Originally Posted by Flaflyer
Yes it is easier to lift 50 pound bags all day than 70 pound bags.
However, this "safety of the bag tossers" is bunk.
It is not bunk! Luggage handlers are at a couple of places. First contact there is either a skycap or a customer service agent that is going to lift that bag. "safety of the bag tossers" is a major concern for companies. Companies pay out for injuries on the job. I am sure that some of those funds collected from the overweight charges go back to the injuries on the job.
Although employees are trained for lifting bags, we are on time-contraints. Sometimes one just lifts the bag incorrectly.
Originally Posted by Flaflyer
If it is a safety issue, then they need to put a scale at the airport door with a sign "Warning Strict 50 pound limit, NO exceptions. Weigh your bag here and either take some junk back to your car or there's the trash can. 50.1 pounds and your bag aint flying today even if you are. Thank you for flying User Friendly Airlines." Then enforce it till the public gets the idea.
I am always so surprised by people being surprised by the strict weight allowances. On my first international trip in the '70's I remember weighing my bags carefully at home before going to the airport.
"The signs" are there, one just is not seeing them. They come in your "package" with your trip confirmation. If someone does not read them then, they are still not going to "see" the signs at the airport. The restrictions are on the website.
My guess is with fuel charges skyrocking, weight issues are even more important with keeping costs down.