Over the years, several myths have developed over air travel, particularly related to air travel luggage. Anyone you talk to will tell you their favorite belief about air luggage and the precautions they take to avoid issues. While all airlines have rules with regard to air travel luggage, several myths make the rounds, quite separate from the facts. Here are the 12 common air-travel luggage related myths.
1. Connecting Airlines Automatically Accept Your Luggage
It is not necessarily true that your connecting airline will automatically accept your luggage. Each airline allows only a specific luggage weight for each person and if your luggage exceeds this weight, you might be charged a fee. Sometimes, the connecting airline can totally refuse to accept your overweight luggage. It’s best to check airline baggage policies if you’re going to use multiple airlines.
2. Luggage Will Automatically Be Checked Into Connecting Flights
Always check your luggage tags to ensure that your luggage gets checked through to your connecting flight(s). Sometimes, connecting flights don’t appear in your check in record, even though they’re supposed to. Passengers cannot assume that luggage will be automatically checked in and forget following up on this.
3. Customs Won’t Check Your Carryon Items
Both checked in luggage and carry-on items are thoroughly examined by customs, so don’t hide your purchases in your carryon luggage thinking you’ll save money.
4. When You Change Airports, Luggage Will Be Accordingly Transferred
This transfer does not happen automatically; if you’re supposed to land at New York airport but choose to land at New Jersey airport instead, you’ll have to ensure your luggage is transferred for your airport preference.
5. Your Lost Luggage Will Be Delivered To You
If your luggage was lost on a domestic flight, the airline might return it to you. However, if the luggage was lost on an international flight, you might need to make a personal appearance at the customs office and validate the contents.
6. Luggage Rules Are The Same On All Airlines
Both domestically and internationally, luggage rules vary based on airlines. The weight that a person is allowed to carry, and the individual dimensions of the luggage size for both checked in and carryon luggage will vary from airline to airline and from ticket class to ticket class.
7. You Can Carry Upto Three Carryon Items
Most airlines allow one carryon item and one personal item, which might be a photographic equipment bag or a handbag. If you want to carry an additional item, you need to check with your airline and all connecting airlines for exact carryon guidelines
8. Laptops Won’t Be Monitored
If you’re carrying a laptop, some security points will even check the contents to ensure you’re not carrying child porn or similar offensive material with you. Carefully check the customs rules in different airlines and in different countries before carrying any such material.
9. You Can Get Subsidized Fare If You Don’t Declare Baggage
Airlines charge you in total for all offered on flight and on ground amenities, including specifically allowed baggage limits. You cannot expect a subsidy on your ticket price by traveling baggage free. It might seem unfair, especially when airlines charge fees for additional poundage, but don’t offer the same discount in return when you don’t check in baggage, but that’s how it is.
10. Airlines Reimburse Lost Luggage
People believe that airlines replace lost or damaged luggage, or at least fully reimburse passengers for the loss. The truth is that a certain amount of luggage liability is attached to one’s ticket price; this is limited to a certain amount with different airlines. As a rule of thumb, if you don’t need the luggage, leave it at home; it’s not worth carrying it all and risk losing everything enroute. Carry all your valuables and fragile items in your carryon luggage. Buy luggage insurance, or check if your homeowner’s insurance covers in-flight luggage loss or damage.
11. Your Carry On Luggage Is Safe
People who steal will steal no matter where; keep your carryon luggage close to you all the time, even if it means you have to sacrifice leg room. Sometimes people can access your luggage while rummaging for their own; if you have valuables in your carryon, guard them with your life. Keep your carryon luggage locked.
12. You Can Check In Extra Luggage By Paying Fees
All airlines have their blackout limits when it comes to luggage. In large flights, it might be possible to sneak in a few pounds of additional luggage by paying a fee, but if your airline won’t allow excess luggage at all, it doesn’t matter how much extra you’re willing to pay. Weight blackouts can occur with airlines due to holiday travel restrictions, air flight balance concerns and so on.
Karen is freelance writer for gift ideas for men company Adrenaline that offers unique and thrilling experiences like skydiving in Redcliffe, hot air ballooning, V8 race driving and lot more.