DEBBIE NORRELL
Now that airlines charge you for the number of bags that you check it is way past time to reconsider the amount of things that you pack when you are flying. First you should make a list of what you will need.
I just went on a business trip and should have done a little more research on the climate and the types of events I would be attending after our workshops. By making a list you can pack sensibly and check off items as you pack them; no need to keep thinking did I remember my toothbrush and my favorite flat iron? I also find that when you do last minute packing you take more things with you because you are afraid that you just might need it so you stuff everything you think you might need into the suitcase. There is so much you don’t need to carry with you now. Remember the days when you took a travel iron with you and a blow dryer? Now hotel rooms are equipped with full size irons and in most cases a blow dryer.
If you are in the market for new luggage buy something that is easy to spot. If you go for the basic black try to find one that has something different about it or add a tag that makes yours stand out. I just bought a tag that says “this bag is not yours,” and a pair of baggage tags embellished with rhinestones. I hope they will hold up. Recently when I checked my bag into Southwest it weighed in at 48 pounds, 2 pounds under the limit. When my trip was over I realized that I packed two extra pairs of shoes and a dress that I did not need and forgot my work out shoes.
Here is something important, at the end of your trip see what you did not use and this will give you a good idea of what you will not need the next time you travel. I really don’t travel that much but I have learned to keep a toiletries bag ready to grab with all of my favorite items. Another reason to pack light is so you can bring back some goodies that I’m sure you will find while you are in another city.
I sure did not want to pay $25 to bring my bag back home with the added items that I purchased. I really think it is awful that you now have to pay to check your bag and the tiny bags of peanuts and pretzels that you get on board are not worth giving out. If you are planning a trip via air this summer do your homework on the baggage fee. This list should help you out. For the first bag on American, Airtran and Delta the charge is $25 per bag. Jetblue is zero and Southwest is zero if the bag is under 50 pounds, United also charges $25. There is a site where you can view all fees called www.airefarewatchdog.com. But it is best to check your airlines website for any updates.
Your comments are welcome.
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