topic Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport? in Community Chat

Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Nataliesgramma — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:23:33 GMT

I noticed a difference when we few Southwest last fall. Most people had smaller carry-ons. I think alot of travelers try to avoid baggage fees.

Then on the other hand......what the TSA finds in those carry ons slows down the lines also. A guy in a suit had a 4 in knife in the line to our left....

We are taking the Granddaughter to Disney in the fall....not looking forward to a 3 hr wait with a 3 yr old.....

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

StylishLady — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:41:07 GMT

We are flying north this fall on Southwest. DH said we can take two check in bags at no extra cost. Makes me happy because I can bring more things to give me choices, especially in the colder weather. I'll see if the TSA check in lines are any better.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

151949 — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:43:40 GMT

My Dh was injured on a plane because he was sitting on the aisle seat and after we landed , as usual, everyone jumped up to start grabbing their stuff out of the overheads - a small lady could not control her heavy bag and dropped it right onto my DH's shoulder, dislocating it.IMO - ALL baggage should have to be checked. Those overhead compartments should be only for things like coats and briefcases, computer bags.My DH's shoulder has never been right since this happened. It was terribly painful for months after. I'm sure he is not the only one who has been injured in this way, because some of those bags are large and heavy.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

avid shopper — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:48:04 GMT

I would guess that there are several reasons this issue has gotten increasing unmanageable. Something I have noticed when I travel is that the TSA agents don't start to move travelers thru the security process until there is a backlog of people in line. If they started processing travelers as they arrive it might be one way to help streamline the process. I always arrive way to early but I am happy to get through security, get to the gate and wait patiently for my flight and read.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Mj12 — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:49:22 GMT

I'm not sure that dropping the baggage fees would reduce the lines. I think a lot of people carry on baggage to get right out of the airport upon arrival - not because of the checked baggage fees.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

I am still oxox — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:57:44 GMT

The ISA scan is done way before you get to your airline, the TSA is scanning all airlines in one wing, 1 airline dropping their fees would not change much

@Nataliesgramma wrote:
I noticed a difference when we few Southwest last fall. Most people had smaller carry-ons. I think alot of travelers try to avoid baggage fees.

Then on the other hand......what the TSA finds in those carry ons slows down the lines also. A guy in a suit had a 4 in knife in the line to our left....

We are taking the Granddaughter to Disney in the fall....not looking forward to a 3 hr wait with a 3 yr old.....

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Abrowneyegirl — Thu, 26 May 2016 11:59:59 GMT

I think a multi-pronged approach would work better

drop the baggage fee
charge a carry on fee for bags larger than XYZ/heavier than XYZ
Create an Express Lane through security for those who are NOT carrying on luggage. Let those who are carrying on luggage wait in the long lines. They have extra time since they do not have to wait in baggage claim upon arrival.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Campion — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:02:49 GMT

I've had things dropped on me but never to the point of injury. I agree totally with you that it's a dangerous situation. In strong turbulence, those bins can pop open.

Instituting a fee for what is a must in travel--bringing clothing and belongings, was always going to create chaos. That's why I like Southwest for one more reason.

1. People need to take their valuables aboard (won't keep TSA from stealing--they took a cuff bracelet out right in front of me pretending to examine cell phone again) but it does help. I wouldn't ever check my camera gear!

2. You need to sometimes bring a change of clothing in case suitcase goes astray.

So a small carryon is normal. I have no issue with the size gauges that prevent the overstuffed, fifty pound monster from being dragged aboard. The Airline regulatory agency (its own) changed the size allowance however, without checking wiith manufacturers about what the most common size sold was! People got to the airport with carryon in tow, and found they couldn't board with it (camera gear, hello!) and there was slow downs and yelling. Saw it happen. I deliberately bought new luggage a few years ago and went smaller and with a teardrop shape, because I saw the way Europe was going (smaller, smaller)

3. Checking bags for clothing and non-essentials aboard is a good idea for a longer trip. Charging for this tempts people to try to fit all into a carry on. What did they think? You were going to look at a potential $50 to 70 additional charge for two people traveling toghether and say, oh well? When you can avoid it? We already have a federal additional tax and an airport fee in most places, add in parking, etc. That "three hundred dollar" fare is much more than that when you get done.

And it's a bit mean--so people rebelled. Of COURSE I have to take a suitcase. And you're charging me? And then they charge in some cases for the carry on. Now that is really chintzy.

No more food aboard, except sometimes a ten dollar greasy stale sandwich or cheap salty snacks overpriced. We traveled from Hawaii to the East Coast. That's a nine or more hour trip. Because it's domestic, not a single item of food. The layovers were hardly long enough to grab horrible fast food and jam it down. We had kids. A few snacks would have been welcome.

Internationally, it's only six hours to London, but they feed you, however you can go twelve hours with tight connections in the US and it's a famine. Not even a pretzel. On the last flight I took, they skipped six rows of us for water or other liquids because they were yapping and not paying attention. There was no turbulence or problem with landing. They just passed one row and then said "hey, were done, let's put the cart away.)

In short, customer service is nil (you pretty much have to fly us) and the TSA adds to the joy. They were pressuring congress for more funds by a slow down just the way any labor action does during a negotiation. And we miss our flights. Nice.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Campion — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:07:55 GMT

PS re small ladies and bags: I'm a woman but I'm six feet tall and have good upper body strength (I lift weights.)

When I see some tiny woman trying to wrestle a bag out, I step in ahd help her because it's for MY safety and those around us. The guys may be standing around with their hands up their... but I will grab that bag and put it on the floor for her. I can't tell you how many times I've stowed or taken down bags.

If you can't lift it over your head and hold it for five seconds, you shouldn't be bringing it but hey, try telling some four foot eleven person that. Huh? Of course I can bring fifty pounds aboard. What's the problem?

I have heard of several folks severely injured by these bags being dropped on them. I had a pile of books that slid out of a compartment hit me on the head. Everyone laughed. Ten books woke me up. bang bang bangity bang. I could have punched someone for that.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Sunshine Kate — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:19:35 GMT

I try not to fly unless I have to as it's like riding a city bus.

I don't like the way airlines are taking advantage of people. Charging for baggage is greed.

The only thing that should be allowed in the overhead bins are: briefcases, jackets, or a small makeup bag.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

ms traditional — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:22:01 GMT

i agree - no baggage fees. but there are other issues. TSA shuts down the pre-cleared line from time to time - unannounced - after people have paid $85 for the privilege. also more than 90% of the time TSA misses contraband being carried through according to the IG report. really? time to give this system the heave-ho. waiting is the smaller of the issues, imho. safety first. i don't mind waiting for safety - but we're not getting it.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Financialgrl — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:17:20 GMT

I don't know whether that would help or not but what WOULD help some is if the airlines would enforce their one carry-on rule - then there wouldn't be the issues of having to xray the luggage while you wait and it'd help with those that take all the overhead space.

Last time I flew, the person in the seat next to me had used the whole overhead bin and had 4 pieces of luggage. My luggage had to be at my feet under the seat in front of me. And as she was gathering her multiple pieces of luggage (she was there before me so I had no idea that all the stuff was hers), I was so angry. If they are not gonna enforce the rules, then have everyone check their baggage and only be allowed one soft tote size for medications and things to occupy a child.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

sassenach1 — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:31:35 GMT

I have not read all the replies, but to the OP: in a word: no.

i am a Road Warrior, on at least 4 - 6 flights a week. Business travelers is vital to our economy and believe me, there is NOTHING glamorous about it. Most of us will not check baggage as it slows down everything considerably. I will NOT, ever check baggage.

TSA needs to be tossed out or a major overhaul. I have been on 100s of airports and TSA is just horrible. Get rid of them, hire private security modeled after countries who know how to do it.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

MaggieMack — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:27:53 GMT

I only fly about once a year, to Las Vegas to golf. I check everything but my handbag. When I return, I often get to the airport four or five hours earlier than my flight because I ride with my sister and her DH to the airport. I cannot check any luggage or golf clubs until TWO hours before the flight, try sitting around with all that stuff, can go far. But, if I can't check my bag until two hours before my flight, and security lines are three hours long, how am I supposed to make my flight? My bags will arrive, but I won't. Something is very broken with this system and it needs to be fixed soon. Maybe they should let bags be free but charge $50 for the carryons instead.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

millieshops — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:32:48 GMT

I think the baggage fee for one bag should have to be included in the price of the ticket on any flight over 500 miles or whatever research shows causes the majority of travelers to carry more than a small carryon..

People love to think they're getting something for nothing, but even Southwest is charging for checked baggage; if they weren't, their flight prices could be even lower than they are. Having all baggage fees added "after ticketing" just makes people imagine their trip is less expensive than it really is.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

ChynnaBlue — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:01:43 GMT

@Mj12 wrote:
I'm not sure that dropping the baggage fees would reduce the lines. I think a lot of people carry on baggage to get right out of the airport upon arrival - not because of the checked baggage fees.

I think there's a mix. I know some people who do that, but I've taken to flying only on Southwest the last few years specifically to avoid baggage fees and I know I'm not alone. I think a lot of business people who are only going to be in town for a day or two have reason to fly carry-on only, but people going on vacation usually carry more. I see families where every member of the family has a rolling carry-on bag, even small children.

I always check one large bag and carry on one smaller bag that fits my medications, some extra undies in case my luggage gets lost, and my computer and other electronics. It can fit in an overhead bin or under the seat.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Vivian — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:05:10 GMT

Southwest doesn't charge for your first checked luggage. I just flew to Orlando and, as usual, people were bringing all sorts of carry-ons into the plane. This needs to stop. Instead of charging for the first checked bag, charge for carry-ons above a certain size. People do need to carry valuables and medications but the size of some of those carry-ons could hold a jewelry store AND a pharmacy.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

Mj12 — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:13:10 GMT

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
@Mj12 wrote:
I'm not sure that dropping the baggage fees would reduce the lines. I think a lot of people carry on baggage to get right out of the airport upon arrival - not because of the checked baggage fees.
I think there's a mix. I know some people who do that, but I've taken to flying only on Southwest the last few years specifically to avoid baggage fees and I know I'm not alone. I think a lot of business people who are only going to be in town for a day or two have reason to fly carry-on only, but people going on vacation usually carry more. I see families where every member of the family has a rolling carry-on bag, even small children.

I always check one large bag and carry on one smaller bag that fits my medications, some extra undies in case my luggage gets lost, and my computer and other electronics. It can fit in an overhead bin or under the seat.

That's a good point. I didn't think about families traveling and also how quickly (and how much) the baggage fees add up.

My husband flies a few times a week every week, he mostly uses SW. (He likes the drink coupons they send him) : )

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

bri20 — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:13:36 GMT

I think the TSA needs to hire competent people, who don't steal, who can move people through the lines faster.

Re: Would dropping baggage fees make shorter lines at the Airport?

abbeythe 8th — Thu, 26 May 2016 14:43:19 GMT

I travel internationally and you can check a bag for free. The lines are still horrendous. People caring on too much stuff. They need to enforce the limits.

There are never enough open lines.