Airline Baggage Fees - Skis

[billski]

Snip from an email I received:

AMERICAN AIRLINES BOOT BAG CHARGE WAS RESCINDED BEFORE IT STARTED
In November, American Airlines began stating on its Web-site that it would no longer consider a ski bag and ski-boot bag as one piece of luggage, but would treat them as two bags. The new policy would have raised total baggage fees up to $25+$35+$100 = $160 one way -- or $320 for a round trip flight.

Then, on December 12, The National Ski Club Newsletter, the National Ski Council Federation, (NSCF) and ski resorts were informed of the policy change by Sports America’s Mike Hibbard.
...

The actions of clubs and industry proved productive. On December 19, Hibbard e-mailed the following statement: “I am happy to say American Airlines reviewed a number of consumer comments from various ski clubs, councils, ski resorts, and the National Ski Council Federation regarding their new bag policy. These organizations offered persuasive counter-opinions to the new AA position. After a careful review, American Airlines has decided to revert back to the original policy of a boot bag and a ski bag shall be considered one item. American will adhere to the more industry standard of a boot bag and a ski bag which shall be considered as one bag.” AA posted the policy change on their Web-site.

Hibbard did add a word of caution for club members: “Please note that American Airlines as well as all other major airlines do not allow clothing, shoes, presents, etc. to be placed in a ski or boot bag. If such items are placed in these bags, the bags will be checked as general purpose luggage. If the bags are classified as general luggage they will then be counted as two bags and people will be charged accordingly.”


AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES ARE BIG BUSINESS
Airline baggage fees are big business. In the first three quarters of last year, the top 20 carriers made $2.6 billion in baggage fees and they collected $906.4 million in baggage-related charges during the third quarter of 2010, a 23 percent jump from 2009, according the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. US Airways took in about $500 million in all fees in the first three quarters last year -- about what they were expected to earn in profits form the entire year, according to NBC News -- and Delta Airlines alone made nearly $1 billion in baggage fees through the third quarter of 2010 -- more than US Airways, Continental Airlines, and Alaska Air combined.

 

[Anklebiter]

I'm only taking a carry-on and laptop backpack when I head to Utah next week. I reserved a demo package with ski 'n see.

My friend was planning on taking his boots and skis. Then stuffing his clothes in the ski carrier. I'll have to let him know that he may be charged for 2 bags.

 

[wa-loaf]

That's why I take Southwest.

 

[severine]

You should carry your boots on anyway. Too much of a risk of the airline losing them. Skis can be rented easily--boots are not so easily replaced, especially if you have custom footbeds and foot problems.

 

[powhunter]

If they ever implimented that policy, I would just wear my boots on the plane

steveo

 

[speden]

These baggage fees must be a boon for demo ski rentals at destination resorts. It was already a hassle to lug skis to the airport, so with the fees I bet a lot of people are just saying the heck with it and renting demos.

 

[darent]

I think that the general public should put up a big stink over baggage fees, If weight is the issue then they should charge for the weight, not the bag.If you are a light packer you are getting ripped off under the existing system, why should my 30# bag be charged the same as a 50# bag.we should all write our congressmen and complain and stop this airline abuse of its passengers, fly southwest any time you can

 

[billski]

I think that the general public should put up a big stink over baggage fees, If weight is the issue then they should charge for the weight, not the bag.If you are a light packer you are getting ripped off under the existing system, why should my 30# bag be charged the same as a 50# bag.we should all write our congressmen and complain and stop this airline abuse of its passengers, fly southwest any time you can

It's too bad the market can't just charge a reasonable rate, rather than lowballing everyone, and give us back all the services we used to take for granted. That's the problem with bottom-feeding public. The airline is just responding to passenger looking for the lowest fare.

 

[RootDKJ]

If they ever implimented that policy, I would just wear my boots on the plane

steveo

Bitch to take off, but I'm sure the TSA guy will enjoy that while groping you.

 

[billski]

If they ever implimented that policy, I would just wear my boots on the plane

steveo

And everyone would jump out of the plane when you took them off unless the air marshals got to you first! :blink:

 

[abc]

Well, be thankful skis are treated somewhat "special" that boot bag +ski bag somehow got counted as one. I think skiers are big enough business for the airlines they'll tiptoeing around the ski related fees.

Pity the cyclists. Bike fees had always been expensive compare to skis. It now got so outrageous racers are driving cross country because it's cheaper that way once you factor in the bike fee!

 

[dmc]

I'm a platinum level flyer... i don't pay for shti...

 

[RENO]

That's why I take Southwest.

Yep, don't have to worry about that shit with SW! AA blows...

 

[jaja111]

I flew to the Northwest before Christmas on United. Once I got to the airport in Rochester, a united clerk came over to me looking at my ski equipment and instructed me to purchase the premier traveler option when checking in. It was $50 charged, and allowing two checked bags for free. While it only saved $10 from the normal baggage fees, and god only knows what the other "perks" were of being a "premier", it diverted attention from the fact that I was lugging two pairs of skis plus jackets and pants in the ski bag in addition to two pairs of boots stuffed with clothing in the other bag. Of course this meant my ski equipment was boot bag-less, but as long as everything was under 50lbs, it was legit.

Still major BS to be having to pay an extra $50 to $70 for bags.

 

[mikestaple]

50lbs. That's the magic number. Stay under that and they (ticket agents) will tend to look the other way.

 

[maineskier69]

Good thread. We are heading to Utah in a few weeks and thought about shipping the boards Fed Ex/UPS since we are not skiing the weekend before we go. Just have to look into the logistics, where to ship to etc. OTH, just take the hit to the jaw and fly our gear with us as we did last year.