Readers respond to baggage fees

What do you think about the rule change? MSNBC.com readers sound off


Kim Carney / MSNBC.com

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updated 7:52 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2007

Editor's Note: After clicking on “read the full entry,” scroll down the page. You will find the original posting highlighted in yellow.

British Airways now charges travelers for carrying two or more bags — a move that won't impact fliers traveling to or from the U.S., but one that could soon be emulated by U.S. carriers.

We asked you, our readers, to share your thoughts. Below are some of your responses.

Just drive
This is a truly bad idea. Travel by air has become quite a hassle as it is and less appealing. I've become more and more keen on driving on some of those shorter flights — ie NY to Boston or Philly or even the DC area. When you factor in the airport security and total trip time, there isn't much of a difference these days between driving and flying. ... Read the full entry

Airlines aren't freight carriers
I absolutley love this idea. As an airline worker who has taken more and more pay cuts, while ticket prices have remained the same for over 10 yrs. (only taxes have risen.) I think this is an excellent idea. I am sick to death of bags that weigh more than I do or take 2 people to get into the airport being checked as passenger 'luggage' — airlines are not freight carriers, though it sometimes looks like it during an international flight. Often passengers bring in expandable bags that are almost the size of a small car, why shouldn't more restrictions be enforced? ... Read the full entry

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Forget about good business practices
The airlines, along with higher educational institutions, are the worst run businesses in the world. The pricing models have little to do with reality, thus require constant changing. Although most are on the edge of bankruptcy, they continue to make the same mistakes time and again, not surprisingly, reaching the same result. The idea of building customer loyalty has long disappeared from most air carriers. ... Read the full entry

Another regulation
I think this is ridiculous. I've been traveling regularly in the last 11 years since I was 17 and I remember the first major baggage restriction that was enforced in 1996 when they restricted the number of checked baggage to two pieces of luggage. I thought that it was fair enough to prevent someone from taking 5 pieces of luggage with them for just a two week trip. Then they regulated the amount of carry-on that you can carry with you. Another regulation that was fair enough to impose. But to impose a one-bag check-in policy is ridiculous, especially when flying internationally. I thought having a weight limit for the total weight of all check-in baggage was fair enough. ... Read the full entry

Pack light
I would be probably upset if this happened about 15 years ago but now, it doesn't really matter. Whenever I fly with my family (of 4 with kids 9 and 10) domestic or international, we each take one bag. Our bags are also the roll-type bag that is qualified for carry-on, except my kids — they share a bag and it must be checked-in. I guess you can say, we pack light — a week's worth, if longer, in some cases we used the hotel laundry service or find a laundromat. Either way, it's not a bad idea that BA has taken this step. ... Read the full entry

Overstuffed overhead
While I agree that the amount of luggage some passengers take with them is outrageous I think these people should be penalized not those who take two pieces of luggage but make an effort to keep them under much lighter should not. The biggest problem as I see it, and I travel internationally and within the U.S. several times a year is those passengers is the amount of stuff taken into the cabin. I have frequently been hit on the head by passenger in a hurry to get on and off planes trying to stuff over head bins with their belongings.. ... Read the full entry

It's time for an airline bill of rights
As some people may remember, at one time governments regulated the airline industry and imposed rules concerning how many bags, how much weight, etc. could be brought on board without extra charges. This regulation also resulted in relatively high fares and much airline inefficiency. Without such regulation, we will always see some airline for some reason, proposing things passengers do not like. The only thing passengers can do is to "vote with their feet" or suggest that the airlines be re-regulated in some fashion. Maybe it is time, as some are now proposing, that there be an "airline bill of rights" which should not only address matters such as the right to be properly treated when flights are canceled, but also things like baggage allowances. ... Read the full entry

What's next?
Not only can't we carry anything on anymore, they are going to charge us to check it in! Flying has become the most unpleasant mode of travel on this planet, I absolutely hate flying anymore. They cram us into dirty planes (they stink most of the time, and it ain't cigarette smoke!) where there isn't enough room for you lean over to scratch your leg. ... Read the full entry

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It's gone too far
Oh, good grief! I was OK with the rules so far. It is for our safety! My father retired from TWA(remember them?) & I am one who understands & doesn't throw a hissy over these things. Go in with the right attitude & you will be treated the same. BUT! This is going waaaaayyy too far! I don't know how travelers are going to maneuver this! If you have to keep checking your toiletries, this takes up a lot of space, even if you whittle it down to the bare necessities. And, no, not everyone can afford to purchase these items while travelling. Plus! They would probably have to toss them at the end of their trip. Very expensive! ... Read the full entry

Why punish us all?
As someone who has to regularly travel for business, I'm not looking forward to this type of policy appearing over here in the U.S. You can't carry on any tools, gels and liquids are a pain and/or banned in any useful quantities, and yet when you have to check them you'll get charged for it. ... Since I am in field service, I always have a toolkit as one of my bags, and it has been tailored to fit perfectly inside the standard luggage size and weight restrictions. So, my company (or more likely, customers) will have to foot the bill for me actually needing, oh, say clothing or something like that? Limited carry-ons and a standard of 2 bags per person isn't even close to being excessive, so why punish everyone instead of actually enforcing the restrictions already in place? ... Read the full entry
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Shockingly inconvineint
I can t believe they are doing this — it's ridiculous. First you cant take your carry-on anymore because you shockingly have a tube of toothpase or some lotion in it - you know for "precaution" - since those items are highly dangerous. This reduced carry-ons - now theyre reducing your normal luggage amount? I agree that they should restrict the 2 bags (maybe even reduce the weight for them) but not the amount of bags. Also if you're on an international flight and have a roundtrip longer than a week where do they expect you to put your necessary things? ... Read the full entry

No service, no space ... no money?
The airlines are out of control and it is time we start telling them with our pocketbooks. When one airline tries something, like a rate hike and gets away with it all other airlines soon follow. The service is getting worse and worse, food and drinks are disappearing and the amount of seat space gets smaller. All the while the planes are completely packed and yet they still complain they are not making any money. ... Read the full entry

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