New Federal Carryon Legislation Proposal Idiotic!

OK I admit that not everything is perfect when it comes time to board an airplane, but do we really need another law passed to fix this? U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D.-Ill has introduced a bill in Congress to set a standard limit on the size of carry on, and put the Transportation Security Administration in charge of policing it. Check out the article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His proposal calls for the maximum size of a carry on bag to be 22" x 18" x 10", or a maximum of 50 linear inches. His pitch is about the overcrowded overhead bins, safety, .... which is fine except the FAA has already set limits on carry on baggage that most airlines follow which calls for a maximum of 45 linear inches. The standard size currently being offered for purchase at WorldTraveler.com is 22" x 14" x 9" to stay at the 45" limit.

So what is the point of a Federal Law that makes things worse? While I agree that there should be improvement in our current system, I feel the airlines are the ones to deal with the issue. Those that handle the problem in the best fashion will increase their market share by satisfying more customers. We are a market economy and do not need more Government oversight on what is really a customer service issue. There are plenty of safety regulations in place concerning the operations of airlines. If you would like to read some comments by consumers on the subject check out what an article in RedEye had to say.

Since I think I know everything (according to my wife), here are a couple of ideas I think the airlines should implement to speed up the boarding process and increase consumer satisfaction:

• Board the back of the plane first, starting with window seats - or at least board window seats first, then middle, then aisle.
• Place a professional baggage handler(wearing a back brace) on each plane to actually place the luggage into the overhead bins. This will help those who struggle with the weight of the bag, and also make sure they go into the bins properly and use up the least amount of space.
• Change the standard size of a carry on from 22"x 14" x 9" to 20" x 16" x 9". This is the same capacity, but will fit into more overhead bins without having to turn them sideways. This is also the standard carry on size within Europe. Tumi was one of the first manufactures to introduce this size into the U.S.

If you have any ideas on the subject please send them in and we can work together to fix the boarding process.

Send to : traveltips@worldtraveler.com

Checkpoint Friendly Father''s Day

The TSA has loosened up on laptop screening at US airports. Last August the TSA started to allow laptops to remain in bags meeting "checkpoint friendly" guidelines. Not all laptop bags are checkpoint friendly. The TSA issued guidelines to manufactures on what constitutes "Checkpoint Friendly" and now there are many bags on the market meeting the requirements. If you are thinking about a great Father's Day gift here you go.

Why is this a great gift? By leaving your laptop in the case you save one step, thus reducing the number of plastic bins you need to go through security. Even more important is the reduction in your chances to forget your laptop in the rush to get through and catch a plane. PCPro News stated in an article that 12,000 laptops were left in US airports each week. They further suggested that 40% of these were left at security checkpoints. The others were left at restaurants, restrooms, and at the gate.

These new "Checkpoint Friendly" cases come in various styles and quality levels. The common element is that they lie flat on the conveyor belt and have an unobstructed view of the computer with nothing on top or underneath. It is important to not pack any power cords or other items in the computer compartment. Tumi makes five styles in the T-Pass style including a Business Brief Pack which can be worn on the back for total hands free travel. Victorinox Swiss Army also makes a lightweight nylon Brief called the Trevi . More manufacturers will be coming out with checkpoint friendly bags in the coming months. If you are looking for a great idea for Dad or Grad think about one of these new Laptop Briefs. You will make someone very happy.

The Buzz on Luggage Warranties

Every manufacturer of branded luggage and business cases provides a warranty on the product. We are lucky that in the luggage industry the guarantee is offered free of charge, rather than as an add-on sale. The manufacturer provides the warranty to assure the end consumer of the quality of the product and commits to taking action should any problem occur. While all these warranties say substantially the same thing, there are two main elements that should be looked at during the purchasing process - the length of time the coverage spans, and the coverage of damage (as opposed to normal wear and tear.)

All warranties will cover defective merchandise, be it faulty workmanship (missed or incomplete stitching, missing rivet...) or defective parts. The length of time covered is often limited and should be looked at before buying. In general most manufactures cover defective items for the life of the bag, but some do cut it off after a stated number of years. If you are concerned with the coverage, it is wise to ask your sales associate about each company's track record in customer service to avoid disappointment later down the road.

The big differentiator between companies is found on their policy concerning damage. Some companies will never cover damage or abuse by a common carrier(Eagle Creek, Hartmann Luggage, Travel Pro, Samsonite, Heys Travel Goods ), one will cover it for a limited time (Tumi), and two will cover it forever (Victorinox Swiss Army, Briggs & Riley ) No company is suggesting that they will replace the bag each time it is damaged, but they will keep the bag up and running as long as you are willing to send it in for repair and pay the shipping and nominal fees charged.

In summary, buying almost any popular branded line of luggage covers you for problems due to defective manufacturing and in some cases even damage for the life of the bag. This doesn't mean that the bag will never die. All cases have a natural life and after a certain amount of travel they will cease to be useful. After all, you will be packing your best clothing which needs to be protected. Be careful and avoid purchasing an inexpensive case, even if it has an excellent warranty. No manufacturer will cover the cost of the contents if lost or damaged due to defective manufacturing, nor will they reimburse you for the inconvenience, time, and expense to get your clothing cleaned or replaced after they have been picked up off the runway.

Preparing for Lost Luggage

While airlines are improving their track record on lost baggage, it happens all the time and you should be prepared when it is your turn. Here are some tips to prevent lost luggage.

• Most airlines will not check bags with less than 45 minutes before departure. To increase your chances of seeing your bag at the end of the flight try to check in at least an hour prior to departure.
• Make sure you have your name and address securely fastened on the outside, and also have your contact information on the inside of the bag should the luggage tag be torn off. A great idea is to have a copy of your itinerary including hotel packed inside to help the airline find you and return your bags.
• For safely use a luggage tag that protects your information from public view. A potential way for a burglar to know who is out of town is by visiting the airport looking for information on departing passengers. A colorful tag can help you spot your bag and avoid confusion with others.
• Try to avoid connecting flights, but if necessary make sure you leave an hour between flights to allow for delay and potential baggage handling issues. It is a great idea to understand the type of aircraft that will be taking you on the second(or third) leg of the trip. The regional aircraft that fly into small airports sometimes cannot physically hold all the luggage of the passengers. I can tell you from personal experience that you have a very high probability of experiencing luggage delays or lost luggage when flying into Sun Valley or Aspen during a busy ski season. The smaller planes that service these small airports cannot handle the load and they truck the baggage in later. Sometimes days later. Shipping some of you gear via UPS or Fed Ex could save a lot of time and hassle if you see a potential problem in advance.
• Don't pack valuables inside of checked baggage. Airlines are not responsible for damage of electronics, cameras, etc if they are inside of checked bags. Unfortunately, there are thieves working the airport that will get into bags and take anything of value. While it is a good idea to use TSA approved luggage lock, they will not stop a thief. They will help to keep an honest person honest.

In the event that your luggage does not make it to the baggage claim:

• Take the time to file a report at the airport and get a claim number and copy. Try to get a phone number at the local airport, rather than the toll free main number for the airline. The best is if you can actually get a name and phone number of an airline representative at the airport. You need an advocate on the scene, rather than a voice from India.
• The airlines will reimburse you for necessary purchases to tide you over. Given the current financial state of the industry, they are being very tight and they will question everything you buy. Packing a carry on with enough to survive a day or two is really a good idea to avoid the hassle in dealing with the airline more than necessary.
• The major airlines limit the amount they will cover for lost luggage. United Airlines, for example, has a limit of $3,300 per passenger for Domestic travel. International travel is governed by either the Warsaw or Montreal Conventions and are much less generous. Check with your airline before travel. Your credit card company may offer supplemental insurance for lost baggage if you use the card to pay for travel. There is also travel insurance available to cover losses in excess of the airlines limits.

Finally, if you don't think lost luggage is a big problem visit the Unclaimed Baggage Center

where your bag and contents will eventually end up.

Carry On Luggage Confusion

The airlines have not changed the sizing for carry on luggage as yet, but they are paying much more attention as more people try to carry on due to the new fees being charged for checked in luggage. The official maximum size for a carry on to be stowed in the overhead compartment remains at 45 inches in total.  This is the sum of the height, width, and depth of the bag.  A typical wheeled carry on is 22" x 14" x 9".  This must be measured including the wheels and top of the handle.  A second carry on bag is allowed, called a personal bag, and must fit under the seat. This bag can be no larger than 35" using the same calculation as above.  Typically this is a purse, business case, or tote bag.  Check out American Airlines for their regulations on carry on baggage.

 

The airlines are motivated to reduce carry on baggage for a couple of reasons. First, the more people try to stuff into the overheads, the longer is takes to load a plane and leave the gate. They are being graded on their percentage of on-time departures.  Second, they now make money for checked luggage, and by more closely inspecting  size they can increase their revenue per flight.  Flight attendants are quick to announce that the overhead bins are now full and carry on luggage must now be gate checked.  This may or may not result in fees.

 

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the aircraft itself.  While the larger models such as the 777, 767, 757, and 737's have equal overhead bins on either side, some models have a smaller overhead compartment on one side that do not fit a conventional carry on as easily, if at all. Many regional jets that are now used more frequently have smaller overhead compartments that can not hold regulation carry on bags.  One source to check if you are concerned is seat guru.com.   By looking at the seat configuration you can also understand the overhead space available (as well as learn where the exit rows and bulkhead seats are.)

 

Many frequent flyers are turning to smaller carry on bags to reduce frustration while boarding. One popular model is the Tumi 20" International Carry On that is 15.75" x 20" x 8.5" for a total of 44.25"    This bag is not much smaller in total size, but fits easily into more overhead compartments that a standard sized wheeled carry-on.  Most manufactures make 20" wheeled carry on bags, and some even go smaller.

 

Helpful tips for carry on travel:

• Pack heavy items on the bottom near the wheels to properly weight the case aiding stability.
• Place the bag into the overhead with the wheels down and going into the bin first.
• Do not put the bag in crossways as this takes up more space than required and denies a fellow passenger his rightful space.
• Place your overcoat or sport coat into the overhead bin last and on top of other bags.  This will save you coat from damage and maximize space for others.
• Make sure your personal bag is no wider than your wheeled carry-on.  This will allow you to wheel both bags down the isle with one hand and avoid bashing passengers along the way to your seat.

Taking the pain out of lengthy plane rides

Some of the most popular travel destinations these days are a very long plane ride away. Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, Brazil, and Chili are all on many of our or Worldtraveler's radar for upcoming travel. Depending on your city of departure, your time in the air can be up to 25 hours (New York, NY (NYC) to Melbourne (MEL)). This is a very long time to be in one confined space. The following are some ideas to provide greater comfort and health for these journeys.

One very popular strategy is to sleep through as much of the flight as possible. Ambien CR, available by prescription, is the most popular sleep aid and does the trick without leaving you feeling "drugged" when you wake up. On my last flight to Europe I tried one and practically fell asleep before I put down the glass of water. Some travelers have a couple of cocktails to induce sleep(should not be combined with sleeping pills). This can work, but be ready to pay for it later with the possibility of a headache and dehydration - not really recommended by expert travelers. NoJetLag(www.nojetlag.com) is a homeopathic remedy used by many of our long distance travelers. Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water is very important for your health and comfort.

Make sure you get up and move often to get your blood moving. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a very real problem with long airline travel. Blood clots can form in the legs when they are stagnate for a long period of time. These clots then can work their way through the system and end up in the lungs causing a Pulmonary Embolismhttp://emedicine.medscape.com/article/759765-overview. David Bloom from NBC is the most prominent example of the how serious DVT can be.

What Not To Wear When Traveling

When traveling on a plane there are somethings that you should and should not wear. If you are a frequent traveler than you probably already knows the dos and don'ts of what you should and should not wear when on a plane. The following is a small list of items that should not be worn when traveling on a plane.

• Do not wear form fitting/tight clothes. Tight clothes can be very uncomfortable on long trips.
  


• Do not wear anything with a strong odor. Your fellow passengers do not want to smell it.
  


• Do not wear light color clothing. Darker clothing will hide stains, just in case the airline looses your luggage.
  


• Do not wear synthetic fabrics. This goes back to comfortably. Natural fibers, like cotton, breath better and are more comfortable.
  


• Do not wear high heels. Sneakers are more comfortable and easier to maneuver in.
  


• Do not wear a lot of accessories. Wearing a lot of accessories can hold you up in the security lines, as well as they are easy to loose.