Getting your luggage from Point A to Point B ought to be simple, but between TSA regulations and differing procedures at most airports, it’s turning into one of the biggest challenges for travelers. And now two airlines – Spirit and British Airways – have announced that they’re going to start charging passengers for the convenience if having their suitcases loaded onto the plane.
Miramar, Fla.-based Spirit Airlines announced earlier this month that they’ll be charging $5 for one or two checked bags if customers make reservations online. Travelers who don’t use Spirit’s online reservation service will pay double -- $10 a piece for one or two bags, and a whopping $100 for a third piece of checked luggage. You’re still allowed one carry-on for free, but Spirit’s also going to charge $1 for soft drinks, coffee and tea. The new policy affects all flights taken after June 20.
They’re not the first to do this, and certainly won’t be the last. The small Dublin-based airline Ryanair began charging 3.50 euros per checked bag last year, and Air Canada offers passengers $5 off their fare if they don’t check any luggage. And now British Airways, who still allows you one checked bag for free, has started charging passengers on long flights to Europe and Asia a stunning 120 pounds ($236) for each extra bag. Passengers on domestic flights will have to pay 30 pounds ($59) for each additional bag, while each additional piece of luggage on flights to Europe will cost 60 pounds ($118).
On the plus side, you now have more options for having your luggage delivered to your destination than ever before. Where shipping ski and golf equipment, excess baggage, or international delivery was once a huge headache, a number of companies have stepped up to the plate to serve travelers with special baggage needs. Cruiseshippers.com still offer the only service that ships luggage for cruise passengers. LuggageClub.com and LuggageFree.com both offer door-to-door service that offers a range of methods for delivering regular luggage and odd-sized and cumbersome baggage such as your skis, golf clubs, baby seat, surfboard or wheelchair make it from your home to your destination. They also work with business clients to deliver materials for conventions and trade shows. You can find other companies that provide these services by searching "luggage shipping" in Google or you can request these services through your travel agent.
However you look at it, it appears that traveling is soon going to mean paying for baggage handling, whether you’re checking it at the airport or paying for a delivery
Stormy Knight, Certified Travel Agent, owns and operates BargainTravel.com, a site specializing in low-cost travel options and discount consolidator flights. Stop by and join the community of travel savers.http://www.bargaintravel.com
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