Some airlines charge not just for checking bags, but also want to charge for carry-on luggage. Spirit's CEO has said--before a Congressman intervened--that people are lugging so much junk onto the plane that it slows down disembarking.
We always travel in economy class (or the lack of class, depending on how you look at it). That often means seats near the back of the plane. Even if we do carry-on only, there's rarely room for our bags in the overhead compartments. That's because everyone else is cheap like me, doing the same thing to avoid checked-bag fees--of course!
On a March trip to California on United, compartments were jammed when about three-fourths of passengers were on board. A flight attendant took and checked carry-ons, fee-free, which seemed easier than quelling a passenger rebellion. Later, I saw several passengers with carry-ons way larger than the permitted sizes, and some "personal items" could have carried a litter of kittens.
What's the solution?
Should everyone pay for carry-ons and checked bags by weight? Perhaps that would keep the price of airfare down while charging more fairly for freight. (We're not even venturing into the minefield of airlines charging passengers by their PERSONAL weight. But for us that would work: We'd be mortified/horrified/humbled to step on a scale at the airport---but we'd do it. There's always going to be someone skinnier or more beautiful or fatter than us.)
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ON BAGGAGE FEES:
Just answer or rant in an e-mail
Should airlines charge for ALL baggage, both checked and carry-on?
How much (maximum) per pound would you pay if it came to that? $.25 $1 $5
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IN THE MEANTIME:
Here are some CHEAPCHEAPCHEAP packing tips.
It's tempting to cram so much in your carry-on that the seams nearly split. But do you really need it?
Unless you're going to a Third-World country, you can buy toiletries and T-shirts anywhere. Your purchases can be part of your adventure! Sure, you can get what you need at airport shops or hotel gift shops, but we are cheapcheapcheap----and your money will go further at flea markets, discounters, groceries and all-in-one stores. In the United States, head to Dollar Tree for your toothpaste, deoderant and snacks. In Europe, find a 1 euro store for necessities (in Berlin, you can even grab a liter of gluhwein!).
You'll gain invaluable insight into what the locals buy, too, and prices they pay--plus get a lesson in currency exchange.
If you find it more convenient or easier on your wallet to pack, bring the smallest amounts of toiletries (and NONE if your hotel provides the basics). Check out the Old TSA rules at http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
With clothes, pack light: Take a few basic sturdy things in mix-and-match colors that can be washed often in a hotel sink. Take along a plastic hanger or two or small length of rope. Make rope do double duty by using it to tipe a rolled-up pair of jeans in your suitcase.
Buy inexpensive shirts from a vendor; you'll fit in locally plus have souvenirs to take home. (Just don't wear them and try to give as gifts. Tacky. And smelly.)
Do as my friend Peggy does: Buy thrift-store shirts (at home or at your destination) and skirts/shorts/pants in blues/browns/neutral colors. Wash clothes while on your trip, but before going home, wash again and donate them on your last day. Most hotel staffers can suggest an appropriate donation drop-off location, or even offer to take them off your hands and donate them.
And my favorite tip (which I've done): Pack your oldest, worn shirts, socks and undies, and discard as you go (or wash and donate locally). Just make sure you hide hole-y used undies in the trash so the hotel maid doesn't run down the street after you thinking you've forgotten them! COLOR MY FACE RED!
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE: Share your favorite CHEAP packing tips!
Airlines should go back to the old rules and enforce them more strictly at check-in or the security line: 1 carry-on, 1 checked, and must fit within the limits. So the answer is NO you should need to pay for this service and if they must, then for domestic add the $15-20 to my ticket price upfront for a carry-on and let me decide on the checked baggage fee later. For international they should never charge additional, just put it in the price of the ticket.
ReplyDeleteGood advice on the packing tips, with one caveat: if you're not going to North America, Europe, South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, ETC you might need to rely on your own clothes instead of buying them there. In Japan clothing is not only expensive, but if you're a woman over 120lbs you will have a difficult time finding things that fit and those that do fit will cost a fortune. My advice is to do some online research to see what other people have written about the country or place you'll be visiting. The same goes for toiletries, which tend to be easier to find outside of Third World places but may still be difficult to locate. For example, since men don't shave as often in East Asia I've heard that shaving supplies can be difficult to find. In 2005, when I lived in Beijing, tampons could only be found in a few pharmacies near where expats lived, and then only one specific brand.
-Amanda