Tag Archives: baggage

Cracking Down on Carry-Ons

Weeks ago when American Airlines announced it would be charging passengers $15 to check in their first piece of luggage (and $25 for the second bag) every travel analyst in the country echoed the same comment: Beware of an impending crack down on carry ons. Sure enough a few days ago American Airlines announced it will be clamping down on the size of carry-ons (and you can bet other carriers will follow suit in a timely manner). American is the first airline to issue a statement regarding carry-ons. According to an American spokesperson, the airline usually adds extra staff during … Continue reading →

Airline Luggage Wars—-Can It Get Any Worse?

I’ve had my share of luggage horror stories (many of which I’ve shared on this site), but now I am bracing for what could prove to be a cataclysmic move by the airline industry in regards to checked bags. As if the price of airfare wasn’t enough to force you to vacation in your own backyard airlines are about to take another shot at your wallet via your luggage. Recently, United Airlines announced that it would be making a major (and alarming) change in its checked baggage policy. Instead of being able to check in two bags for free, as … Continue reading →

Last-Minute Gifts for Those Fighting the “Black Bag War”

A couple of years ago I wrote a blog entitled “Black Bag War.” It was an ode to the millions of airline passengers forced to huddle around luggage carousels and decipher which of the hundreds of rotating black suitcases rightfully belonged to them. In the 20 months or so since I wrote that piece luggage manufacturers have expanded their color palettes and now offer a wide variety of products in funky styles and colors. Now you can buy a wardrobe of luggage to fit your particular lifestyle and mix and match as needed. What’s more, if you are still searching … Continue reading →

Your Bag Could Be Next

Just in time for the holiday crush the U.S. Department of Transportation released new figures revealing how many weary travelers were forced to deal with missing bag syndrome last year. According to the new report, U.S. carriers misplaced an average of 6.73 bags for every 1,000 customers in 2006, up from 6.64 bags per thousand the previous year. That’s more than four million bags that went missing last year in the U.S. alone. And more bad news—while the majority of the bags were reunited with their owners within 48 hours, thousands of pieces of luggage were permanently lost. Is your … Continue reading →

Have You Sworn Off Marriage (or other relationships)?

I’ve seen and talked to many people who swear they will never marry or never get married again, or even never have another serious relationship. In doing research for this column, I find entire websites devoted to not getting married or seriously involved. There’s nothing wrong with that, since it is of course a personal decision. However, it is a good idea to examine why you feel that way. For some, having been hurt badly in a previously relationship is enough to make them give up. This is an especially big issue for those who have been hurt many times. … Continue reading →

Is Lack of Trust Warranted, or is it Born of Fear?

Trust is obviously huge in any relationship but especially in intimate relationships. No one is completely trusting all the time but some are far more cynical than others are. What leads us to withhold trust from the people we love? It’s worth examining, because it really depends on whether or not the ability to trust, or the lack thereof, is warranted or is based in fear. If your spouse has given you good reason not to trust him or her, such as engaging in an affair or lying about other things, it’s much more difficult to rebuild a sense of … Continue reading →

More Luggage Restrictions… Are You Ready For This?

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 … Continue reading →

Marriage Tips: Baggage

Next on the list on the A – Z list is baggage. It can get in the way of intimacy and communication, or we can learn from past experiences and use them to help us make better decisions and build healthier relationships. One important thing to remember is that your spouse is a unique and special individual. He or she is not the same as all men or all women. Do not assign motives for your spouses actions based on the behavior of a parent, a previous boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancée, or even a previous spouse. Every person is different, and … Continue reading →

Black Bag War

When I travel from my home in Wisconsin to my parent’s home in Hilo, Hawaii, I fly in and out of smaller airports and I check my bags all the way through to my final destination. That means I avoid the “black bag war.” You know, the inevitable jostling that takes place at baggage claims around the world. It includes hordes of grumpy passengers ready to pounce on their black bag…or is it my black bag? Recently, the airline refused to check my luggage all the way through (forcing me to transfer my own luggage to a connecting flight) and … Continue reading →