Strict Dimensions

OK, more questions for your sage and worthy consideration. Basically, have the maximum dimensions for a single checked item of UC luggage gone down in the past 12 months?

Looking at them today, you're allowed a H+D+W max of 158cm. Now, Mrs. mdvipond and I have cases measuring about 160, so I'm not going to lose any sleep over that, but the mdvipond seniors' cases tot up to a little over 170cm. Now, these are the very same cases they did BGI with last April, without cause for complaint or concern. Can they assume the same 'blind eye' (if that's what it comes down to)will be turned again for our upcoming US flights?

And more importantly, has anyone noticed that the subject titles of my last two Guru posts could easily be the names of 80's pop bands ?

I think the 62" piece allowance has been around for a while - certainly as long as I can remember. However remember it is 3 pieces per person. So you have some options. Either the senior ponds can take more than one piece, or you can risk it. Certainly I have taken a larger bag than 62", and not had problems, although I have to say that I only had the 1 piece. If you risk it remember what the reason for the restriction is - some airport luggage handling systems can only handle pieces of upto that size. However, LHR (I am assuming it is your LHR-LAX flight) is not one of them, and even if it were it could go through the oversized luggage channel. I am not sure of the LAX arrangements though.

Personally I would not loose any sleep over it, but others may have a different view.

""Senior ponds". Love it.

Not sure if you're taking any internal flights but we were caught out recently flying DL. I think this is true for any US domestic flight - there's no problem with overall kg baggage as per couple you have an allowance of 90kg checked baggage and an amazing 36kg for carry on. HOWEVER, beware if any single item of checked baggage is more than 22.5kg, it's not allowed! We were charged $50 for being "slightly" over! The crazy thing is that, to avoid being fined, we could have redistributed our stuff and taken more as hand luggage, not exactly in the interests of on board clobber & clutter! Can't get my head round how the allowance for a carry on bag is almost the same as that for a checked suitcase - only 4.5kg less [:?]

Not that bad, the fine was $50 for both of us, ie. $25 each - sorry if i wasn't clear!

I assume you meant with DL - with America West it's $50 for any bag over 23kg.

Originally posted by mdvipond
I assume you meant with DL - with America West it's $50 for any bag over 23kg.

Mr DL and I are flying from SFO to LAS with HP in a couple of weeks so have the same problem.I've resigned myself to taking empty suitcases with me to split the load on the flight up from SFO and back(too mean to pay excess baggage ).23 kgs??My shoes weigh that much on their own[:0].
It does seem a bit bonkers however that you can virtually take the kitchen sink (as hand baggage) onto domestic flights but not actually put any significant weight in the hold (unless flying domestic First).Conversely I can bring three suitcases out and back from SFO with VS(each weighing up to 32kgs)but can only have one sensible piece of hand baggage.[}:)]
The other downside is that the HP flights are no longer miles earing (which they were when I booked them)[:(!]Bah humbug.
Sounds as if the baggage weight police are somewhat zealous flying domestic but I'm sure you'll be OK with the hang-glider.
Hope you have a great trip regardless.
Julie

Originally posted by DragonLady
I've resigned myself to taking empty suitcases with me to split the load

Not a bad idea at all [y] Only problem for us is that we're limited to one (32Kg) case on the BA run down from MAN to LHR. Might be worth packing a soft hold-all though, then we can transfer a few kilos worth of stuff before the HP flight and maybe - just maybe - save ourselves a few precious dollars...

I've also been a little concerned about HP accepting the unruly hang-glider as the baby stroller it apparently is. Although it is under 23Kg and the size limits, so should be counted in as just another piece of baggage. God this is complicated. And to make matters worse, mdvipond jr. has just been diagnosed with a chest infection and is none too happy about it, so, for anyone travelling UC on VS7 next Thursday, may we humbly apologise in advance for any distress this may cause... Tanqueray 10's on me at the bar!