Jay and I recently gave away a suitcase that we got as a wedding gift. It was the Inspector Gadget of suitcases: it came with accoutrements like a laundry bag, shoe holder that zips to the side, toiletry kit, and sportcoat folder. It was such a size that we could pack both of our goods in it, no matter what length the trip, which saved us having to wait for two bags at baggage claim. It was really cool. Why did we end up giving away such a sweet case?
It was too big. And when we used it as a 2-for-1 case, it was too heavy.
And we paid the price. One time coming back from a trip, AirTran made us pay $80 because the size was greater than company guidelines. “Funny, we didn’t have to pay for it on the way there…” Let’s just say measuring tapes were involved. And once, on the way to France (or Vegas or somewhere), we got busted for the weight. This caused the embarrassing at-the-checkin-counter-in-front-of-the-whole-world opening of the bag and transferring of heavy items to a carry-on. Shoes, weigh. More shoes, weigh. Toiletry kit, weigh. Wait, can’t take the toiletry kit on board. Pants, weigh. At least that time, we didn’t have to pay. The airline had to make a buck somewhere else that day.
Eagle Creek, however, did made a buck not too long after that day, cause I had to buy a new, smaller suitcase. Shout out, though–Eagle Creek’s baggage and traveling accessories are awesome.
In what I am assuming is their latest attempt to stay solvent, Delta is invoking a one bag only policy on domestic flights (including US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico). After May 1, you bring two bags, you pay $25. My friends at Travelocity were kind enough to email me alerting me to this fact yesterday, as I am traveling to Atlanta on Delta in May after the policy changes. The Washington Post ever so thoughtfully alerted travelers to this new policy on March 20.
That’s fine. But what’s up, Delta? I thought we were friends. Besides the page in the “What’s New?” section of your site (no post date), there is a teeny mention of the change on your excess baggage page. I subscribe to your announcement emails, I get your weekly fare specials, I even own a credit card that gives me Delta SkyMiles. I fly almost exclusively with you because of my connections to the ATL, which happens to be your hub. I got nothing. No announcements, no emails. Where’s the heads up? Feels a little sketchy. Anyone with me here?
