Frequent (and occasional) fliers–are you ready for this? Apparently, applying new restrictions on carry-on luggage just wasn’t enough–now in a historic move–Continental Airlines has announced that it will no longer accept checked pieces that weigh more than 70 pounds.
A recent newspaper report says the move makes Continental “the first major U.S.-based carrier to turn away bags that heavy.” The airline says the move is meant “to bring its limits in line with international partners, adding that the 70-pound limit will minimize problems for passengers making connections on international partners.”
Of course, the news has Continental baggage handlers doing the happy dance. I know, because my friend happens to be a baggage handler with a bad back. The 70-pound limit will make life easier on him and his fellow colleagues. However, he admits (and industry observers agree) that the new rule will likely impact very few passengers.
Now, before I weigh in on this issue (regular readers of my TRAVEL blogs know I have an on going issue with airlines and luggage restrictions), let me share with you what travel consultants have been saying about the new rule. One outspoken travel consultant told reporters: “Continental is an airline, not Allied Moving Vans. They are supposed to take people from A to B, not move their household goods. If you need more than 70 pounds of stuff with you, you should probably drive.”
Funny—unless you are traveling 5,000 miles with a toddler and you check in a single extra-large bag because traveling with any more only gives an airline that many more bags to add to their lost-luggage abyss. Seriously, I travel with one large bag because I have had terrible luck making it from Chicago to Honolulu without an airline misplacing a bag or two (this was back in the days when I actually traveled with more than one bag).
Seventy pounds. Okay, let’s think about this for a moment. Many of you lighter-travelers may be wondering how in the world does one stuff a single bag with 70 pounds worth of stuff. First, let me begin by saying that I have never exceeded 70 pounds–my bag usually weighs in around 60 pounds–and I pay the price for it. Typically, I get socked with a $25 fee for going over 50 pounds, but a few months ago when trying to get out of the Honolulu International Airport, I got hit with a $50 fine—the airline said the extra $25 was for a “handling fee.” Listen—I just want to see my bag when I get to my final destination—if it costs $50 for that to happen then so be it. Now, getting back to what makes up a 70-pound bag… let me just say that it is very easy to hit 50 pounds without even trying– especially when you consider that a half way decent suitcase weighs between 15-20 pounds–EMPTY. I’m not even talking about an extra large bag; I’m talking about a 28-incher. Now, fill it with clothes, shoes and all of the items that you are now no longer able to pack in your carry on and the suitcase will likely weigh on average 50 to 55 pounds. Throw in some books, papers and a toy or two and you can easily surpass 70 pounds.
Moving on to my second point—yes, I do care about the health and well-being of baggage handlers and knowing that one (or more) of them has to contend with my block of concrete is a bit troubling, but the fact is, I travel with a toddler and the bag which weighs the equivalent of a third grader. If I can do it for free so should they. Okay, perhaps that is a bit harsh. I can’t blame the poor souls who see my bag marked with a HUGE neon “Warning” sticker (attached by the airline employee at the check-in counter) and would rather leave it on the luggage trolley than hoist it onto the plane, but I can’t see changing my ways until I am assured that traveling with additional bags won’t increase my odds of spending time in the “lost luggage” line.
What do you think about the new weight rule?
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Travel Alert: New Airline Carry-On Restrictions