I often need to check three bags when travelling on business. I do audio production work, and my equipment alone is in two flight cases, which must be checked. The third checked bag is for clothes and the like. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

So, here's my question. Will US Airways still allow you to check three bags free of additional charge if you're flying in First Class? Northwest Airlines, for example, makes such an exception.

Don't know, but I doubt it. I got the notice on the new baggage restrictions on an insert into my FC jacket. I didn't have 3, so I didn't test it, but all the airlines are getting very rigid on their rules. I've seen FC get 2 carry-ons bounced numerous times since the "1 + personal item" rule went into effect.

Well, I did the novel thing and phoned US Airways to ask. They said that there are no exceptions. The third bag is gonna cost me $80. So, I guess I'm going to have to bill my clients another $160 if they want me to be wearing clean clothes. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif Just kidding. As long as my roller bag is my carry-on and my relatively large computer-carrying backpack is a personal item, then I'll probably survive without having to increase costs for my customers. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif Otherwise, I can start flying Northwest. Hmm... Northwest...who've not matched new ticketing policies, either. Hmm...

There is always a possibility that if your "carry on" is too big, then you would have to check it at the gate. Then you would just have to collect all 3 at baggage claim. Just an option to think about if you get hassled for trying to check all 3 out front. Of course it still needs to fit through the x-ray machine http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif