Travel Accessories to Save on Baggage Fees
Good budget travelers avoid baggage claim and simply carry-on their luggage when flying. Given the rapid escalation of airline baggage fees, it makes a lot of sense to do so. But this widespread practice is now creating a mad scramble for space in overhead storage bins on many flights. Sometimes, passengers place bags that are really too big to be carried on, and people coming after them find there is no overhead room. They're not too happy when this situation forces them to pay a checked baggage fee.
The issue has attracted government attention. The U.S. Congress is now considering a bill that would standardize and clarify the dimensions of carry-on baggage and personal items on air carriers.
Packing properly for a budget trip has never been more important. You'll need help, so consider some accessories that could help you save on baggage fees.
Airlines are determined to increase these fees and make you pay for heavy baggage. You should be equally determined to travel with one properly-sized carry-on bag as your main piece of luggage and leave the heavy stuff at home.
Perhaps, to further standardize, the government could specify the size, weight and color, say, olive drab, one each. Instead of address tags chips should be installed in each bag, one each. Names would be written in a newer, simpler style: Sack, James M., one each.
Perhaps some training would help. I recently observed three flight attendants engaged in conversation with others while two elderly folks went the entire length of the aircraft looking for a spot to place their carry ons.
Improperly placed pieces, in the bin longways instead of straight in, was the primary cause of no space. The two elderly folks were not prone to move other’s cases. Maybe these attendants could help people place their carry ons in the bin in such a way to maximize utilization of available space.
And, it seems people don’t understand the fact the overhead bins get smaller toward the rear of the bin, as the geometry of the aircraft dictates. If bags were place “handle first” they would, most times, go in easier. A little harder to do, but a big help in speeding up the process of boarding.
And, while I am on my perch, why not some instructions to those announcing “pre takeoff” info as to how to properly speak into a microphone. Most attendants seem to believe they must eat the microphone when talking.
Good points, hjm. I wonder how much stowing the carry-ons is discussed in flight attendant training. I’d imagine it’s getting more attention now.
Some sort of announcement at the gate that covers the points you mention would be helpful, especially during the holidays when a lot of inexperienced fliers will be boarding planes.