Excess Baggage Rules Ready To Catch Out The Unwary Holidaymaker

The eminently sensible idea of having items of luggage sent ahead before flying off on holiday looks like being one of the top travel trends of 2010

. Its all in response to airlines tightening up the rules surrounding what and how much luggage they allow their passengers to stow in the planes hold, and how much they allow them to carry with them when they board.

And as the peak holiday season approaches across Europe and the rest of the northern hemisphere, many passengers could well be landed with a nasty shock in the shape of excess baggage fees which could blow a sizeable hole in their holiday budget. Now, in response to the imposition of stricter controls over what is allowed on board a plane either in the hold or the cabin new ventures are springing up which offer a solution to the excess baggage charge scourge.

Rachel Harris, an ex-senior employee of Americas Southwest Airlines, has passed on some useful advice to passengers looking to minimise or avoid altogether excess baggage charges, or checked bag fees as they are known in America. She points out that checking in one bag for a summer holiday this year is likely to cost about $23 (about 15.75 sterling) if done online before departure, and an extra $2 (1.37) if it is left until arrival at the airport. These charges rise by another 50 per cent for a second bag, and by even more if someone is checking in three or more luggage items.

Another tip for items which flyers just cant do without on holiday is to buy them in smaller travel sizes just to use for the duration of a stay away. But ultimately, many travellers are discovering that they can save money by handing the transport of their baggage to an international shipping specialist. These can be found at all airports and most major rail termini, and will arrange for luggage or large items to be carried separately to their destination.

They are then taken to a designated office at the arrival airport or station, so are ready to be collected at the passengers convenience once they have reached their destination. When the amount of luggage a typical family takes on holiday with them is considered, not having to carry them on and off a train, through an airport, or spend valuable time crowded around luggage carousels has to be considered a bonus which will make it easier to enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

by: Paul Davies

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