Overwhelm the check in baggage process
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:18 pm
#1
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Overwhelm the check in baggage process
What if we overwhelm the checkin baggage process? Since I am forced to checkin my bag, I have started packing more comfortably. Carrying a lot more stuff in case I need it. Like extra shoes, shirts etc. A bag that could have been efficiently packed within 20lbs is now close to 50lbs.
Why not all of us checkin the maximum allowed on each flight and give the airlines a wakeup call? Since there is nothing more than increased fuel costs (higher than labor cost for most airlines) that would get their attention.
Why not all of us checkin the maximum allowed on each flight and give the airlines a wakeup call? Since there is nothing more than increased fuel costs (higher than labor cost for most airlines) that would get their attention.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:23 pm
#3
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Why give them more stuff to lose though? Also keep in mind that you'll also be hauling that 50 pound bag around. Not just the baggage handlers, agents, etc. A lot of people think based on volume alone the baggage system is already overloaded.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:24 pm
#4
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Sounds like a good way to make me the victim of me - - with my bag showing up 24 hours later.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:25 pm
#5
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Unfortunately this thread says the TSA is already kicking around the idea of limiting passengers to one checked bag, because they cannot handle the current number of bags resulting from the carry-on restrictions -- I think your suggestion, while its intent is admirable, would only hasten such a move...
Edited: Oops, I just noticed you're talking about weight, not number of bags.
Edited: Oops, I just noticed you're talking about weight, not number of bags.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:28 pm
#6
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Airlines have been remarking about a "20%" increase in checked in baggage. Which sounds bogus to me, probably more like 60%. I am sure a week of extra checked in bags - bags containing junk that you would not lose sleep on if it got lost. This could result in lucrative ompensation when bags get lost. 
BTW I dont mean ill to baggage handlers. Today's USATOday did mention baggage handlers were doing overtime in most airports. Just helping you with some more overtime.
BTW I dont mean ill to baggage handlers. Today's USATOday did mention baggage handlers were doing overtime in most airports. Just helping you with some more overtime.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:29 pm
#7
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Originally Posted by justageek
I think your suggestion, while its intent is admirable, would only hasten such a move...
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:31 pm
#8
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Originally Posted by TravellingMan
Airlines have been remarking about a "20%" increase in checked in baggage. Which sounds bogus to me, probably more like 60%. I am sure a week of extra checked in bags - bags containing junk that you would not lose sleep on if it got lost. This could result in lucrative ompensation when bags get lost.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:32 pm
#9
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Originally Posted by TravellingMan
Well if TSA limits it, the airlines are bound to feel the pain when folks dont bother flying anywhere for a while.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:34 pm
#10
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Originally Posted by justageek
I can just see it now -- a FlyerTalk forum where people exchange tips on which airports and routes are most likely to lose your bag... Kinda like bumptracker, but for bags...
I know I can count on FT folks to come up with a "business plan" around a problem.
Imagine on a propjet or a RJ flight. Everyone checkins the maximum allowed. The flight is sure to get overweight with the current load factors. This would result in a certain bump opportunity.
Edited: to add bump possibilities.
Last edited by TravellingMan; Aug 29, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:38 pm
#11
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so at what point does the cost of fedexing the bag than putting it on a carryon make more sense. based on the extra time to check the bag, retrieve the bag at bagage claim, etc. I've heard some people do this, but not sure that the cost/effectivenes is.
Aug 29, 2006 | 12:42 pm
#12
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Originally Posted by medic
so at what point does the cost of fedexing the bag than putting it on a carryon make more sense. based on the extra time to check the bag, retrieve the bag at bagage claim, etc. I've heard some people do this, but not sure that the cost/effectivenes is.
Aug 29, 2006 | 1:10 pm
#14
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Obviously, the Great Water Ban means that I don't just check my toiletries, I fill up that (full-size) bag with additional stuff that will make my life more comfortable at the destination, or with stuff I always wanted to haul from A to B but never did because of the inconvenience of checking bags.
Aug 29, 2006 | 1:15 pm
#15
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Originally Posted by flysurfer
Obviously, the Great Water Ban means that I don't just check my toiletries, I fill up that (full-size) bag with additional stuff that will make my life more comfortable at the destination, or with stuff I always wanted to haul from A to B but never did because of the inconvenience of checking bags.