Airline Baggage Requirements and Fees
Air France
Each passenger is allowed to check one item free of charge on international flights between Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Each item must not exceed a weight of 23 kg. (50 lbs.) A second checked bag will incur a fee of €50 (or $50 USD/CAD). The currency in which the fee is paid is determined by the country of departure, not citizenship. There is a 20% discount for paying the baggage fee online. Air France Flying Blue members are granted additional weight limits.
American Airlines
For flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, American passengers pay $25 USD for their first checked bag and $35 for the second bag. One carry-on is permitted at no charge. On international flights, one carry-on and two checked bags are permitted for free, with the exception of flights from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands to, through or from parts of Europe and India, where a $50 fee applies to a second checked bag. American charges $100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags and $200 per piece for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces.
Continental Airlines
Continental charges passengers within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with one checked bag in economy $25 USD ($23 online). Each bag must not exceed 23 kg. (50 lbs.) A second bag costs $35 ($32 online). International travelers get one checked bag at no charge, and pay a $27-$45 fee for a second checked bag on flights (some exceptions for Asia). There are a host of exemptions to the fees that include active military personnel traveling on orders and travelers paying full fare. Bags weighing between 50-70 lbs. incur a fee of $50 per item; bags measuring more than 62 in. cost $100/bag. Bags weighing more than 70 lbs. or in excess of 115 in. are not accepted.
Delta Airlines
Delta charges $25 USD for the first checked bag and $35 for a second when you pay at airport ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. Online payments are discounted $2-$3. The second checked bag on economy flights from the U.S. or Canada to Europe is $50 each way; to Latin America (excluding Brazil) $25 (online check-in) to $30 (airport). Checked bags must weigh less than 50 lbs. An extra bag that goes over the limits will involve a charge ranging from $90-$300 per bag. Bags weighing more than 100 lbs. are not permitted.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows two checked bags per passenger weighing 23-32 kg. each, depending upon your route and class of travel. The airline uses a zone system to determine fees for excess baggage weight. It adds up quickly: 5€ for every excess kilogram on domestic flights within Germany, but long-haul flights can involve 40€/kg.
United Airlines
United charges each passenger $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second when using United.com for travel within the U.S. Other check-ins require an additional $5/bag. Oversize bags (beyond 50 lbs.) incur a fee of $175, and overweight bags are assessed $125. The schedule of charges and conditions is complicated, so read carefully. Fees apply to one-way travel, so double them for a round trip. Also note United's advance check-in requirements, which vary by airport. United's checked bag policy for international flights is first bag free, second bag $50 ($45 if paid online). United has also rolled out a "Premier Baggage Fee" of $249 that allows free first- and second-checked bags for one year.
How to Keep Baggage Fees to a Minimum
Obviously, if you don't want to pay baggage fees, it pays to fly with Southwest, JetBlue (first checked bag is still free) or some other carrier that has not put these charges into effect. But many times, we have to book seats on an airline with baggage fees. If the costs on airfares are similar, look at the way the airline structures its baggage fees. One might give you the first checked bag for free and charge quite a bit for the second. Others might spread the cost between first and second bags more evenly. If you only have one bag to check, the first example is a better choice. Rule of thumb: Many budget carriers will give you a break on airfares but charge higher baggage fees. If this is the case, you need to recognize the importance of one-bag carry-on travel.
Know Airline Policy
Would it surprise you to know that many travelers show up at the airport not knowing what they will pay for the privilege of checking their baggage? In this age of Internet access, there really is no excuse for this behavior. You should print out the Web page on baggage fees for the airline of your choice and make it a part of your planning folder. It's important to realize that most airlines don't put baggage fee information on their home pages. You'll have to dig for it. Search "baggage fees" or click on the "site map" for the site and look through the organizational outline until you find the page you need. This might take a few minutes, but it sure beats showing up at the airport without a clue about these pending charges.
Know Airline Carry On Limits
Take a look upward from the in-seat movie screen and notice those baggage compartments. They were designed years ago, when checking baggage was free. People brought on a purse or a small bag with convenience items and stowed them in those compartments. But now, budget travelers such as you are seeing those compartments as the place to stow their primary travel bag. Space fills up quickly, and on some flights, travelers have nearly come to blows arguing about the last available space. Most airlines have adopted an industry standard for carry-on bags. It's entirely possible that allowance will get smaller as time passes under our current system. With that in mind, it pays to know the limits, and know that your bag will pass the test at the gate.
Commit to 1 Bag Travel
This has always been a good idea, but never more so than in this age of baggage fees. If you can limit your packing to one bag that is small enough to carry on, you'll avoid baggage fees altogether. There are other advantages: better mobility is important when you're trying to catch mass transit to avoid expensive cabs. It also improves the overall quality of your trip. Who wants to drag around several heavy suitcases? On some small commuter flights, no one can carry on their bags. But in these cases, if your one bag is smaller than the limit for carry-on bags, you usually are given complimentary checking. At smaller airports, you retrieve your bag right on the tarmac. All of this makes a lot more sense than dragging two or more bags on your trip.
Pay attention to Packing
It's a common message that almost every traveler ignores: Lay out only what you absolutely need for a trip, and then leave half of it at home. If more of us would follow this advice, we'd be happier travelers. Quite a few trips have been ruined or significantly impacted by bringing too much baggage. Now fees for checking baggage add even more pain to the equation. It's a sure bet that far fewer trips have been ruined by neglecting to pack enough. Pay attention to packing techniques to be certain you're using all your available space in the most efficient manner possible.
How to Pack for a Ski Vacation
Check With the Airline - Check airline regulations before you start packing. Most airlines allow a carry-on bag, a personal item you can also bring on board with you, two suitcases, and one sports (i.e. ski) bag, but make sure your luggage and gear meets the requirements in advance of your ski trip. Check with your airline on their policy about ski equipment. Some airlines need notice about your ski equipment so they can reserve space for you.
Ski Bag - Use a ski bag that holds two pairs of skis, then cram it full of ski pants, jackets, and other gear. Be careful it doesn't go over 50 lbs in weight or it will cost you an extra $50.
Boot Bag - Boot bag should travels with you as carry-on luggage. Besides your boots, it can hold your helmet and a day's worth of ski clothing - base layer, gloves, ski pants, ski jacket, boot heaters, and the rest of your gear. That way, if your baggage gets delayed, your skiing won't be held up.
Travel Documents - Just in case, print out duplicate copies of your boarding passes (check-in before you leave), flight itinerary, car reservation, and hotel reservation. Keep the extra copy in your computer bag, just in case you need it.
Pack the clothing that you plan on wearing when you're not on the slopes. While what clothing you pack depends on your preferences and where you plan to go, packing warm clothing is always a good idea. However, don't forget a good pair of boots! You may have to do a lot of walking, and you want your feet to be stable on slush or ice and stay warm.
Pack your ski equipment. If you're driving, put ski boots, skis, and poles in the car. If you're flying, a ski bag is a good idea. A ski bag holds your skis and poles and keeps them protected on the flight. A boot bag will hold your boots. Make sure your bags are clearly labeled with your name, home phone number, and cell phone number.
If you pre-purchased lift tickets, lessons, or rentals, make sure you have the necessary piece of paper with you - you don't want to forget that! Before you leave, make sure that you have your plane tickets and your hotel reservations.
Tips for packing:
- Try and keep everything organized when you pack. Making a list is a good idea - check everything off when it's packed!
- While this is a ski vacation, don't forget to pack the everyday items you would pack on a normal vacation.
- Remember that valuables such as medicine, money, jewelry should always be carried with you.
Do you need to save room? Depending on the size of your ski bag, you may be able to fit smaller items such as socks or gaiters in with your skis - it will save on suitcase room! Also, remember the trick of stuffing socks, gaiters, or gloves in your ski boots.
Pack your ski clothing. To make sure that you don't forget anything, pack your ski wear in the order that you usually wear them. Pack your base layer (your long underwear). Then pack your mid layer (a sweater or turtleneck). Don't forget your insulating layer (a fleece jacket), and make sure you pack your ski jacket and pants. How much to pack depends on how long your vacation is, but one or two base and mid-layers per two days should be fine.