When booking a flight for your travel, be sure to check on, not just the airfare cost, but the extra added costs and fees.
For instance, baggage fees can apply. This is not only for checked baggage, but sometimes for carry-on (in-flight) bags. Also, different airlines have different weight and size limits for checked luggage. Some airlines have a 50lb. limit per bag, but others allow only 44lbs. per checked bag. So be aware of these limitations!
Some airlines allow you a carry-on bag as well as a personal bag, like a purse or a computer bag. Other airlines might only allow you one carry-on bag, whether it is an inflight bag or a personal bag.
With certain airlines, if you let them know the number of bags you will be checking when you book your flight and pay for it at that time, the price is less than when you check your bags at the airport counter. Also, some airlines charge even more if you have to check your bag at the gate!
One time I was boarding a flight at London’s Gatwick airport. I had done my research and was aware of the fact that the airline only allowed one carry-on item, so I put my purse inside my in-flight bag. But I witnessed another passenger at the gate, who did not have this information, and was trying to shove her very large purse into her in-flight bag. She got very upset and was crying, as she was trying to get everything packed into the in-flight bag, including her purse. Her personal belongings were spread out all over the floor, and it was easy to tell how stressed out she was. I felt bad for her and wanted to say something to the gate agent. But at that point, a supervisor approached and observed how distressed the passenger was. She leaned over and said something to another gate agent, who then went over and talked with the passenger. I got the feeling that he was consoling the passenger and that they would let her on the plane, without charging the extra fee. I was happy to see that they had compassion for that passenger, but I wouldn’t count on that happening very often.
Eliminate baggage fee surprises at the airport, by knowing all the charges in advance.
Packing for a trip can be quite frustrating or overwhelming. For a FREE general packing list, click here.
2 comments
Sioux
Once I took a flight that charged for checked bags, so I took my bag with me rather than pay the fee. It was small enough, but uncomfortably heavy, so I asked an attendant as I entered the plane if it could be checked. They checked it with no fee! Since then, it has worked every time.
Once I took a flight that charged for checked bags, so I took my bag with me rather than pay the fee. It was small enough, but uncomfortably heavy, so I asked an attendant as I entered the plane if it could be checked. They checked it with no fee! Since then, it has worked every time.
Luck is with you!