Wise Money Decisions

Back in the good ol’ days I always locked my checked luggage.  I liked knowing my luggage would not be opened without my permission. 

It’s been several years since the rule was changed.  It’s been so long I have no idea where my little Samsonite keys are.

A couple days ago I found out you are allowed to lock your checked luggage as long as you use certain locks approved by the TSA.  I am aware of two companies that make approved locks: Travel Sentry and Safe Skies.  Here is the Travel Sentry mark:

TSA personnel have codes or tools to unlock the locks.  The idea is they see the mark, realize they can open it without breaking it, do their inspection, and lock it back up. 

Has anybody used one of these locks?  Did it work as advertised?

UPDATE — MAY 16, 2008:  Even more airlines have implemented a fee for checking a second bag.

UPDATE — APRIL 5, 2008:   More airlines have announced a $25 fee for checking a second bag.  Delta, Continental, and Northwest will begin collecting the fee during the first week of May. 

It’s been several months since I last flew on a major airline.  I don’t mind flying but I’m glad I don’t fly a lot.  It has become more of a hassle the last few years. 

Since I haven’t flown in a while I haven’t paid attention to recent airline rules changes.  If you’re a globe-trotter you may already be aware that some airlines have changed their baggage limits.

Checking Two Bags Will Cost You On Some Airlines

Starting May 5^th United Airlines and US Airways will charge $50 per round-trip for checking a second piece of luggage.  If you are a member of the business traveler programs (for example, United has the Premier, Gold, and Silver programs) then the fee is waived for the second piece.

I’ve never flown Virgin America, but I believe they already charge a fee for the second bag.

Three Separate Fees

The fee for an extra piece of luggage is separate from the overweight and oversize fee.  The overweight fee typically kicks in when a bag weighs more than 50 pounds.  The oversize fee applies when the sum of a bag’s height, width, and length is greater than 62 inches. 

Suppose you check a 2^nd piece of luggage on United Airlines that weighs 70 pounds and whose sum of dimensions is 80 inches.  You will pay all three fees.  There had better be something important in that bag because starting May 5^th it will cost you $225 each way, or $450 total - probably more than your round-trip ticket! 

If you have a connecting flight on another airline, you may be required to pay the fees for both airlines.

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