Leaving Behind the Luggage
July 17th, 2008. Filed under: Wednesday's Wonders.
The increased gas prices aren’t just affecting our day to day life. It’s affecting our vacations. More people are now staying home instead of taking vacations the all American way by hitting the road. We’re discovering staycations and the nearby attractions. But what if Aunt Gloria has her heart set on seeing us one more time before she moves to Thailand, or Uncle Ed is insisting on one last family reunion while Granny is still with us?
It’s expensive to drive, especially if our destination is 1,000 miles away. Flying is getting more expensive every day. At least five airlines have started charging for checked luggage. American, Northwest, Spirit, United and US Airways now charge $15 for that first bag, $25 for the second bag and up to $250 per bag if you pack everything and the kitchen sink when you travel. If you decide to eventually come back home, you have to pay those charges twice. And that’s not all. There are still charges for overweight bags and those which do not meet the overall dimensions set by the airline.
What’s a prudent person to do? Pack less. Do not check any luggage. You are allowed one carry on and one personal item which translated is purse or backpack. Make sure the carry on meets the size requirements and pick the largest purse or backpack that you have. One caveat. Be sure you can lift the carry on up and into the overhead compartment. I’ve been known to pack that little sucker so heavy that I had to rely on the goodwill of someone taller than myself to get that baby up there. Getting it down can be dangerous, too. Gravity has a way of getting it down in a hurry. Make sure you don’t assault any of the other passengers with your bag. Doug Dyment gives you tips on how to pack just one bag. Also, pick a middle seat. They have the most under seat space to smash in that huge purse or backpack.
There are a few other things that you can do to get around those fees. Pick an airline that hasn’t started charging for first bags yet. Just keep in mind that they all seem to charge for the second or more bags. Or travel first or business class. These are exempt from the first bag charge.
Personally, I think I’ll just tell everyone about the great vacation spot I’ve found and how inexpensive and peaceful it is. “No, I’m not going to tell you where it is. If I tell the location, it will become overcrowded and touristy.” Then I’m going to turn off my phone, put my mail and newspaper on hold, go on one big grocery shop, lock my doors and pull the blinds. I have four bookcases full of books that I want to read. Please don’t interrupt me. I’m not at home to anyone. I’m on my own private little island enjoying a good read.