Airline Luggage

*This is the first in a three-part series on baggage. The first will deal with baggage fees; the second with lost luggage; and the third on the different types of luggages. We plan on showing a video to accompany our articles. The first is a news clip with customers venting their frustration.

Almost all of our clients will, at one time or another, fly: air travel is ubiquitous; a part of the modern landscape. Baggage fees, unfortunatly, are a concomitant by-product. In today's blog we will bring to your attention the relatively recent rise of baggage fees as a way for airlines to raise revenue.

In a recent article from travelandleisure.com, there has been a 2,186% increase in airline revenue from baggage fees from 1990 to 2009. In 2009 alone the airlines generated $2.7 billion in baggage fees; a 488% increase from 2007. This rise can be traced back to 2007 when Spirit became the first contemporary U.S. carrier to charge for bags regardless of weight.

The baggage fees were -- at least at first -- ostensibly tied to fuel costs. However, even after fuel costs dropped by 2/3 the extra fees have remained. The best bet to beat baggage fees? Use your carryon.

http://www.kayak.com/ has a table that lists fees from the major airlines. Included on the list: checked baggage, meals, pets, unaccompained minor service, and seat assignment/legroom. A cursory glance at the list of fees show a large variance but a few general points can be made: the first bag is sometimes free; bags get progressively more expensive; and checking bags online makes a difference.

The following rules and regulations are from the Transportation Security Administration regarding carryon items:

Per TSA regulations, carryon items are limited to one bag plus one small, personal item.
Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).
Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.
The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the "one-bag plus one personal-type item" limit:
A child restraint device for a ticketed child with a reserved seat or when complimentary, available space exists.
Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.
Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.
Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.
Walking canes or umbrellas.

http://www.tsa.gov/