This could be a very bad trend ----

[saturn]

Today, Spirit Airlines will become the first U.S. carrier to allow passengers to check only one piece of luggage for free. A second bag will cost passengers $10.

Airlines have also reduced the allowed weight on checked bags to 50 pounds each. Anything heavier carriers a heavy price tag.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2865236&page=1

[ohio]

not good!

[NeenAtlanta]

I usually fed-ex a package to my hotel during fest. It usually includes things that won't be coming back - lagniappes & pins, fest printouts, toiletries, etc. Easier for me to travel that way.

[mauibreeze]

who needs more than a carry on?

[Amyloves...]

Holy crap the canajuns ticket prices will double with their Mrs. Howell-on-her-three-hour-tour bags. Gawd.

[Zydekitten]

Holy crap the canajuns ticket prices will double with their Mrs. Howell-on-her-three-hour-tour bags. Gawd.

LMAO, Amyloves!

I used to work with a colleague (male and supposedly straight) who traveled with one whole suitcase just for his shoes!!!! I never do that - and I'm the original Shoe Ho!!

;)

[pokerchick66]

lol, so glad I'm driving. I can carry on as many as I like and I got a bigazz trunk.

[steffie]

I usually fed-ex a package to my hotel during fest. It usually includes things that won't be coming back - lagniappes & pins, fest printouts, toiletries, etc. Easier for me to travel that way.

That's a great idea!!!!! Thanks for the tip.:)

[traditionaloldies]

we're hoping to travel to nola really light and buy some new clothes etc when we are there. As we've never been to USA before is this a good idea? are clothes really much cheaper than in UK? i want some unusual items that i can't get at home. This does however mean i will be travelling heavy (my suitcases too haha) on way back so may have to pay extra. Thanks for the info, means i will have to budget for this too. x:)

[swag]

This is just one low cost airline. I'd be surprised to see the majors follow suit, at least anytime in the next 12 weeks.

[saturn]

I think you are right, so we will be safe for this year at least.

British Airways is also charging, apparently, although that will not affect most of us.

[luvdancin]

I travel all the time for business. Most of the domestic airlines already charge you if your checked bags are over 50 pounds. I got caught with that going home from last year's Fest--too many CD's in one suitcase. But only allowing one carryon is discrimination for women. I usually have a purse and a briefcase, or a briefcase and my carryon suitcase. This is crap.

[saturn]

But only allowing one carryon is discrimination for women. I usually have a purse and a briefcase, or a briefcase and my carryon suitcase. This is crap.

I haven't seen anything about only one carry-on stated in any of the news reports. Usually, the airline allows one carry-on + other items, such as purse or briefcase.

Has anyone seen a change in that policy?

[mwgirlonherown]

I travel all the time for business. Most of the domestic airlines already charge you if your checked bags are over 50 pounds. I got caught with that going home from last year's Fest--too many CD's in one suitcase. But only allowing one carryon is discrimination for women. I usually have a purse and a briefcase, or a briefcase and my carryon suitcase. This is crap.

Continental and American seem to be the most strigent re: less than 50 lbs.
Last time I checked into an American flight , I saw a man with his mother in a wheelchair, struggling to repack their bags so each would be less than fifty pounds. It was a little disturbing to watch and I ended up offering them my "extra" duffle that I stuff on the side of my "wheelie." I guess the airlines can't make any exceptions.

Many men carry briefbags for their laptops these days. If this new policy expands to the majors, it will be interesting to see how each airline interprets and enforces their policy with regular business travelers.

[mwgirlonherown]

I haven't seen anything about only one carry-on stated in any of the news reports. Usually, the airline allows one carry-on + other items, such as purse or briefcase.

Has anyone seen a change in that policy?

The only thing I've seen is a posting at the gate.

Sometimes you will see a overhead message that says one "carryon allowed." I've never seen anyone challenged for two (or three or four if they are small for that matter!). Guess this is the airlines way of saying one carryon; one personal item (purse/laptop).

[luvdancin]

If they piss off regular business travelers, they are in big trouble. We keep the airlines in business.

[saturn]

The only thing I've seen is a posting at the gate.

Sometimes you will see a overhead message that says one "carryon allowed." I've never seen anyone challenged for two (or three or four if they are small for that matter!). Guess this is the airlines way of saying one carryone; one personal item (purse/laptop).

Carry-ons are fairly clearly described and don't include personal items like coats, purses, briefcases ---

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/carryon.html

Of course, that could change. :eek:

[festivalgirl]

We take Amtrak and have a "Festival Bag" - chairs, folding cooler, shoes, etc. - stuff we used to carry-on. It's where we pack everything we've bought for the trip home (staying under 50#).