?Any Experiences with the Recent Baggage Restrictions/Charges?

[coral cowgirl]

I would really appreciate it if anyone who has been traveling lately would advise on how the new fees/restrictions on luggage affected your check-in....i.e., did you have to gate check bags, were the overhead bins all taken before you boarded, were the lines held up, etc. Got a couple of trips planned and not sure I'm going to be able to continue to do only carry on.

[OilfieldTrash]

I was on American Airlines last week. Their policy for international flights is the same as in the past : carry on + 2 checked bags not to exceed 50 lbs each. Domestic destinations have been reduced to a single checked bag.

[caroln]

I went to FL last month and took a Kirkland carry on sized duffle bag with most of my cave gear in it as my carryon. I was able to carry it on with no problems going down, but on the way back they actually weighed it, and the bag had to be checked if it was overweight. I was able to shift some things around to meet the weight requirement, but still had to gate check the bag b/c there wasn't enough space in the overhead.

[cutter77]

Last trip through Miami...was pulled out of the security line and had to go back and check my backpack...it was packed too full I guess and wasn't considered a "purse or personal item." Sheeesh...

[david_57]

I dove in Cozumel Jan 2008, and a month later Key Largo with no problems, BCD, Fins, Wetsuit, Masks, and boots in checked on luggage Computer and regs in carry on luggage with no problems. Make sure you do not exceed the weight limits 50lbs for checked luggage and 20lbs carry on luggage, but you should check online with your airline as this can vary between companies, also most allow an extra checked on luggage for sports equipment.

[Defman]

If you're concerned about getting a place in an over-head, arrange a middle or back of the plane seat. Since they try to load back to front this will reduce the number of people in front of you who can take up the spaces. On the down side, it will take longer to get off of the plane.

As already mentioned, keep bags under 50# to avoid overweight charges on the checked bags. Depending on the airline, you may have to pay for the second (or first!) checked bag.

[Rainer]

Wow, I had no idea some places were starting to weigh carry on baggage. I'm quite sure I almost always have more than 20#!

[mselizann]

I flew US Air a couple weeks ago-

they are charging $25 for a second bag and $25 for overweight bag
Our scuba bag was overweight- she gave us an opportunity to take something out- took out my jumpsuit and it was fine- we just had to stuff it into a second bag
the $25 for the second bag is waived for 1st class- but not the overweight fee

as for carry ons, I did see a lot of them check at the gate- they are really cracking down on bags that are too big- especially the little wheeled ones. They just don't fit in the overhead compartment....and passengers are overstuffing them in an effort to not check a bag

good luck!