go even nuttier with restrictions I can manage this.
cat
So, that's mainly what's in the checked bags. BCs, suits and fins are heavy out of the water and even heavier at 6 in the morning at JFK.
OH, well. As long as they don't go even nuttier with restrictions I can manage this.
cat