Excess baggage rules ready to catch out unwary holidaymakersPost by Cameron Davidson on 23rd June 2010 in Shipping, Industry news The eminently sensible idea of having items of luggage sent
ahead before flying off on holiday looks like being one of the top travel
trends of 2010.
It is all in response to airlines tightening up the rules
surrounding what and how much luggage they allow their passengers to stow in
the plane’s hold, and how much they allow them to carry with them when they
board.
And as the peak holiday season approaches across Europe and
the rest of the northern hemisphere, many passengers could well be landed with
a nasty shock in the shape of excess baggage fees which could blow a sizeable
hole in their holiday budget.
Now, in response to the imposition of stricter controls over
what is allowed on board a plane – either in the hold or the cabin – new
ventures are springing up which offer a solution to airline charges.
Rachel Harris, an ex-senior employee of America’s Southwest
Airlines, has passed on some useful advice to passengers looking to minimise –
or avoid altogether – excess baggage charges, or checked bag fees as they are
known in America.
She points out that checking in one bag for a summer holiday
this year is likely to cost about $23 (about £15.75 sterling) if done online
before departure, and an extra $2 (£1.37) if it is left until arrival at the
airport. These charges rise by another 50 per cent for a second bag, and by
even more if someone is checking in three or more luggage items.
Another tip for items which flyers just can’t do without on
holiday is to buy them in smaller ‘travel’ sizes just to use for the duration
of a stay away.
But ultimately, many travellers are discovering that they
can save money by handing the transport of their baggage to an international
shipping specialist. These can be found at all airports and most major rail
termini, and will arrange for luggage or large items to be carried separately
to their destination.
They are then taken to a designated office at the arrival
airport or station, so are ready to be collected from the baggage shipping firm at the passenger’s convenience
once they have reached their destination.
When the amount of luggage a typical family takes on holiday
with them is considered, not having to carry these heavy items on and off a
train, through an airport, or spend valuable time crowded around luggage
carousels has to be considered a bonus which will make it easier to enjoy a
well-deserved holiday.
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