tmt

We were traveling to Panama last week and many folks were caught by surprise by the airlines have limited the weight to 50 pounds per piece of checked luggage. It used to be 70. The airlines did allow the passengers to step aside and reorganize their luggage. I saw many having to dole out $50 per luggage due to the weight. You may not realize how much sneakers/shoes and toiletries weigh...never mind that fruit cake from Aunt Sue.

They did not weigh the carry on, but that is coming soon too...then I'm in deep trouble!

Anonymous

Many airlines, including British Airways, already have very strict weight limits for carryons. Those are the airlines with all the passengers who are wearing bulky coats and cargo pants . . .

Anyway, this varies form one airline to the next, and from day to day, so the lesson here is to be sure to check with your own airline the day before you travel. Check the website and print it out just in case.

GoTravel

This changed about a year and a half ago.

That extra 20 pounds was causing fuel consumption to add up and injuring employees. In other words, costing the airlines money.

Barbara

It's very likely that all airlines will start to be more strict about the weight of checked bags. Fuel is getting very expensive, most travellers do not want to pay more and the heavier the plane is, the more fuel it uses.

Budman

It's still 70 pounds on overseas flights, but only 50 pounds in the States -- Maybe Panama is considered Stateside flying.

I learned this last year when I had to transfer "stuff" from the kitchen sink into my suitcase at the ticket counter on a flight last year. It was quite a chuckle for me.

suze

I am amazed that people can deal with such heavy suitcases, period. Especially if you mean x2 (i.e., 140 lbs. now "limited" to 100 lbs.. PER person). What's in those things???

Budman

The kitchen sink.

Marilyn

I have it on good authority that Budman travels with his own wine cellar.

Budman

LOL. And he is known for leaving "Crime Scenes."

pollyvw

Well Suz, we aren't all going to Florida with just a bikini or speedo!

Actually, we had problems last summer when we flew to Ketchikan to join a tour that limited us to one piece of luggage each...and airline limited each bag to 70 lbs. Consider that we had to pack spring/summer clothes for 'everyday' and sweats, heavy coats, boots, scarfs (YES! We needed them!) etc for the days near the glaciers. Throw in some rain gear, a hairdryer, curling iron, etc...not hard to exceed 70 lbs. We could not have done it with just 50 lbs.

Even at 70 lbs, we had to do some rearranging once they weighed our luggage.

suze

Correct, I do travel in warm weather only (summer to Europe, winter to Mexico or Hawaii) and I don't take any electronics or appliances. That said, these people were taking Panama (warm).

I can see how expeditions, rain gear, and/or winter clothes make a difference. My one and only trip to Europe in the wintertime, I took ONE sweater and folded it into my usual 22" suitcase and it practically filled the bag -LOL!

suze

Talking... "talking Panama" not taking!

GoTravel

I spent a week in London in December with ONE carry on. It was a 22 inch pullman. I also had my handbag but I didn't pack any clothes in the thing.

If you want cold weather, visit London in December.