Has anyone beside us ever been fined for over-packing luggage?

[INCHARGE]

We flew United Airlines last year. My daughter had never cruised, so did not take my packing advice for herself and son. She moved around as much as she could, but sure enough, 2 of her 3 bags were too heavy. We had to pay $50 each. Luckily they let her slide coming home, only because there was an earlier flight as soon as we got to the airport, and they asked us if we wanted to take it. They swooped up our luggage really fast, in order to get us on the plane. Has anyone else had to pay?

Blessings 2 U
Miracle Sept 5,2004 7 day
Destiny June 13,2004 7 day
Disney Magic Sept 6,2003 7 day
Spirit Nov.2002 Panama 8 day
Paradise Oct 2002 10 day
Paradise Feb.2000 7 day

[This message was edited by INCHARGE on 05-03-04 at 08:33 AM.]

[halos]

The airlines are very strict about weight these days.
My daughter had to pull stuff from her checked suitcase and stuff it into her carry on bag to avoid the charge.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[tef43]

Last year, when claiming the bags off the carousel at the airport I noticed the largest one had a "heavy" sticker attached to it. No one had said a word about the weight when it was checked in, so I have no idea when that sticker may have been applied to the bag.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://members.aol.com/guitarzen/detroit100.gif
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else in the works as well. Watch this space.
Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[hdawson]

Air Tran and Jet Blue still allow THREE checked bags, ea weighing up to 70 pounds. Is there anyone that can't get by on 210 pounds of stuff for a cruise?

[imatarb]

I've never had this happen, but then again, I'm a very light packer. I really do follow the advice of seasoned travellers and take out about 1/2 of what I put in there! I've never had problems.

I've read some people on this board who were fined for their bags exceeding the weight restriction, though. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Lisa

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours 5/9/04


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[samscruiser]

I put all our bags on the bathroom scale before we go.
Also, I have family set out everything they are going to take before we get out suitcases. Then pack the smallest suitcases first, as full as you can. By doing that, usually there is less stuff to get into the big suitcases, and they don't exceed the weight limit.
They still go on the scale before we leave the house though! Just hope for the best on the way home, don't know how to weigh those....the bathroom scale won't fit into my crockpot.

94 Fantasy - Bahamas
95 Fantasy - Bahamas
02 Inspiration - West Carrib
03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib
04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[Mlkkc]

what is the average weight?I have had a heavy sticker stuck on a bag before,but never been fined for being to heavy.

MBABYDOLL1628
DESTINY11/99 TRUIMP11/01 ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS 11/02 VICTORY 5/04
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[HeidiHo]

I am so sorry I bought a great big 29" suitcase. I bought it just before the airlines lowered their weight limits. If I had known that was going to happen, I would have bought 2 smaller bags. I couldn't even use it for our ski trip this year and we drove. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif I had it all packed when my DH said he didn't know how it was going to fit so I had to unpack it and redistribute everything into smaller bags.

Heidi

Pride 03/03
Holiday 03/87
Festivale 07/85

[cruiserNC]

We have found that when we check our luggage outside they never weigh it. Just slap the tags on take our tip on off we go. Kinda scary if its truly not weighed? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Fantasy 4/00
Fascination 4/02
Victoria 4/03
Majesty of Seas 11/03
Triumph 4/04
Imagination 11/04

[LornaT]

Yeah United got me after our 5 night stay in Oahu, 12 day cruise on the Carnival Spirit followed by 3 nights in Victoria and one night in Seattle. They charged me $25.00 per bag and we had three, the Skycap had the gall to take my tip and then take the bags inside to be scanned and wieghed. Then the counter girl couldn't figure out how to charge me the extra amount on my Visa Check Card, after about 20 minutes I finally coughed up the last of my cash.
Never had a problem with American, the Skycaps take the bags, put them on the sniffer (some inspection thing they have at the curb at LAX) put the labesl/tags on and take my tip. Maybe the figure if I can lift them they must not weigh to much.
Yeah had 3 29" cases (Mom's, Daughter's and mine) last year til American damaged one of them.......figured that was a message to down-size to 26" bags.
Lorna

[hdawson]

I think the "heavy" stickers are to warn baggage handlers to reduce injuries.

[Tybug]

Yes, if I use my 29" bag... I'm always over the weight limit. The last time I was so tired I just paid the $25.00 fine and kept going.

--Tybug--

10-01 Imagination
02-02 Sovereign of the Seas
10-02 Inspiration
01-03 Majesty of the Seas
04-03 Inspiration
10-03 NCL Dawn
02-04 Rhapsody of the Seas
05-04 Majesty of the Seas
10-04 Mariner of the Seas
01-05 Voyager of the Seas

[tclowe]

We always like to fly Southwest and never had a problem with our big hardcase. HOWEVER...last week leaving New Orleans Airport on Continental Airlines, we were tagged for exceeding the luggage weight and paid $25.00 rather than try to re-pack at the airport 5:00 am! There were 6 of us and only 8 checked bags so we could have checked an additional 4 bags but because of convenience shoved everthing together. Oh well, learned our lesson. When flying Continental, we are packing light and more.

[teedee]

Several years ago, coming back from Cancun they told me my luggage was too heavy and I would have to pay extra. I argued a little, it was basically the same luggage I left with and I hadn't bought much. They told me I could take it on with no charge as a carry on. To this day I don't understand that. Why is it ok to carry it on but not check it? It's the same piece of luggage weighing the same amount http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Terri

Skyward - 1989
Carnivale - 1991
Holiday - 1994
Fantasy - 1998
Century - 2002
Century - 2003
Jubilee - 7/04
Century - 9/04
Coral Princess 3/05

[ChiBearsSuperFan]

We got fined ($50) by American Airlines when we were coming back from our cruise. Were we borderline when we went or was it overlooked before? Dont know. Makes me want to re-think that souvenir t-shirt for the trip home.

Carnival Pride - May 2003
Carnival Glory - April 2005

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April 2005 - Carnival Glory

[bethee]

Yesterday our DD was saying the last time she flew on United her suitcase was too heavy so they let her take some of the stuff out and put it in her brief case and get on the plane. The same amount of weight on the plane just in a different place??? That is why we drive 9 hours to Long Beach so we can take what we want. Who knows I might have to stay on the ship for a year or so....as if.

[kymburley]

This upset me yesterday. My daughter and I shared ONE suitcase. It weighed 70 pds. They made me pull out about 20 pds and put it into a free box. I can't figure out why it's not 50 pds per passenger?

[SSSkipper]

I confess too! I had to pay the $50.00 charge for having my suitcase to heavy. I flew on American Airlines. They charged me on the way to the cruise, but when I flew home they did not charge me and the bag still weighed the same. I think it really depends on the person who checks you in and how good they do their job or if they don't care. I should add, that on the way home the baggage handler told me that I would most likely be charged for my heavy bag and when I got to the counter the woman who checked me did weigh them and never charged me. Just be prepared if you know your bag is heavy, that you may get charged.

[L2J]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hdawson:
Air Tran and Jet Blue still allow THREE checked bags, ea weighing up to 70 pounds. Is there anyone that can't get by on 210 pounds of stuff for a cruise?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't even think I own "that" many clothes.

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif



http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
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NCL Sky 2/02

[nwkim]

The "Heavy" tags are place on bags to warn the baggage handlers. For example, sometimes a bag the size of a small gym bag can weigh 50 to 70lbs because it has tools or something in it. A ramp worker could injure his or her back or shoulder if they go to pick it up not realizing that the small size of the bag is deceiving it's weight. So the agent will put a "heavy" tag on that bag. Of course very large bags weighing anywhere from 50 to 100lbs are also tagged by the agents. It's just a "heads up" for us baggage handlers. And yes, most of the major airlines are charging people for bags weighing over 70lbs domestic and over 100lbs for international bags. Of course, if you are a few pounds over and don't want to pay for it, the agent will allow you to move some stuff around between your bags or remove some items to take with you in your carry-on.

[nwkim]

One more thing....you all keep asking why you can carry on an overweight bag without being charged but you can't check it. The airlines are doing this for a number of reasons. Over the years people's baggage has become increasingly heavier and heavier. Your bags (and thousands of other travellers bags) are handled at least 8 times by different airline workers and then stacked inside of a bin. Workers are getting hurt at a much higher rate than 5 or 10 years ago and "on the job injuries" cost the airlines millions of dollars a year. Another reason is if everyone was allowed to check in 2 100lb bags on a full, "weight restricted" flight, passengers or a number of bags would randomly have to be pulled off the flight for weight and balance reasons. Weight and balances for airplanes are figured based on a set universal average weights for both domestic and international bags and are used by all airlines. It is 40lbs for domestic bags and 70lbs for international bags. So if there are 10 domestic bags and 10 international bags the total combined weight would be 1100lbs (400 domes. & 700 intnl). These numbers are just an average weight of all the bags boarded in the luggage compartment. There is also a universal weight for passengers but I can't remember what that is. But for weight and balance purposes, every passenger weighs the same. The pilots need this info before departure and combine it with a whole bunch of other factors, i.e. fuel weight, weather, etc.. to determine stuff like runway distance needed, rotation angle for take off and many many other things. It's pretty amazing how much work a pilot actually has to do other than flying the plane. There is a lot of math involved in getting a plane off the ground. Sorry this is so long.

[PINEVIEW01]

I also put all our luggage on the scales the night before. I had to move water and pop around to get them balanced. But, we also only had three bages for two peoplehttp://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Than coming home, after the water and pop are gone, we have lots of room for stuff that weighs less.
I can't imagine taking 210 pounds worth of stuff per person. When I went with my DD we each had a bag, my daughters the size of some "carryons", and one garment bag. We both still came home with cloths we didn't wear. They same thing the time before with just my DH and I.

Melody

Paradise, 9-5-04
Holiday, 4-10-04
Inspiration, 11-30-03
Inspiration, 1-26-03
Victory,3-31-02
Sensation, 11-28-98
Holiday, 3-19-94

[Boston6]

I also used the bathroom scale to check the weight of my bags. Here's the tally for 4 people (2 adults 2 children):

2 suitcases at 46 lbs each
2 suitcases at 36 lbs each and
1 garment bag at 28 lbs

Total for a 7 day cruise 192lbs of back aching stuff, half of which we probably could have done without.

Sovereign of the Seas (11/89)
Monarch of the Seas (8/99)
Norwegian Sea (7/02)
Carnival Glory (4/17/04)

[HOSKI]

I weight the bags at home and am very careful and take an extra because my hubby is a shopper. Last time I made the mistake of making him pack for the return trip. Guess what, hubby ending up moving stuff around at the airport, more carry-ons and still had to pay an over fee. I have learned my lesson.

Fascination 1997 Destiny 2000
Victory 2000 Sensation 2001
Norway 2002 Legend 2002
NCL Dawn 2003 Inspiration 2003
Victory 2004 Holiday 2004

[pgmrdev]

Continental Airlines allowed us to move items from one bag to another at the counter to prevent overweight luggage. They were very cooperative and helpful with regard to this matter. Otherwise, we would have had to pay extra.
<html>
<head>
<title></title>
</head>
<body>
<font color="#FF0000">Grand Princess 2-2001</font>
<font color="#0000FF">Grand Princess 12-2001</font>
<font color="#FF8000">Carnival Paradise 3-2002</font>
<font color="#FF00FF">Carnival Destiny 10-2002</font>
<font color="#008000">Golden Princess 10-2003</font>
<font color="#0000A0">Carnival Legend 6-8-2004</font>
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tshoo/dice.gif
</body>
</html>

[dawnp]

nwkim - Don't apologize...the info was great. Finally the real reason revealed http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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until Century Western Carribean cruise time!

Then let the countdown to Carnival Miracle 08/07/04 begin

Carnival Fantasy - 02/04

... one cruise leads to another and another and another...

[sexyred]

My sister in law, her daughter and myself just got off of the Inspiration yesterday and when we got to the airport to check in for our flights, she put her bag on the scale and it weighed 80lbs., give or take and they made her take 30 lbs. out of it and put it in a box or in her carry on bags. If she hadn't done that she would have had to pay the $50 also. By the way the service from the pursor's desk on the Inspiration SUCKS and due to the way we were treated when we had a problem we will never sail on Carnival again.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;4;25;13;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500
4/25 Sail on the Inspiration

[KTW35]

I am SURE glad we can drive to the Port Of Miami and not have to fly.Last year on Triumph we brought a 1920s circa Steamer trunk that had to weigh at least #200 loaded.We had 4 carryons between the 2 of us.Total weight had to be in the #350 range.Seeya,Charles.

[atonal1]

I had a 70-lb bag once, before the onset of the surcharges. On my last cruise my 30" suitcase weighed 46-lbs and my garment bag weighed 23-lbs. I'm too cheap to pay the surcharge, so I put more in the garment bag I also learned not to OVERPACK. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Inspiration 6/96, 12/01
Carnival Destiny 7/97, 11/00
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/98
Norwegian Sea 7/00
Norwegian Star 6/02
Paradise 11/02
Sovereign of the Seas 8/03
Serenade of the Seas 12/03

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;7;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500&nbsp;until Carnival Triumph 8/04

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[brn2crz]

I can't even understand.
I weighed all mine before our last cruise,because they were stuffed to the max!!!
I don't know what size they are,I have two of the big soft Samsonites,and then the rest of the set,and a garment.My heaviest was29 lbs!!!
Maybe it is because they are the soft type.

<RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
RCI-Rhapsody- 2004
until the return to the Rhapsody of the Seas
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[loops]

Coming back from Disney, our bag was about 3-6lbs over and we were charged $25.

[INCHARGE]

I am wondering if certain bags naturally weigh much more than others even before you start packing them. I have had my bags so long, I have no idea how heavy they are, but they are heavy without anything.. Also, I do not wear shorts or other small clothes. I wear capri sets, skirt sets,or dresses. Maybe that adds to the weight.I agree with the poster who suggests packing the smallest bag first. I will be trying that on the next cruise.

Blessings 2 U
Miracle Sept 5,2004 7 day
Destiny June 13,2004 7 day
Disney Magic Sept 6,2003 7 day
Spirit Nov.2002 Panama 8 day
Paradise Oct 2002 10 day
Paradise Feb.2000 7 day

[pazooter]

Last time I flew I weighed our largest bag on the scale at home. It truly weighed just under 60 pounds. At the counter the girl told me it was overweight. Her scale was broken so she couldn't prove it. She was rather rude and warned me to not pack such a big suitcase next time. I think she just had a bad day. But I'm taking her advice and using smaller bags from now on. Cathy

http://www.pazooter.com/bandc.gif (http://www.pazooter.com)


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Until our **STAR** search
Seattle to Alaska on NCL Star
June 27, 2004

Fantasy 12/25/03
Inspiration 4/13/03
NCL Majesty 12/27/02
Jubilee 3/23/02
Norwegian Sea 11/23/01

[winewanderer]

DH and I just came back from a trip to Arizona.It was business for him and so he accumulated some items.

We bought new luggage recently. It's expandable. Although we really like that feature, watch out, they end up holding a lot more than you think.

When we got to the airport for our return trip his bag weighed 65 lbs., 15 lbs. over the limit for that airline.

Fortunately we both always carry a satchel type bag when we travel so the agent let us take out 15 lbs. of stuff to place in our carryon.

2/2004 Carnival Legend/Exotic Western Carribean
4/2003 HAL Statendam/Sea of Cortez
9/2002 CarnivalHoliday/Western Caribbean
4/2001 Carnival/Western Caribbean
4/2000 Carnival Paradise/Southern Caribbean
5/1999 RCCL/Alaska
4/1998 NCL/Pacific Coastal
10/1997 Carnival/Mexican Riviera
11/1995 Carnival Holiday/4 day Baja Mexico
6/1992 RCCL Viking Serenade/4 day Baja Mexico
6/1981 Pacific Princess/Pacific Coastal

[tef43]

Thank goodness for online check-in! As a result, I always check luggage curbside now. Could you imagine being stuck in line at the ticket counter behnd someone frantically distributing weight amongst their bags?

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[SUSANITA]

I'm leaving for my Sensation cruise tomorrow. On my scale, my bag weighs exactly 50 lbs. Now I'm freaking that it will be slightly over and they will try to charge me.

Suep366394@aol.com
http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/woodstock-28.gif
NEXT UP~SENSATION 5/6/04!
MARINER~ 9/19! MIRACLE~FEB 13,2005!
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http://www.bigotis.com/Miracle.gif
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[mumsyo]

Well, Sue, you are going to have to take out some of those pairs of shoes!!!!!!!!LOL

Marilyn

MumsyO

Next cruise: Sensation, May 6, 2004

HAL, Amsterdam, Aug. 1, 2004

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Till I'm howling with the Hounds!

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Miracle 2/13/05

[L2J]

I didn't know there was a "fine" for over weight luggage. I thought it was just an extra charge?

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif



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http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

NCL Sky 2/02

[hdawson]

Sue I've heard suggestions that home scales are highly inaccurate with low weights. Weigh yourself alone, then with the bag and deduct your weight. It should be more accurate.

[SUSANITA]

Great idea, thanks!!

I only packed two pair of shoes, which in itself is a miracle. It's my smuggled box of wine that weighs the most, but I can't bear to part with it! I suppose if I'm over, I can just carry it on and let everyone stare at me like I'm an alcoholic that can't go anywhere without her little box of wine. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Suep366394@aol.com
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NEXT UP~SENSATION 5/6/04!
MARINER~ 9/19! MIRACLE~FEB 13,2005!
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[Salty_Breezes]

We just returned from our Sensation cruise and it was hard trying to pack for the trip and even harder packing to come home (with no scales). We were all picking up each others luggage to see if we thought it might be over the limit.

I weighed my largest bag before I even started packing and it weighed 15 pounds EMPTY! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Stacy

http://members.tripod.com/~alleysplace/gifs4/gettingatan.gif

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&prgb=9933FF&cdt=2004;05;01;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400 Sensation!

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Carnivale/Celebration/Holiday/Celebration/Fascination/
Fascination/Ecstasy/Imagination/Triumph/Destiny/Pride/Sensation/Destiny/Sensation 5/04 Pride 7/04

[Mar]

Hate to admit it but hubby was correct when purchasing new luggage he opted for a couple of smaller bags but OH NO, daughter and I went for ONE BIG one!
Lucked out in Pgh but wondered about some odd stickers/tags on our bags???????? NO clue till leaving San Juan and told to cough up $25 PER BAG for being overweight!!!!!!!!1 $#@%!
You can get past some handlers without paying and some you just can't avoid. I will be out looking for new smaller luggage soon!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think it really depends WHO/WHOM you encounter.

[lisgeo]

We flew United in Jan. for our cruise on RCI. I thought that I would be smart and get a HUGE suitcase to pack for myself, my husband and my son instead of dragging around three or four suticases. When we checked in, she told us we were overweight and charged us $25.00 per bag. (We had 2 of them) I was Furious http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif The last time we flew we did not have this problem. The problem with those big suitcases is that they already weigh about 25 lbs without anything in them! For our cruise in Sept. we are driving, this way we can pack as much as we want http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Carnival Destiny 11/98
RCI Grandeur OTS 11/99
RCI Explorer OTS 01/04
Carnival Glory 09/04
Till we sail on the Glory!
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[Mlkkc]

How much is over weight for united?

MBABYDOLL1628
DESTINY11/99 TRUIMP11/01 ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS 11/02 VICTORY 5/04
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[Jana]

Anything over 50lbs is now overweight for the major airlines.

Until about a year ago it was 70lbs domestically. Nwkim's post is accurate, but with the loss of billions that the airlines have suffered over the past few years, this was also seen as a way to increase revenue, and it works.

And boy, was nwkim right about what it takes to get a single plane off the ground!

Just to add to that post, the average weight per passenger matrix has been re-worked by the regulatory agencies after the commuter jet crash in Charlotte two years ago. It was finally determined that the flight was overweight, and further research indicated that the average weight of Americans is far higher than the numbers being used at the time, which was a contributing factor. We still all "weigh the same" but we "all" weigh more now http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Jana

[jessbgauvin]

What gets me though is that the airlines don't make you unpack until the bag meets the weight restriction, it just makes you pay more $$$. Clearly it can't be THAT much of a safety issue. :-)

[StefanieMS]

Here are my tips to keep your luggage below the 50# weight limit (I also bought a new suitcase just before they lowered the weight).
When I use my large suitcase, I try to put only clothes and such in there. I put the bath stuff and shoes in the smaller suitcase. I also pack a duffel type bag in an outside pocket just in case the bag ends up over weight on my return trip. I do use the bathroom scale weighing the suitcase by itself and with me holding it (subtract my weight)just to be on the safe side, I try to keep it a couple of #'s under the guidelines in case their scale is different from mine.

Stefanie

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;08;29;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Cruise on the pride

[footballmom]

So would a 26 inch softsided one be okay?? Is that the size I should get?

[Kenster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hdawson:
I think the "heavy" stickers are to warn baggage handlers to reduce injuries.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Exactly right. Also, to those who are worried about the bags not being weighed... most of the time, it is not necessary to weigh bags, unless they appear to be overweight. The agents, handling scores of bags per day, have a pretty good feel for bags that need a second look. The weight and balance of the aircraft is usually determined on a predetermined weight estimate. The estimates have a large percentage of padding. Just like they don't weight the passengers. Each pax is estimated at around 200 pounds, again, a signifcant overestimation that allows a large margin of safety. Now, if you have a plane load of sumo wrestlers or pro football players, they go to non-standard weights.
Even when a plane is loaded to max (on paper) take off weight (which includes all pax, bags, cargo, mail, fuel, and the crew, as well as the empty weight of the aircraft) there is still a fairly large margin of padding before getting close to the actual maximum lift of the aircraft.

Carnival Carnivale -1988
Carnival Celebration - 2001
Carnival Celebration -June 2004