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The Tough Tactics to Avoid Luggage Check-In Fees
William Carroll couldn't believe what he was seeing. People packed in tight around the entrance. At the appointed time, the crowd rushed forward, pushing and shoving, looking ready to trample anyone who dawdled. Employees made repeated announcements trying to control the situation. It was just like Black Friday at Wal-Mart, he thought. Mr. Carroll was simply trying to board a Jan. 5 flight back home to Southern California from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. And the… (online.wsj.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Like others, i wait and let the gate agents check it for free.
Next time, Mr. Carroll should try Southwest Airlines where checked bags fly free. WN flys nonstop to LAX and SNA from MDW. I never experienced the scene he described when flying WN.
Almost all of my travel is international (actual miles 100K+/yr). Due to several FF programs, I haven't paid fees in years. I also travel light - one checked bag for 1-2 month trips. I do have to carry the maximum allowed on board though. I've had my baggage lost for up to a week (I do a lot of Africa work) and can't afford not to be ready to work on Monday morning. My carry-on though is below the limit - even for Ethiopian Airlines, who check and measure... Sure, I've seen plenty of "carry-on" abuse, especially multiple duty free bags. If luggage was more reliable, I would cut back on my carry-on - don't see that happening soon though.
Multiple Duty Free bags is not abuse. It's their rules, not ours. You buy duty free items and they bag it and send it to the plane. I have never physically "carried on" duty free bags. Carry them off all the time, but it wasnt my rules that put them on the topside to begin with.
Here's where the US postal Service could shine. Mail it! If it fits it ships! Have it waiting for you when you arrive. No hassle, through security or check-in or boarding. No one stealing your stuff.
Airlines should start charging for carry on bags and let the traveler check their bag for free. This would hopefully discourage people from taking a bunch of luggage into the cabin (destined for the overhead bin) and thus cut down on the amount of time it takes to board and disembark an aircraft. It should take about fifteen minutes to board a 320 or 73...not 30!