Beginning next month, most major airlines will charge for a second checked bag. The cost is $25 a pop each way. And, if any of your bags weighs more than 50 pounds, you could be hit another $100 each way. And some are charging a $100 for checking a third bag ($25 for the second, still). These are domestic rates. International will probably be higher.
So, next year, when we're flying to Europe for eight days, I will DEFINITELY have to master the whole 'lite packing' concept.
I loathe checking luggage. We did a week in Belize, with each of us restricted to one carry on backpack (my rule, not the airline). When I travel by car, I take everything AND the kitchen sink, but by air, I take what I can carry if at all possible. You can do laundry anywhere; you can buy stuff at your destination; you can even fedex it home so you don't have to carry it.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it makes sense. 50 lbs of luggage per person should be enough if you plan it right. You may need to do a little laundry along the way...
ReplyDeleteOne trick when I went to England was to bring some old clothes (not all of them, but a few old shirts) that I wouldn't mind throwing away after wearing - leaving more room in the suitcase to pack myself some presents.
ReplyDeleteJulie - What an intriguing concept.
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