3. Know Your Airline Checked Baggage Policy
Always check prior to arriving to the airport regarding checked baggage. Why do you need to check? Well, the fees are always changing.
If you’re traveling internationally and are flying more than one carrier, the over-the-water carrier is the one who governs the baggage rules. So please check with all airlines on your itinerary. Remember, most major airlines have agreements with other airlines to check the bags to the final destination. Some airlines can also issue the boarding passes for the connecting flight if on a different carrier.
It’s no surprise that overweight baggage is a huge issue at check-in. In my experience ,the hand held scale works really well and is very accurate—buy one. Or if you do wait until the last minute, most airlines will have a scale placed by the check-in line. So prior to entering into the line weigh your bags to avoid embarrassment and extra fees. Remember the weight limit is normally 50lbs per bag when traveling in coach. First class and Business receive three free bags per person.
One last caution, don’t stuff your bags. If the front of the bag is overpacked and appears to have a bulge it won’t fit, no matter how hard you try to stuff it in the bag sizer. I watch people every day try stuff a carry on bag in the sizer and then not being able to get the bag back out. The only way to get the bag out is to open the bag and take the things out while the line of people are watching you. It’s embarrassment to no end!
