The OMG 50 lb luggage limit thread...

[Ashley]

Fat girl clothes are heavy. How in the world am I going to keep it to 50 lbs?!

Help.

[D_A_Bunny]

Fat girl clothes are heavy. How in the world am I going to keep it to 50 lbs?!

Help.

Plan on wearing less! :D It's Florida baby!!

[Ashley]

Yeah, you'll see me in a lot of dresses.

But my instinct is to pack at least 2 outfit options for every day. And at least 4 pairs of panties for the same. And I can't even talk about shoes.

I have a problem.

[mszwebs]

Do you have one seat or 2...the luggage options open up more for you if you've got 2.

OR... get a bigger carry on. When I visited you, my wardrobe all went into the carry on. SO... you can at least get 3 or 4 days worth in there...maybe tube tops, tanks, swim suits, undies and shoes? Plus, I had a bag that actually had my normal carry on stuff.

It can be done.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Do you have one seat or 2...the luggage options open up more for you if you've got 2.

OR... get a bigger carry on. When I visited you, my wardrobe all went into the carry on. SO... you can at least get 3 or 4 days worth in there...maybe tube tops, tanks, swim suits, undies and shoes? Plus, I had a bag that actually had my normal carry on stuff.

It can be done.
They really don't. I think maybe one or two airlines give you double the luggage allotment if you have two seats...but the vast majority don't, unfortunately. Which sucks.

[SoVerySoft]

They really don't. I think maybe one or two airlines give you double the luggage allotment if you have two seats...but the vast majority don't, unfortunately. Which sucks.

Jet Blue gives you one free 50 lb suitcase for each seat, but the carry-on allowance doesn't double. At least that's what they told me when I booked my flight.

[mszwebs]

They really don't. I think maybe one or two airlines give you double the luggage allotment if you have two seats...but the vast majority don't, unfortunately. Which sucks.

Well... See.. I'm approaching it from the aspect of "I have to pay to check ANY bag, so, with 2 seats, i only have to pay the 1st bag check price twice, instead of the 1st AND 2nd bag fee."

And Randi is correct in that the carry on doesn't double...for any airline... even if they give you double the baggage for the checked baggage.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Nice! Next time I'll fly JetBlue. Airtran doesn't give you a single free suitcase. lol

[mszwebs]

Nice! Next time I'll fly JetBlue. Airtran doesn't give you a single free suitcase. lol
But that's my point...you should ask them that since you have 2 seats, if you have to pay for the 2nd checked back AS a second checked bag, or as the FIRST one for the second seat.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Good point. I'll call them. Thanks.

[BBWTexan]

When I've travelled with two seats, I've checked one bag in for one seat and the next bag in for the other seat. This does work on the airlines I've flown (Continental, Delta). Continental charges for any bag, but the first is cheaper. Delta gives (or did in January) you the first bag free, so I didn't have to pay for either of my bags.

Good luck shoving it all in, ladies!

[Eclectic_Girl]

My solution:
1 bag just under the physical size requirements, checked, where I pack all the light stuff so it's under 50 lbs.
1 small spinner bag, checked, with all the heavy stuff (toiletries, etc.) so it's just under 50 lbs., for which I will pay the extra bag fee.
1 backpack, carry-on, with laptop, "beach reading" and extra undies.

[fatgirlflyin]

Wear 3 outfits when you board the plane!

Don't know if you purchase more than 1 seat or not but if you do, remember you get twice the checked and twice the carry on bag allowance.Fat girl clothes are heavy. How in the world am I going to keep it to 50 lbs?!

Help.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Wear 3 outfits when you board the plane!

Don't know if you purchase more than 1 seat or not but if you do, remember you get twice the checked and twice the carry on bag allowance.
I'm goign to say again that I've been told that's NOT true for the majority of airlines...maybe I've been misinformed. Wouldn't be the first time.

[D_A_Bunny]

I'm goign to say again that I've been told that's NOT true for the majority of airlines...maybe I've been misinformed. Wouldn't be the first time.

If that is true, that is just not fair. The person who would have bought that seat might have brought a bag. If someone pays for a second seat, they should be entitled to all that goes with it, including the snacks.

[OneWickedAngel]

My spinner suitcase is heavy on it's own. I love it so much I can't give it up; I've all but resigned myself to paying the overage.
If that is true, that is just not fair. The person who would have bought that seat might have brought a bag. If someone pays for a second seat, they should be entitled to all that goes with it, including the snacks.
If ONLY...

[liz (di-va)]

I really gotta get a scale! Yoiks. How to measure this without one...

Good luck shoving it all in, ladies!
That is beautiful! *sniff* :)

[D_A_Bunny]

I really gotta get a scale! Yoiks. How to measure this without one...


That is beautiful! *sniff* :)

My neighbor packs his bag and takes it to the local market because they have a scale in the front to weigh people. It would mean packing ahead of time and lugging it or getting it lugged, but maybe there is a place around you. Or maybe a neighbor has a regular scale to weigh themselves.

[toni]

My spinner suitcase is heavy on it's own. I love it so much I can't give it up; I've all but resigned myself to paying the overage.

If ONLY...


Same problem here. My obsession with cute pink luggage. *sigh* My case weighs about 15 lbs on it's own. That means I only get 35 lbs worth of hair product, make up and clothes I can stuff in there. Oh, the horror! lol

[OneWickedAngel]

I really gotta get a scale! Yoiks. How to measure this without one...

Household scales are not necessarily accurate as you may not be able to balance the full weight of the suitcase on it properly. I can't speak for all home scales, I just know through experience that my home digital scale is off by seven pounds in comparison to airport scales.

Also factor in leaving space and weight for whatever knick-knacks that may be picked-up while down there. I went to Caribbean with 45lbs and have returned with 53lbs grrrr :mad:. It was some serious shifting of things between bags to get it under 50lbs (duty-free alcohol will catch you every time lol :p).

[fatgirlflyin]

True for the one I work for. But its worth a phone call to find out and ask and if not its even worth a follow up with a supervisor or a customer care rep. They can always make exceptions but one has to ask for them.I'm goign to say again that I've been told that's NOT true for the majority of airlines...maybe I've been misinformed. Wouldn't be the first time.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Good to know, Ella. :)

I did call Airtran - he told me their policy is that I should only be charged the first-bag fee for my first two suitcases, and then a second-bag fee for the next two. He said he's noting it on my itinerary, just in case, but if they do give me a hard time at the ticket counter, just to pay what they tell me to and he'll refund me right away when I let him know. So... yay.

I have definitely heard people say here that they were NOT allowed double the luggage allowance, though, multiple times, so I know it's true..just not sure for which airlines. Guess the best policy is to always call. :D

[CleverBomb]

Fat girl clothes are heavy. How in the world am I going to keep it to 50 lbs?!

Help.
Consider shipping some of your stuff to the hotel via FedEx or UPS.
Send it to yourself in care of the hotel.
The postage fees may be less than the checked-luggage fees.
Or they may not -- it's not something I've needed to do, though one of these days I may end up doing this on a motorcycle road trip where luggage space is even more constrained.

-Rusty

[indy500tchr]

I just plan on going naked the whole week...Saves me a boatload of money in baggage fees AND no tan lines ;)

[D_A_Bunny]

I just plan on going naked the whole week...Saves me a boatload of money in baggage fees AND no tan lines ;)

I think if you post this statement in the registration thread, we might be able to increase the attendance more than ever!:D

[indy500tchr]

I think if you post this statement in the registration thread, we might be able to increase the attendance more than ever!:D

Either that or they would be running to Heather demanding their money back...LOL

[LillyBBBW]

I just bring all light things: tank tops, halter tops, skirts, etc. What really weighs down my suitcase are the shoes and toiletries. The shoes are pretty much non negotiable. Because I travel a lot I spend almost every day of my life trying to score miniature versions of the things I use every day or products that can be used for multiple purposes. I found a tiny bottle of scented glitter spray a few weeks ago. :smitten:

Getting there is easy. The worst part is that I plan to make some purchases while I'm there. How am I going to carry all that junk home? Is it going to push me over the limit?

[SparkGirl]

Every airline has their own guidelines, but someone I know flew on United recently, and their had the rule that your purse and 1 carry-on were free, regardless of weight, and then you were billed for your checked baggage and that was where the 50lb guideline kicked in. My friends just carried a lot of their heavy stuff in their VERY large purses and their carry-ons. Just a thought....

[D_A_Bunny]

That's a good point Sparkgirl. Recently when hubby flew he a check-in bag he paid for, a huge stuffed carry-on and his personal bag, which was really a book bag that was filled to the maximum and it was fine as long as it could fit under the seat.

So, if a lady brings a huge personal bag with her mini purse inside where they can't see it, she can count that third bag as her personal bag as long as it fits under the seat.

[Eclectic_Girl]

..and as long the carry-on doesn't contain liquids in amounts or sizes more than TSA regulations allow. I'd happily carry all of my heaviest items (mostly liquid and other toiletries), but they'd get confiscated. Hence, the checking of a heavy bag.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Yeah, you are NOT kidding. I flew a gazillion times with those new TSA regulations and always remembered to check my toiletries. Until one time my bag was overweight, and I had five minutes to cram my stuff into a duffel bag I purchased at a souvenir store. I was just grabbing the heaviest stuff, and not thinking - and I lost $100+ worth of toiletries that way (including some Rx toothpaste and some bulk Aveda stuff). You can BET that won't be a mistake I'll make again.

[AnnMarie]

I have travel size bottles that I put in my bags for travel, but I'm not sure they're under 3oz, so I do need to check that out.

Alternatively, I thought of just picking up a few things there and tossing them out when I leave.... figured it might be easier than packing lots of extra bottles. Sunscreen and bath gel were high on my list of considered "local" purchases.

[wabullets]

As a person who travels frequently with work and the 2 bags I take are 54-57 lbs each so if possible, I check in curb side. They are not airline employees so with a $5-10 per bag tip, they will ignore the bags that are just a few lbs overweight(usually) and save you from paying the overweight baggage charges ($25 or more per bag). People who work at the counter are airline employees....they may let you slide at 51lbs but you will pay or remove items from your luggage at 52 lbs.

[SoVerySoft]

As a person who travels frequently with work and the 2 bags I take are 54-57 lbs each so if possible, I check in curb side. They are not airline employees so with a $5-10 per bag tip, they will ignore the bags that are just a few lbs overweight(usually) and save you from paying the overweight baggage charges ($25 or more per bag). People who work at the counter are airline employees....they may let you slide at 51lbs but you will pay or remove items from your luggage at 52 lbs.

I had to remove items from my bag when I checked in curbside when I was returning from Chicago a few years ago, so I think you've been lucky :)

[BigBeautifulMe]

I've always wondered about checking in curbside - is there a reason NOT to do that? Seems like it'd be easier not to have to drag your luggage into the terminal...

[SoVerySoft]

I've always wondered about checking in curbside - is there a reason NOT to do that? Seems like it'd be easier not to have to drag your luggage into the terminal...

I admit it makes me nervous but I wouldn't (couldn't) do it any other way when I am by myself. The only time I had luggage get lost - I had checked it inside the terminal!

[BigBeautifulMe]

Thanks Randi. Is it customary to tip them?

(I almost feel like I'm thread-hijacking, but it IS about luggage, lol, and hopefully our conversation will help someone else!)

[SoVerySoft]

Thanks Randi. Is it customary to tip them?

(I almost feel like I'm thread-hijacking, but it IS about luggage, lol, and hopefully our conversation will help someone else!)

Yup, I do a few bucks. I have 2 bags so I'll probably tip 3 or 4 bucks. My question is - what does one tip the guy who pushes you in the wheelchair to the gate?

I tipped $10 but I wonder if that was more than I needed to.


(and you thought YOU were hijacking!) oops - not a good word to use when discussing flights.

[D_A_Bunny]

Yup, I do a few bucks. I have 2 bags so I'll probably tip 3 or 4 bucks. My question is - what does one tip the guy who pushes you in the wheelchair to the gate?

I tipped $10 but I wonder if that was more than I needed to.


(and you thought YOU were hijacking!) oops - not a good word to use when discussing flights.

Randi - when I was looking at the info on the airport page about the skycap who pushes the wheelchair, all it said was that is was customary to tip him/her a "few" dollars. To me, that means about $5.00. But that is just me. And for me, if I were to give my luggage to someone at the curb, I would give them $2. per bag that I was checking.

[OneWickedAngel]

As a person who travels frequently with work and the 2 bags I take are 54-57 lbs each so if possible, I check in curb side. They are not airline employees so with a $5-10 per bag tip, they will ignore the bags that are just a few lbs overweight(usually) and save you from paying the overweight baggage charges ($25 or more per bag). People who work at the counter are airline employees....they may let you slide at 51lbs but you will pay or remove items from your luggage at 52 lbs.

I had to remove items from my bag when I checked in curbside when I was returning from Chicago a few years ago, so I think you've been lucky :)

I'd say it's a little of both luck and airport. Whenever I've been less than five pounds over at ATL curbside the $10 dollar always got me in. LGA & MSY curbside have been hit out miss, but inside I always have to remove items. JFK curbside or inside I have lower the weight.

[wabullets]

I had to remove items from my bag when I checked in curbside when I was returning from Chicago a few years ago, so I think you've been lucky :)

SVS.............make sure they see your money before they check your back not after :p

Sorta like the $20 trick in vegas or other large hotels......they do work.......as I mentioned earlier (usually)

[D_A_Bunny]

I know that you are heading to sunny Florida and dreaming of the fun and the sun. Well you might want to consider packing a travel umbrella if you have one.

I suggest this not really for rain, but for sun. It appears that there is not much, if any shade by the pool. If you bring an umbrella you can create your own amount of shade, even for a few minutes. Being in the shade makes a world of difference with heat.

I, for one will be bringing my umbrella as it gives me a break from the direct sun and allows me to enjoy the outdoors that much longer.

[Tooz]

This seasoned flyer has never had a problem keeping it under 50 pounds, actually. Packing diligently is a must.

[LillyBBBW]

What you do is you drag your 53 pound bag to curbside checkout. You hold up a $10 bill and say, "This bag doesn't weigh over 50 pounds does it?" The checkout guy will say, "No ma'am!" and take both the bag and the bill from you with no arguments.

[liz (di-va)]

What you do is you drag your 53 pound bag to curbside checkout. You hold up a $10 bill and say, "This bag doesn't weigh over 50 pounds does it?" The checkout guy will say, "No ma'am!" and take both the bag and the bill from you with no arguments.

Yup........

[ValentineBBW]

What you do is you drag your 53 pound bag to curbside checkout. You hold up a $10 bill and say, "This bag doesn't weigh over 50 pounds does it?" The checkout guy will say, "No ma'am!" and take both the bag and the bill from you with no arguments.

LOL -- now you tell us! :p

[indy500tchr]

LOL -- now you tell us! :p

was sooo stoked...my big bag weighed in at 49lbs. today! But I had to check another bag of overflow. I was glad they let me check one bag per seat for $15 instead of having to pay $25 for the second bag.

[BigBeautifulMe]

I got out my luggage scale packing up this morning and my big bag was like 65 pounds. HOLY COW. hahaha. So I kept switching stuff around until checkout time, then I went down to the lobby, checked out, and proceeded to spend MORE time switching stuff from suitcase to duffel bag. lol. But I managed to get everything under 50, somehow.

I did curbside checkin today because I just had SO much luggage - TOTALLY worth it! I tipped the guy $5 for doing the checkin - is that customary, or too cheap? lol (None of my bags were overweight, so there was no bribery involved. :p)

[SoVerySoft]

...I did curbside checkin today because I just had SO much luggage - TOTALLY worth it! I tipped the guy $5 for doing the checkin - is that customary, or too cheap? lol (None of my bags were overweight, so there was no bribery involved. :p)

Since I want them to care about routing my luggage properly, I wouldn't tip less than $2 a bag. I had 2 bags and gave the guy $6 since he came to me to get the bags (I couldn't even manage to get them from the shuttle to the skycap desk) and called for my wheelchair.

But yeah, isn't it a huge help to do the curbside check-in?

[Eclectic_Girl]

We couldn't do curbside checkin for some reason, but a very nice porter put our stuff on a cart, checked us both in through the kiosk, and checked our luggage in for us so we didn't have to wait in the line, then wheeled it to the security scanners and hoisted it off the cart. I spent most of this process on a bench.

I tipped him very well.