thanks for directing me to that page on excess baggage - I missed the link to excess baggage and embargoes when I was looking at the baggage page and checked baggage rules.

The suitcases were consolidated, two of them had other empty bags inside; the three were all too big for anything but checking.

It would be helpful if CO put a note about embargoes when purchasing tickets during embargoes or in the trip notes emails they send out - I never would have known about bag limits and that I couldnt even pay to have a third bag.

I understand I also think they could have helped an elite out, especially since the one bag was empty and all together the three bags weighed just over the limit for one bag.

well, now I know. Thanks again.