Discrepancy In Baggage Allowances
 

We're in a quandry of what to do. We are flying from Newark via Frankfurt on Lufthansa then on to Zagreb via Croatia Airlines. Lufthansa allows 2 pieces of luggage at 50 pounds each and Croatia allows only one bag at 44 pounds. We'll check our bags all the way to Zagreb. But, and this is the hooker, coming back home we'll leave on Croatia Airlines from Dubrovnik to Frankfurt with only a single 44 pound limit, then back to the liberal Lufthansa allowances of 2 bags 50 pounds each. Does anyone know if Croatia Airlines actually weighs the one bag. Any suggestions of how we might overcome this discrepancy?

Try to limit yourself to one bag per person. I could not imagine traveling with 200 lbs. of luggage for two persons. But then I am the mule in the family.

If they have a limit, chances are they'll enforce it.

Can't imagine why anyone would need more than 44 lbs. of luggage, assuming this is just a vacation trip.

I agree with the other posters, 44 lbs should be sufficient unless you will be gone for a long time. Even then, I can't imagine why anyone would need 100 lbs.

What is the carryon size and weight limit on Croatia Airlines? You can likely carry on 10 or 15 pounds, which would give you 50 to 60 pounds for each person.

These limits are not uncommon, many airlines only one checked bag now.

<<Does anyone know if Croatia Airlines actually weighs the one bag. Any suggestions of how we might overcome this discrepancy?>>

Forgot to answer the question.

I've never traveled on an airline that didn't weigh the luggage. Usually it's when you check the bag in and they attach the label with the flight numbers and final destination. I've seen the scale in some airports, but not in most so usually ask what the weight is. Sometimes it's printed out on your baggage claim check.

So, yes, I think they will weigh your luggage.

I don't know about Croatia Airlines, but I agree that I've never seen any airline that didn't actually weigh your bags. They might not weight it if it were small enough to be a carryon, but they definitely will if it is checked and is that large.

That is really a huge amount of luggage (over 44 pounds). I've never gone over that, even when packing a 25" suitcase very full with some heavier sweaters, some ski things, and other winter clothes and boots, etc. You probably could go over that if you had a 29" packed very full.

The problem is not knowing how much a bag might weigh until arrival at the airport - then finding the bag is overweight. Solution is to determine the weight before leaving for the airport. On Croatian Airlines the overweight charge is ten euros per kilo. And as far as airlines checking weight - I've found it that often they don't, especially if using the curbside checkin where they seldom check. I appreciate all your help on this topic and will just have to find a way to weigh my bag before the airport for my two-weeks living out of a suitcase.

If your flight back is simply a code-share from Zagreb to Newark with a connection in Frankfurt, all on the same ticket, it's worth checking if the overseas limit applies to the intra-Europe leg as well. As far as I know, this is generally the case.

Paul

If you have a bathroom scale, stand on the scale without the luggage and then again with the luggage. The difference is the weight of the luggage.

My husband and I travel all over the world and based upon our experience with luggage, I don't think that it's all that uncommon for 2 people on vacation to take 2 bags (@ 50 lbs a bag) on a vacation trip. Men's shoes, in particular, weigh a ton and not everyone is a backbacker, going to the beach, or would like to do laundry on their vacation. Personally, I love to take a bunch of books to read and then I leave them in hotels, etc. so my bags actually get lighter as I travel freeing up room for souvenirs, etc.

We typically take two large bags - each one pushing up to the 50 lb limit - and then we each take our respective carryons.

My advice: Minimize the amount of stuff you want to take to what's reasonably comfortable for your travel habits. You don't want to be stressing out on vacation because you left something at home that you really want. If you're worried about leaving something home, just pay the extra baggage charge and be done with it.

Hi Adam,

we had a similar problem on oujt recent trip to Iceland.

the first leg with Ryanair allowed only 15kgs per bag and the Iceland express allowed 20kgs.

on the way out, we packed very carefully, wearing our walknig boots, carrying our coats and wearing our jumpers, then at Stanstead, we put all the extra items in the cases.

on the way back, we reversed the process.

AND i made this year's best purchase - a digital luggage scale, available in the UK from Lakeland - which we used to weigh the luggage before we went, AND took it with us. we got a few strange looks at Stanstead when we were weighing our luggage and rearranging stuff bewteen the different cases, but it was worth it is save £10 a kg.

we also took a rucksac each into which we could decant anything that wouldn't go in the case.

I don't know how long you're going to Croatia for, but remember that they will have shampoo etc, there, and that you can most probably get some washing done. also, it tends to be warm so you won't need your fur-lined boots.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

How to overcome the discrepancy. EASY... pack according to the lesser rules.

I use a single 24" rolling suitcase, no matter where I travel. It always weighs between 25 to 32 pounds when packed.

I agree with others I can't *imagine* traveling with 100 lbs. of luggage per person, unless I was moving to Europe permanently.

I have never been on an airline that didn't weigh the luggage.

Adam7 mentions curbside check-in. I have never seen this anywhere but the USA so don't expect to see it on your European travels. Pretty unusual I think.

Kay

No one needs 100 lbs of luggage. And no one needs 2 large suitcases.

Some people may WANT to take that much stuff, but it definitely isn't necessary.

&quot;<i>I don't think that it's all that uncommon for 2 people on vacation to take 2 bags (@ 50 lbs a bag) on a vacation trip. </i>&quot;

Sure - lots of people do it. But doesn't make it sensible. Just as many can do a month w/ a 21 inch roll aboard weighting about 20-25 lbs total.

Most Target, Walmart, luggage stores, etc., sell handheld luggage scales for about $10 that you can use to weigh your luggage at home.

janisj-

The tone of your post is insulting.

Your statements that no one needs 100 lbs of luggage or 2 large suitcases are inconsiderate. I would like to know how you personnally know what I NEED when I travel - especially when the time period for travel isn't considered. You know nothing of the places we stay, events we attend, etc.

While I appreciate the fodors board for what it is, people's opinions, you also have to respect the fact that others have opinion's that differ from yours.

While it appears that you don't need 100 lbs of luggage or 2 large suitcases, please refrain from insulting those of us that do.

My initial post was just to note to adam7 that there's no need to fret about the baggage allowances - you always have the option of paying for excess baggage.

Guess I am a wimp but I wouldn't even want to think about having to handle two 50 pounds pieces of luggage plus a carryon.

I have more than once spent two months in Italy with a 26 inch piece of luggage and a small carryon that fits under the seat ahead of me when on the airplane.

Adam, I would encourage you to really rethink your luggage idea. Best regards.

sanshag is (most likely) correct:

If you travel on one ticket (codeshare LH/Croatia) the &quot;2 pieces at 50 pounds&quot; rule will apply for each leg of your trip, also back from Croatia.
But ask your airline to be on the safe side.

Count me in the wimp category! I won't travel with more than I (60+ female) can carry, which means one under the seat size carry on and one checked convertible backpack/suitcase weighing less than 25 lbs. And I've traveled for as long as ten months with that. Even if I could carry more, I can't imagine how I could come up with 100 lbs worth - do tell, what weighs so much?

LoriS: &quot;<i>The tone of your post is insulting.</i>&quot;

Don't be so touchy. You said it is very common to see folks schlepping tons of luggage. And I said that is true - but just as many can manage w/ a fraction of that &quot;stuff&quot;.

I repeat - no one NEEDS to take tons of luggage - but lots of folks CHOOSE to. You choose to. That is your <u>choice</u>.

Doesn't matter much where one travels or to what types of events (except for some types of sports equipment) - cloths and shoes don't weigh that much.

(Its pretty hard to have a simple discussion on here when any little thing upsets the more sensitive souls)

janisj-

I'm not a touchy soul, but I find your comments on this subject ignorant.

Besides sporting events, etc., there are other events that require special clothing that weighs more- for example, ballgowns, tuxedoes, etc. Although you may not dress formally when you travel, there are those of us that may. These items take up quite a bit of space and weight.

As for needing as opposing to choosing, I CHOOSE to attend the events, but I NEED to be dressed appropriately.

You are not an expert on what I or anyone else NEEDS -- your opinion that we don't NEED something doesn't make it only our CHOICE to take it.

The solution seems simple to me; if you CHOOSE to travel with a mountain of luggage, just pay the additional baggage charges, plus hiring a porter where one is available. Mostly, they are not nowadays, so it may limit your travel choices.

We CHOOSE to travel with one carry on bag apiece, plus a personal item, since I abhor schlepping luggage, and trailing a baggage train.

Works for us, not for you.

Vivre la difference!

:-)

Well, I didn't read the OP to say that adam7 is planning to take two 50-pound bags; only that s/he noticed the discrepancy between LH's transatlantic allowance and Croatia Airlines' allowance. If this is all on one itinerary, I agree with sanschag and Cowboy1968--call the airlines and check to see if the overseas allowance applies to all segments. That's generally been my experience on multi-carrier Star Alliance itineraries.

I agree with ms go.

As for NEEDING vs. CHOOSING, well, I daresay very few of us NEED to travel with ballgowns and tuxedoes and other apparently tremendously heavy luxury items, but if you NEED to carry those things with you, then just pay up. Pretty simple. (What a great opportunity this was for a poster to show off in the guise of being insulted, I might add).

Ball gowns, even huge ones, don't weight that much. I've brought several of them (not all for myself) and even a wedding gown once, and never had more than one suitcase.

Books, however, can easily make a 24&quot; suitcase overweight.

&quot;<i>Although you may not dress formally when you travel, there are those of us that may. </i>&quot;

Hmmm - just how formal are we talking about here??? How about In the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, formal <b><font color="red">FORMAL</font></b>, long white gloves and the whole 9 yards? Yep -- been there, done that -- out of my 22 inch rollie bag.

Don't assume things - OK . . . . . .

&lt;&lt;The problem is not knowing how much a bag might weigh until arrival at the airport - then finding the bag is overweight. Solution is to determine the weight before leaving for the airport.&gt;&gt;

I usually pack a few days awhead and weigh the suitcase on the bathroom scales; I just balance it on the scales, don't stand on the scales holding the bag, and it's usually within a pound or two of the airline scales. I try to stay under 35 pounds so start taking items out when it goes over. I often shop on trips so it's heavier going back but always within the limit.

The small luggage scales that you can hold may be an option for you.

A good start is knowing how heavy your luggage is empty, if you have the older heavier type, you might want to shop for newer, lighter weight luggage. I see a lot of good bargains at TJ Maxx and luggageonline has good sales.

Good luck and have a great trip, Croatia is beautiful.

Someone else mentioned it, but check ahead of time with the code share thing. You might be able to get away with more weight/# of bags, since your overall destination is international. If the airlines are partners, some extra bags/extra weight will get through OK. The return trip is definitely the one to watch...

As for comments on how much to take, it all depends on the purpose of your trip. Many travelers like to keep it basic. Unfortunately, I end up packing all kinds of crazy stuff, because I'm a musician. When on tour, I have to pack folding music stands, music folders (the big heavy kind), music clips, stand light, concert dress, concert shoes, regular clothes, toiletries, etc. My carry on is my instrument, so EVERYTHING else goes in the suitcase. I usually start with 1 suitcase, and pack a duffel bag inside of it. On the way back, I check the duffel bag, also. It holds souvenirs, or laundry, etc.

I don't care what kind of events you choose to attend, it most certainly does NOT take 100 lbs. of clothes to be appropriately dressed for them.

No one NEEDS 2 suitcases at 50 lbs. each.

For those people who do choose to take that much, I'd bet a million bucks they do not USE everything they pack.

Sporting equipment or musican instruments, OK that'd possibly be an exception. But I don't think that's what's in MOST people's suitcases!

The OP does seem to say that one of them is taking 2 pieces of luggage. Can't imagine that.
And there won't be any curbside check in for an international destination.

Discrepancies in baggage allowances are pure gold for us airline people.

Be very careful to choose airlines that have the same baggage allowance, or at least that the lowest baggage allowance is acceptable to you.

Sorry - but unless you're carrying bricks - how would you get 100 pounds of luggage? And if you had it - how would you deal wth it on trains or in cars?

We travel with 2 large duffel bags a suitcase and a bike box each one weighing in at approximately 45 pounds. Plus our two rollerboard carryons. So for us it's easy to reach the maximum limits.

Of course we are packing a tent, sleeping bags &amp; mats, stove, eating &amp; cooking utensils, full first aid kit and everything needed to camp alongside the road for the Tour de France. As well as a complete road racing bike &amp; gear for my DH.

It is a nightmare!! I can't imagine going on a &quot;normal&quot; vacation with that much junk. I would be so stressed just trying to schlep that stuff around I would probably deliberately abandon a suitcase halfway through the trip :).

When we travel at other times it's a carryone and a purse for me and a carryon &amp; laptop for my DH. Our last trip to Amsterdam in February was a breeze.

I can't imagine traveling with so much stuff that I couldn't carry my own suitcase.

Scuba diving gear (another exception where I would understand being overweight).

&lt;&lt;Scuba diving gear (another exception where I would understand being overweight).&gt;.

Or weight lifters who bring their own weights.

Or golfers who bring their own clubs.

Or ?

&lt;&lt;The OP does seem to say that one of them is taking 2 pieces of luggage&gt;&gt;

I reread the OPs two posts and still didn' see that. His second post was asking how they would know what their luggage weighed and they got suggestions on how to do that.

I join the chorus of never seeing curbside check in outside the U.S.

I don't think the OP ever said he wanted to take two bags each, either, he was just saying that is one airlines' allowance -- but the concern was Croatia Airlines where you were only allowed one bag and not over 44 pounds. I and others think that should be plenty for a normal vacationer.

I agree there are certainly special situations where people do need more -- sporting gear, for example, moving or something. NOne of us know why adam thinks they need more than 44 pounds of check-in luggage, as I don't believe he has said. A lot of people do just pack too much on a regular vacation (I admit a guy with big shoes does have more of a problem, just some men are just bigger and thus their clothes could weight twice as much as a small woman).

Actually, I think there was a respondent on this thread who thought 100 pounds per person for a vacation was an okay thing and could be necessary due to formal events or something, not that the OP suggested it. Although that was confusing, also, as she referred to how she and her husband took two bags and 100 pounds between the two of them, which is irrelevant as baggage limits are per person. So talking about what two people take is confusing.

Oh good lord who cares what other people pack. There are those who pack light, those who pack heavy, and those (probably most) somewhere in between. There isn't any 'right' way.

~Adam 7 - double check if you are allowed the larger allowance on both flights if they have been booked one one itinerary. I'd get it in writing if I were you.

If not, pack to the lighter limit or pay the extra fee on Lufthansa.

Simple.