Spring break is here. What better time then to pass on more of my traveling tips to make traveling this spring break and on to summer easier for those who do not live in an airport like I do. Tips part two (dated 1/10/05 in my journal archives) Most airlines have dropped the free baggage weight limit from 88lbs to 50lbs total. That's not each bag, that's both checked bags. So to avoid an additional fee for packing too much stuff that you don't need, planning is key. Also pack important things in your carry-on in the unlikly event that you get stranded in an airport on your way to your dream vacation. Some smart things to pack in your carry on could be: Toiletries, asprin, band-aids, bottle of water, snacks (most airlines still do not provide inflight meals), any medication that you need to take, a book, magazines or other things to occupy time, EAR PLUGS, neck pillow, eye mask, lotion (to keep your skin hydrated), spare change of undies, hairbrush, just to name a few. These are only to give you some ideas to think about. An hour layover in Chicago, could turn into all day. Being prepared for the unexpected will reduce stress, and make your life alot easier.
In my last traveling tips entry:
Also, if you are traveling with children, elderly, or do not travel enough to be familiar with airports, keep that in mind when you are booking your reservation. Thirty minutes is not enough time to connect from one plane to another, when you have children and bags to contend with. If possible, I suggest that a minimum of 60 minutes. Especially at busy airports like, Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta... basically any major hub that you connect thru. Once again, thinking ahead will save you time, and make your trip alot less stressful.
Now sit back relax and enjoy your trip... Make sure to bring me back something good!
2 comments:
<I>Most airlines have dropped the free baggage weight limit from 88lbs to 50lbs total.</i>
I don't recall a free 88# limit ever.
For the 2 airlines I fly regularly (Northwest and Delta) the checked bag limit for coach passengers is 2 bags up to 50 pounds <B>each</B> on domestic itineraries. International itineraries are controlled by tariffs, e.g. for trips between the U.S. & Europe the limit is 2 bags up to 70 pounds <B>each</B>. I can't find any evidence that any major carriers have recently dropped below these limits.
If you fly at least 25K miles/year, chances are that your airline will allow greater limits, e.g. my wife & I both can check 2 bags up to 70 pounds each on Northwest (and a 3rd when we are upgraded to FC).
We usually just travel with carryon rollaboards these days. I can't imagine even approaching the limits on checked baggage but some people must do it!
Connections -- unfortunately most connection times are set by the airlines' own computers and it can be difficult or impossible to arrange a trip without short connects. I prefer 60 minutes, too, but it just doesn't always work out that way.
What a lot of people don't realize is that a 30 minute connection gives you only 15 minutes to get to the gate. At any point after 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure standbys can be processed (i.e. your unoccupied seat goes to someone else) and the door is closed (and they are unlikely to reopen it for you!).
Sometimes when I'm going to a strange airport I print out maps of the concourses, which often help. The major airline magazines (which they invite you to take with you) usually have those maps in them somewhere, too.
Post a Comment