The Crazy Traveler

US Airways and United Adopt Second Bag Fee

What will they think of next to nickle and dime you for getting from point A to point B? Read this article below and click HERE for more commentary on this lame new rule.

US Airways Adopts Second Bag Fee

FEBRUARY 26, 2008 --

US Airways today joined United Airlines in charging passengers $25 to check a second bag each way. US Airways said the new fee is effective for tickets booked on or after Feb. 26 for travel beginning May 5.

US Airways said the new fee applies to flights within the United States, and to and from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, which is in contrast to United's policy, which does not apply to itineraries that include international flights, except those to Canada.

Like United, US Airways is making some passengers immune to the fee, including preferred frequent flyer members, passengers in first class and elite Star Alliance members. US Airways also said it would exempt active military and unaccompanied children. United earlier this month enacted a similar baggage charge for travel beginning May 5 (BTNonline, Feb. 4).

HT: BTNonline

Baggage Ban On Lithium Batteries Begins January 1, 2008

My friend Cindy Ngoon passed this article along for you all to see. Thank you, Cindy.

Here's part of the article below...

WASHINGTON - To help reduce the risk of fires, air travelers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning Jan. 1, the Transportation Department said Friday.                        

Passengers can still check baggage with lithium batteries if they are installed in electronic devices, such as cameras, cell phones and laptop computers. If packed in plastic bags, batteries may be in carryon baggage. The limit is two batteries per passenger.

To read more click here.

Airlines re-imposing strict baggage limits to Latin America and the Caribbean

by Mark Ashley

If you’re flying between the United States and Latin America or the Caribbean, you’d better pack light.  Why?  It’s December.

Huh??

This is a policy that airlines don’t really publicize, and it’s doubtful that many people get a call or e-mail about this before it’s too late. But every year, usually on December 1, airlines start putting strict limits on the amount of baggage you can check if you are traveling to the warmer climates of the Americas.

Read more here.

HT: Upgrade: Travel Better