Should airlines charge for carryon bags and not for checked ones?
Posted by
George on Friday, June 20, 2008 to
Airline Industry News
Here's an idea: Instead of charging for checked baggage, why not charge for carry-ons instead? That's what Mark N. Katz suggests in this article. With passengers rethinking those bulky carry-ons to avoid such a fee, security lines and boarding times could be seriously reduced. So which one would you rather pay (and no, smarty pants, 'neither' isn't an option here)? Checked bag fees that passengers will probably try to avoid by feverishly stuffing as much as possible in a carry-on, which could lead to longer security lines? Or a carry-on bag fee that could potentially reduce wait times? But don't let us sway you. Tell us what you think in our latest reader poll.
And if you're old enough to remember, back in the good old days of flying, there was no such thing as carryons. Airlines just had basically hat racks to put your coat and hat on, and no bins that closed. You were only allowed to bring one of those cute little airline flight bags you see sold on eBay sometimes. And a little reading matter, and a camera. That was it. Maybe we should go back to the good ole days.
What do you think? Leave some comments below! I've copy pasted some of the emails we've already received on this topic, below.
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In response to your survey question about which I would prefer a fee for checked baggage, or a fee for carry-on. Checked baggage might be a viable option if the airlines had a better track record of making sure my baggage arrived when I did at my destination. At least with carryone (or my favorite plane side check-in) I know my belongings will be where I am and not sitting in the baggage area of another airport.
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I would much prefer that the airlines charge for carry on bags. If they did, maybe I wouldn't get hit in the face by overloaded backpacks as often!
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Concerning charges for checked baggage on airlines, I much prefer that travelers be charged for carryon baggage! Not the ladies' handbags or reasonably sized tote bags/computer cases, but suitcases! I don't know how many times I've waited forever in the aisle being unable to get to my seat awaiting someone trying to stuff their suitcase(s) into an overhead bin. Fully agree that charging for checked baggage will create even more of that type problem!
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Regarding the article about charging for carry on's - No Way! I carry one bag and a laptop bag and I do not want to trust my stuff to the checked baggage nightmare. My bag fits on the regional jets like CRJ50's so I defnitely don't overstuff it nor hold up the crazy security lines... I travel too much for that kind of headache!
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Charging for carry-on instead of checked baggage - I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA. Pass it on ....
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I would prefer first checked bag be free and first carry on be free. Charges would only for second bags, checked and carry on
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Since we only use one carry on bag per person and do not check any bags this would not be a good solution for us. To make it equal for everyone, have all passengers put all their luggage on a scale and have it weighed along with the passangers weight.
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Yes, why the heck didn't the airlines determine charging for carry-on luggage would be a better option than charging to check luggage? Mark N. Katz couldn't of spelled it out any clearer! Now the airport security lines (searches) will taken even MORE time to get through. Charging passengers to check their carry-on luggage is only the beginning of yet more airline travel nightmares!
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I like the idea of charging for carry-ons and allowing the first checked bag free! I am usually traveling with both a computer bag and a clothing bag that would fit overhead. But, I don't travel enough anymore to warrant preferred boarding, so that means a race to find a place for ANY carryon! Why not charge those who travel for business on a regular basis and prefer to carry on? They're usually on expense accounts and can charge the fees back to their companies. Besides, even if I can find a space for a carry-on, I'm short and not as strong as I was when I traveled on business. The baggage charge is also a real deterrent to any traveler who is less than perfect or physically fit. That's discrimination! Maybe AARP should take up this cause for older travelers.
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I think charging a fee for carry-ons is great idea. Let everyone bring on a briefcase and/or purse no charge, but check everything else.
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By Kim on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 3:19 PM
This site is the best! I've saved hundreds of dollars over the past 2 years on airfare. Thanks!
By John on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 3:51 PM
the option that would make the most sense would be to simply weigh everything (using the scales already imbedded in the check-in counters) that a passenger is toting along and charge accordingly...as far as the plane/fuel is concerned, it doesn't matter whether the bag is upstairs or down-
By Carol Brown on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM
I HATE the idea of paying for carryon bags. HATE it. that means to bring a bag along, i'd have to relinquish it to the airline and trust that it would arrive at my destination when i would.
i've had too many bad bad experiences with this. so i always pack as light as i can and carry on.
By chris on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:14 PM
The reason why the airlines can't charge for carry-on is that it would increase the amount of checked-in baggage. All checked-in baggage has a cost associated with it - insurance on the damages, union wages, equipment to move it around, tracking, etc. Carry-on luggage doesn't have any of these costs
By georgehobica on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Maybe we should charge passengers by the pound. The heavier they weigh, the more they pay. Seriously though, another problem with charging for carryons is that they're all different sizes and weights. Should we charge by size? And if airlines start charging for carryons, then would they have financial responsibility for loss, theft, and damage of contents?
By andy wrobel on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Well, it is about time we wake up. We, the tax payer saved the airlines from bankrupsy many times in the past couple of decades. Each time they come out of bankrupsy and beging to make a profit, I do not see where they have paid back the government, US/ ME AND YOU ! The company has to make a profit and sometimes lose profits and can not always be profitable in every year. I think the money they have not paid us back, plus interest should be calculated and all those share holders should reduce the profit they want to make as well as eat the loss as we are now in their profit making increses to the travelling public. Let the chips fall and let the companies managed properly survive and expand and the others fall by the way side. Pricing should be on the total weight of the package. The package is person and bagage. I have been against carry ons since I can remember. They are dangerous, cause delays and are weapons in the hands of stupid people who do not understand weight and dimention.
By andy wrobel on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Dimension and sorry for the typo, but the word Dinmentia has some meaning with passengers on some fights.
By Bill on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:42 PM
I would like to see the airlines assign space in the overhead bins--a specific space allocated to each seat. Anything you can't fit into your assigned on-board overhead luggage space has to go under the seat in front of you. Period. Seems like airlines could add dividers to overhead bins--without huge extra expense--to facilitate this process. Limits on carry-on baggage would become, in a sense, self-enforcing. Much time would be saved in not having to search for overhead space. And, knowing that each passenger has a guaranteed space (even if relatively small) in the overhead bin, would help reduce the boarding crush.
By Jack on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Your comments regarding charging for carry-on instead of checked luggage probably will be a non choice, as the airlines soon will be charging for both.
By Mark on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I think they should charge by weight and not per bag. Heavier items and people cost more to transport.
By Maggie on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Very bright thinking-outside-the-box. I love the idea of charging for carryon bags rathre than checked bags. Discouraging carryon bags would eliminate - or at least reduce - the backup at the security checks as well as the over-loading of the bins on board the planes. How many have witnessed the "my bin is not for your baggage" wars?!
By Milton J Ackerman on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Definitely charge for carry-on bags to be stored in bins. One reasonable-sized bag (purse or laptop) that will fit comfortably under the seat in front of you should be free. Another good option is to weigh every passenger along with their luggage (either checked or carry-on) and charge per pound if over an already advertised weight limit.
By georgehobica on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Wouldn't it be ironic if the airlines are reading this and they start to charge for BOTH carryons and checked bags? Arrrgh.
By k-girl on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:22 PM
People with carry-ons are obnoxious. They hit everyone in the head coming down the aisle, smash their too-large bag into a compartment, then hit you in the head when they get the bag out - it should be forbidden to carry-on anything but a small bag/purse, they are not too important to wait for their bags at baggage, their "very important" life will wait that 10 minutes, if not, charge the daylights out of them!
By Mark on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Regarding an extra charge for carry-ons: Although we may still see some or all airlines eventually find a way to charge us for this, I think they [and all of us travelers who are NOT total turds] would be much better off if they would just enforce the size and number restrictions already in place. It's been years since I saw an airline employee ask someone to put their carry-on in the little sizing frame by the ticket counter and the gate. I see people all the time walk right by these with either a garment bag, or rolling duffle. Everyone around them knows it's oversize, but they get away with it because the airlines are so poorly organized they can't justify the personnel to check this sort of thing.
My suggestion: since this is an industry-standard size [I think], why don't they weed out these bin-hogs at the strip search...er, security checkpoint. These folks are trained to pay attention to bags anyway. Any questionable bag gets pulled BEFORE it goes through x-ray and the passenger has to check it. If you miss a flight because you had to spend time going through security TWICE, you might play by the rules more often. Maybe. I hope.
By Jack Pope on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:23 PM
The airlines could have reduced the security lines and time to load and unload an aircraft many years ago by enforcing the size of articles that are carried on. How much did all of those metal "size wise" containers cost the airlines? U.S. airlines are so far behind Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Sinagpore and other countries when it comes to service they will never catch up. I believe this is a result of unions rather than employees running the U.S. airlines. I enjoy airfarewatchdog very much. Keep up the good work.
Jack
By Leslie on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Pay for a carry on? No way...I carry my bags so I have my luggage with me and it doesn't get lost. 6 out of 9 flights my luggage has bee "misplaced" and once lost completely and never returned. I'll pay excess baggage, but my carry on...NO.
By Donna on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 9:08 PM
They should start charging for children and not let any be a lap child. They should be in a car seat, strapped in with the seat belt. That would solve the kicking of the back seat. Airlines should limit people to one carryon and one check in bag with out a charge and just limit the size and weight of the 1st checked bag. If it exceeds that size and weight then charge extra.
By Leon Pollock on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I think that the airline industry should make all bags be checked and this would solve the problems from TSA at check in and make exiting and loading the plane a lot faster.
Another thing that would help is that the carry on luggage sizer be scaled back smaller and that the only thing that would fit in the unit would be a laptop or equivelant.
By Robert Kargoll on
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Hi,Better yet why not LET the ones that checked there bags leave the plane FIRST when at the gaye.
By Laurel on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 1:16 AM
Airlines cannot be trusted to assure checked bags arrive with the passenger on the designated flight. Add insult to injury (to the pocketbook) when one has to pay for checked baggage and it arrives two days before your return flight. Even worse when you had to purchase more clothes until your bag arrives AND another bag to pack them in for your return flight. I'm a believer in carry ons combined with layering...layer upon layer, upon layer.
By teresa on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 2:43 AM
unfortunately there's no easy solution. things would be better if people didn't bring gigantic bags on board and expect them to fit somewhere--even at the expense of someone else not having space. people who do this sort of thing aren't generally interested in fairness. i agree that the airlines should be enforcing their own carry on size and rules. i don't like checking luggage because i don't trust that my luggage will arrive when i do. face it, the airlines have us by the short hairs. unless you have time to drive (or cruise) flying is the best alternative. i think we are going to have to adjust and learn to live with less while paying more. that seem to be the trend....
By Traveler on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 5:55 AM
Great idea. I travel frequently and personally I think the sizes for carry-on should be enforced. I've seen many back packs that are larger than my checked luggage (and I normally travel with a 29 inch suitcase). And it seems that the people with these backpacks are oblivious that they are bumping into other travelers with their "carry-on". Also the airline attendants should be sure that those who are putting items in the overhead are putting them near their seat and not at the front so that they don't have to lug their heavy items to where they are sitting. I say go with the charges for carry-ons!
By joe on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 7:53 AM
With the way checked baggage can get lost there are items I would not check, and I want backup clothing for my business needs, so I don't see how you could reduce carry ons.
By Mike on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 2:03 PM
My first thought on hearing of a fee for the first checked bag was that people will be dragging everything they can onboard to avoid it. Current plane/deplane process is bad enough without this. United and Continental at LAX used to have a "window" on the security screen xray machines that enforced a size standard. That is the only method that will work as it does not require a human to make a judgment. Neither screeners nor gate personnel want to challenge customers, so you must have an impartial enforcement method to make it work. This makes airline loyality important as frequent flyers are exempt (so far). I would not be opposed to a carry-on fee but it won't bring in the money the airlines need. Interestingly enough, I have logged over 1.5 million miles in my career (1 mil with United), and I have never lost a bag. Had one go from Den-LAX-NRT-SFO-LAX and arrive at my home 2 days after me. Wish I could have gotten FF credit for the miles traveled.
By Andy on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 3:59 PM
It is amazing how so many people have written and given excuses of why they carry on luggage.
I address those that carry on all of their luggage. It is because they are either to lazy or think they are above going to the carosel to pick their luggage up. So they manage to stow it away in two or more smaller luggage pieces and take up someone elses space and as well endanger others with heavy luggage that has been packed overhead.
In turbulance this is very dangerous. In Boarding and exiting it is a delay and has caused injury and delay as well as I feel, being very selfish and ignorant.
But then there are people who have only their interest at heart, because they are the most important person on the plane.
Weight and carry on bags should be counted along with body weight and charged accordingly. I
f you stow more than one regulation bag in the cabin, an extra charge should apply.
Those who have no cabin baggage should be allowed to deplane first.
These are some great ideas put forth by the people responding on this site.
Great site !!!
By Bob S. on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 4:25 PM
All planes should work the way they handle regional-jets: Put a cargo-module near the door, and as people board they drop off their 'carry-ons'. Prior to pushback this cargo module goes in the hold. Immediately on arrival, the cargo module is placed on the jetway and people just retrieve their carry-on.
It is similar to the way a train compartment works where there is an area near the doors to leave suitcases.
This reduces the need for baggage handlers and gives passengers more control over whether their bag makes it to their destination the same time they do!
By Leon on
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I am completely in favor of charging for carry-on because it would be the single most effective way for any carriage of personal article fee to work for any airlines without DIRECTLY and TRULY hurting most of our wallets.
Take American Airlines for example. About 70% of its fliers do not need to pay first or second checked bag fee. What will be more effective - $15 per bag on the other 30% or, say, $10 per bag on the 70%?
Now, turn to the fliers themselves. Almost all of these "status" fliers fly on some expense account. Realistically speaking, would you - and I for that matter as well - complain as much if you are not the one who ultimately pays? Some might say "corporate / client expense account is not free money - it is someone's money or could be someone's salary." Good point. So, think this way: if the flier saves $10 per night on hotel stay by switching from Westin to Sheraton or by ordering a $45 filet instead of a $55 one, the carry-on fee - again, assuming $10 - would be paid for without truly incurring additional burden on an expense account.
I have logged about 120K miles so far this year on business and personal travel. I would not mind allocating more of my expense account budget to airlines if the is both effective (one that will truly help the airlines fight against the rising fuel cost) and fair (applies to every flier). The truth is that Americans need airlines for both personal and business reasons. We can only hope that airlines get some guts and step up to charge everyone fairly.
By Di on
Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM
All the airlines have to do is enforce strict rules about size and weight of carry-on luggage and the problem is solved....Or not!!! There would have to be strict and hefty penalties. If carry-on bags did not fit the profile, then they would be charged $50.00 or whatever to have their bag checked. AND ..Whatever happened to stowing your bag under the seat in front ot you? I seldom hear it mentioned anymore. Thanks for your forum, but, NO!, I don't think there should be a standard fee for carry-on bags. Only big penalties for bags that are oversized, overstuffed, or over the weight allowances. Di
By Jim Webster on
Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 3:04 AM
Probably the reason why we are not paying for carry on is because the airlines couldn't take the verbal abuse from customers for loosing so much luggage which they seem to do so well without any additional cost to the public when they buy a ticket at present.
By Martin Cooke on
Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 5:46 AM
Charge for carry-ons and what's more, do another check at the gate so you can catch those people who snuck past with one bag and then thought it right to buy five shopping bags of Duty Free to take up all the overhead locker storage on board.
By Laura Sutliff on
Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I think it is not only ridiculous but unsafe to charge for checked baggage. I have been hit in the head with many a bag that was shoved into the overhead. Now, with charging for checked bags everyone will be overloading their carry-ons and people that never used carry-ons, will now, because they don't want to pay more. Prior to this charge for bags there were many times when there was no room for carry-ons and bags had to be checked in after people were on the plane - what do they intend on doing to accomodate more carry-ons - maybe they intend on taking away our standing room to make more overhead compartments. If so, we can just crawl out of the plane.
By Nathan Pralle on
Monday, June 23, 2008 at 3:25 PM
This works great for every niche of the population except one -- parents traveling with children. Attempting to minimize carry-on luggage or avoiding it entirely with a child is impossible. It's not that they have a choice about what to bring on board, it's the fact that they have a child that needs feeding, sleeping, and entertainment needs.
That being said, there's many-a parent that I've seen that has brought far, far too much stuff on board. The kid doesn't need an entire playpen.
Business travelers are the worst from what I've seen. They'll stuff anything into the overhead bin, even slamming it repeatedly with their arms until it squeezes in there, just to avoid checking any baggage because they are "such in a hurry!" Of all the folks suitable for charging, these folks are.
I don't know what the clear solution is. I'd be happy to take a totally "ala carte" flight where I had to pay for EVERYTHING (baggage, meals, window seats, etc.) *if and only if* the original ticket price was rock-bottom, which they aren't. With the prices we're paying these days, we should be getting at least *something* for the cost besides a stall in which to moo.
By Rachel on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:06 AM
I get tired of waiting for people who have ANY type of roll away/dufflebags/huge stuffed animal... i've seen it all! The problem is that it delays the flight not to mention that they get into the overhead compartments in flight leading to items dropping on the people below. YES, I had some dad looking for a pacifier for his kid and his movie camera that he had slung on top of my soft material had bounced off of my head, leaving me with constant headaches afterward. He of course, refused to give Airport Security his id info. I had to pay for doctors visits afterwards.
I don't travel that often but I'd enjoy not being banged when they tote their goods down the aisle or put them up/down the compartments.
... Bring it ON! If they want to take anything so bad then CHECK IT IN AND PAY FOR IT, suck it up by paying to check it in (taking your chances it it will get there in one piece or not at all) or leave it behind and save yourself some time/money/hassle, simple as that!
By David Wakefield on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I do most of my travel as a musician. Our profession requires a carryon bag-in (a french horn for me), so I am forced to check a bag. We have encounters the luggage police already and I am chagrined to think that it will be stepped up like this. We are not trying to bend the rules for our convenience.
By lcho on
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 3:11 PM
How about reward instead of punishment. Allow the passengers with no carry ons to board first. This could work especially well with Southwest's boarding plan.
By Cindy on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I would rather see airlines (all of them) be more strict as to what they allow as "carry on". I have either a daypack or small wheeled bag that I use for carry-on but have seen some amazingly large backpacks or duffle bags hauled onto the plane as "carry on" luggage. If the airlines were more diligent in watching the size/weight of the carry on items, maybe things would go more smoothly?
I prefer not to check bags due to the relatively high chance of having my luggage not arrive when/where I do, so prefer to cram everything possible into my carryon (but it STILL fits into the size bin at check out).
Until the flight attendants are allowed to stop passengers with oversized carryon items and send them back out to be gate checked, nothing will change.
"The customer is always right" works for Nordstrom, but it is just not appropriate for airlines where everyone has to deal with everyone else. Am I making sense?
By Alex on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I agree. I see far too many people bring 3 and 4 carry-on items and it is a hassle just to get your single carry-on item in your overhead simply because some people with 4 items have taken your space. I think the airlines still need to charge more for over 4 bags of luggage checked in, but not for 3 bags or less. I also think that ladies handbags, and men's briefcases should be an exception, so a person should be allowed a single briefcase or handbag, but be charged for the carry-on.
By Vanessa Ng on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Only irresponsible people overpack their carryons if they're not traveling for business. I travel for business, but can't afford business class. I'm a photographer toting $10,000+ in equipment, plus the laptop. No way does it get checked into the jungle called cargo where it would get bounced around or stolen. I carry it so that I'll be able to work when I get there.
Pack a half empty luggage, check it, and buy what you need when you get there. You'll fit it, and you'll have souvenirs.
By BethC on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:24 PM
I just hope that the airlines pay attention to blogs like this, they might learn something. I personally think that Bob S. on June 21 has a great idea...using the way that regional airlines handle baggage. Everything over the size of a totebag has to go in the hold, but you carry your own out to the luggage module, place it on there yourself, and then take it off yourself when you land at your destination or transfer to another flight. That would eliminate the chances of lost or stolen or most damaged luggage. You could just go through security with everything, get weighed and pay by weight, then take it out to the plane. Persons who needed help with very large pieces could pay for having it loaded. Persons with disabilities might be given this assistance free. I think it should be only luggage weighed, weighing people AND luggage could lead to some thorny discrimination lawsuits.
By dalisia on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Regarding your question about to pay for carry on or checked bags. I would agree to pay for carry on if and only if its a certain size. Some luggage is too large for the overhead and Ive seen people force the luggage into the bin. So only if it exceeds a size limit.
By Sandie on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 2:03 PM
I know the businessmen want to carry on one bag (overnighter) and a laptop so they can deplane and GO! and I have no problem with that. I think the overnighter (or backpack) should be able to fit into that little frame that is available at most gates. If it does not fit .....it must be checked. Limiting the size of carry-ons should solve the problem. One carry-on and one briefcase type article! We also need to limit the size of the passengers .......maybe a metal frame for them....Ha!!
By Linda on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 2:04 PM
If possible, I always carry-on my bag. Mostly because it takes the airlines FOREVER to get a checked bag to the carousel and I am tired and impatient. I do agree that it would make going thru security much easier along with quicker boarding and de-boarding. The airlines are already understaffed and can't handle all of the checked baggage so I see this as an issue.
Why don't the airlines figure out the cost from A to B and charge the same amount for ALL coach seats and ALL first class seats? It's ridiculous to me that someone next to you may have paid $250 for a ticket and someone else paid $1200. I would be willing to pay more for a flight if I knew the fares were equal. If the airlines would do this one simple thing, they could quit nickel-and-diming us for everything else!
By Gloria on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 3:59 PM
If the airlines would enforce the rule of a one regulated size carryon (no bigger than can fit in the pre-measured box prior to boarding) along with one purse or laptop, there wouldn't be any problem when loading. Airline staff can see the huge pieces of luggage people take on board and choose to ignore it. They should be the ones to enforce policy. I have seen people carryon on three stock-piled suitcases, one on top of another, and then stand blocking the aisle while they scrounge around to find a place for these in overhead bins. I swear some people are moving household goods.
By L. Bianco on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:17 PM
I really resent the airlines charging more for bags. I take my one bag (regulation size) on board. It's always with me, it doesn't get lost, I don't clog up a check-in line, and I don't have to wait in baggage claim. When we do everything to make travel easier for all concerned, there is no way we should be charged for it!
By June on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Look you guys, that weighing the passengers won't fly (no pun intended)but the carry on bags should. My gosh, you've seen those passenger suff their bags in the overhead bin and then pile the rest in and around their seat. Please, you should drive to your destination.
By Gail on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 4:56 PM
I tend to put anything I can't live without in a medium sized purse. I HATE lifting a carryon and trying to find a space for it and waiting for others to do it. I think if the airlines charged for carryons they could/should guarantee you (as in SAVE/reserve) the spot above your seat. Price of the first checked bag should already be included in the fare hike, not another additional charge. They could also lower the weight of free checked bags to 40 pounds and that way they could charge the extra $15 to people with 41-50 pounds. I can pack lighter to save money and the airline would be saving also. Baby strollers and carseats should be free but checked.
By sam rothman on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Good idea to charge for carry-ons rather than checked luggage, though there should be a threshold measurement that would allow small bags and laptops.
By kathy on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:40 PM
For years I've traveled pretty much hands free. I have always checked 2 bags when I travel, and carry a purse or briefcase which fits under the seat. I don't like the hassle of carry-ons. Nor do I like the hassle of other people's disruptive carry-ons. However, the airlines have now decreed ONE BAG only, or none (in American's case). I need more than one suitcase: on business I'm gone 7 - 10 days each trip. I can't stand lugging a carry-on bag, but I feel I have no choice. The airlines forced it on me. My biggest pet peeve: people who are too big to fit in one seat, but they do it anyway. I've had absolutely miserable flights due to the huge person next to me whose flesh has been pressed against me over & under the arm rest for the entire flight. My second pp: those annoying people who sit behind you and constantly bang and kick your seat for the whole flight. What's up with that, anyway? There's no way you wouldn't realize what you're doing to the person in front of you. I don't get it.
By Etta on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I think it's a great idea to charge for carry on luggage - it's the biggest pain in the neck when people come on with oversized luggage and then shove their bags in the overhead without any consideration of any one's property. It would be a deterant, especially if the carriers allowed free for first bag and then start charging for checked bags. So charge for carry on and over one free bag.
By Judith L Smith on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:59 PM
The issue as I understand it is an attempt to use less fuel by reducing the weight of the load. It is not carry-on vs checked. It is WEIGHT!
So let us not get carried away in convoluting different rules. Simple charge by the WEIGHT an individual brings to the plane. That would be TOTAL WEIGHT including checked, carryon, and the person themselves. Now that is fair.
PS> I'm not young or thin myself. But maybe this would help me get motivated.
By Judith L Smith on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 5:59 PM
The issue as I understand it is an attempt to use less fuel by reducing the weight of the load. It is not carry-on vs checked. It is WEIGHT!
So let us not get carried away in convoluting different rules. Simple charge by the WEIGHT an individual brings to the plane. That would be TOTAL WEIGHT including checked, carryon, and the person themselves. Now that is fair.
PS> I'm not young or thin myself. But maybe this would help me get motivated.
By Patty Caravella on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 6:54 PM
If everyone decides to carry on luggage, where will it all fit in the overheard compartments. We all know there aren't enough overhead bins to accomodate everyone's luggage. What will they do with excess baggage? Will they charge those people the extra fee to have the excess luggage checked, even though they didn't want to have their luggage checked?
By Pat on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 9:00 PM
NO WAY should airlines charge us for carry-ons. They need to enforce the size and limit rules for carry-ons that they all have in place now. I'm short, just about 5' tall, so I never use the bin above me. I carry a purse and a tote bag or backpack and both are put under the seat in front of me. I've seen people bring huge bags and suitcases on board and its obvious that if they can finally force them into the overhead bin, they're definitely taking up space that doesn't belong to them. I'm retired and the thought of having to pay for my carry-ons makes my blood boil. ENOUGH already!!!
By Darrell on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 9:29 PM
It would be interesting to know what % of passengers currently check baggage. I believe the overheads are pretty much stuffed already. If so, what will happen when the airlines force everyone to carry on their luggage? Do you think they have even thought about that?
By Aggie on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Charge for carry on??? - Ok, let me try and understand this! I carry on my allotted size suitcase, which means the airlines doesn't spend any money on the paper stuff they use to mark luggage, nor do they spend money on a ticket agent's time to check my bag, nor do they spend money on salary for baggage handlers to get my luggage from the terminal and into the plane and off again, and now you want me to pay them extra for saving them money???? Something doesn't add up!
By Wes Bean on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Having attended aircraft accident investigation courses years ago at NTSB in Okla. City and USC in Los Angeles, both classes showed vidio of the result of a hard landing in an aircraft laden with overhead baggage resulting in hundreds of pounds of luggage flying through the cabin and landing on passengers. Has the safety aspect of the financial 'encouragement' to bring baggage onboard rather than checking to avoid additional fees been considered by the airlines ? Wouldnt it be wise to charge a fee for bringing carry-on baggage in the aircraft thereby encouraging checking luggage. Seems more prudent and safe.
By Karla on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Hmmmmmmmm......So are we paying for checked luggage to offset the rising fuel costs or for the new luggage police American Airlines is employing to enforce the rules?
By Dick on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:28 PM
The carry on bagage is already totally obnoxious, both size-wise and quantity- wise. Even after stuffing their excessive crap over other peoples seat these people also hold up the deplaning process because they will not wait for other to deplane before they barge their way toward the various places their carry ons are stuffed. CHARGE THEM, not the first checked bag, and ENFORCE THE SIZE restrictions.
This is so obvious there should be no question. Comments to the contrary are probably from the same people who carry on and make everyone else wait for them.
By Dianne on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Haven't you heard Peter Greenberg? There are 2 types of luggage...carry on and lost!
By Laura on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 10:24 AM
If people stuck to the size limit allowed for carry on luggage AND placed the bag above their own seat instead of above the first seats when they're sitting in back, there wouldn't be a problem with boarding and fitting all luggage. Airlines should enforce that instead!
By LauraJ on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I've had my checked luggage lost too many times and it costs a lot to buy things to wear until the airline finds your bag. Then you have to go back to the airline to retrieve it once it's found, if it's found. We don't get reimbursed for that. Therefore, I pack lightly in one carry on that's an allowable size and put it in the bin over my seat. I have had to check my small carry on because by the time I get to my seat, someone else has stuffed their items in my bin. Airlines need to enforce the already established rules of ONE carry on a certain size and ONLY allow it to be stowed above that passenger's seat. Anything extra should have to be checked, no exceptions. This would also make boarding much faster, as passengers who are assigned to seats in the back of the plane would not be allowed to stop up front to stash their bags obove seats that are not assigned to them.
By Harold Williams on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I think airlines should charge for checked luggage but not for carry-on`s. Airlines should be able to try and make money and I think we should be concerned when taxes are excessively larger than the fare itself.
By Laurie on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Yes, please charge for the carry on bags, excluding lap topbags, purses. Then people won't try to carry on their oversized bag and take 1/2 hour to stuff it in the overhead compartment.That is why the late take offs occur. As for luggage down below, always have done it and have only been lost once but got it back. Been Flying for 35 years. So people Deal with it.
By Jim from Dallas on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 4:33 PM
I believe that charging for on-board baggage would be great.
I 've seen alot of people that don't even have the body strength to put them in the bins. But some nice passenger will help.
I figure if you can't put in there, you need to check it.\!!
So Maybe we need a test before security that has you pick the bags up over your head. You fail, you check.
Another way to discourage this, would be to have a separate line for anything that rolls and beyond the limit of one handbag and/or computer bag...
Just my two cents
By Carol on
Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Passengers will all try to bring only a carry on. There will be no room for every passenger to bring a carry on. If the airlines are going to charge for for luggage then the only fair thing to do would be to charge for both checked and carryon bags. There has to be rules in place and enforced regardng carryons. Size and weight restrictions are necessary all the way around. I also think passengers without carry ons should exit the aircraft first. The the rest of them can clobber each other retrieving their bags from the overhead compartments. A frustration that has nothing to do with bags is paying for a flight and ending up in a seat that does not recline,broken connection for earphones and stinky dogs or screaming children and oversize neighbors. along with exit row passengers with no intention of doing what the seat assignment requires.
By eqaddix on
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 7:19 PM
I just got back from a trip to Florida and back. I really do not understand the logic the airlines are using for this excessive baggage charge. My 1 suitcase weighed 65 pounds, which was 15 pounds over Delta's limit and they charged me $80 for this. They suggested taking out some things and putting into my carry on, but I don't like carry ons, i dont want to carry around my luggage all day.
But what is the difference anyways. If it is 1 bag that weighs 65 pounds or 2 bags that weigh 65 pounds together, they are still on the same plane right? I do not understand their logic. While other passengers are allowed to bring in 2-3 carry-on bags that probably weigh more than my 1 checked baggage and they dont get charged.
Plus there is overweight passengers....
So I weigh 180, my bag weighed 65 and i had no carry on, a total weight of 245 and I get charged an extra $80.
I then observed a 250 pound woman that carried on 2 bags that probably weighed 10-20 pounds each, plus the baggage that she checked that was around maybe 35 pounds. A total weight of 305-325, and this person doesnt get charged.
It is all about saving fuel for these airlines but their logic does not make sense.
How about total weight of the passenger plus ALL (carry-on and checked bags) luggage? If that is over a certain limit than charge them extra.
If you want to reply to me about being mean to fat people that pack too much than be my guest. But it is not their fault I just want some equality in the airlines messed up logic.
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