Luggage Limits

At almost every step before you board a plane, there are things to think about. If you don't plan ahead about packing…you could end up paying for it at the ticket counter.

So, it's a good idea for you to know the new rules on baggage weights and size limits before you head out of town. Our expert, Janet Libert editor of Skyguide-GO magazine says that airline carriers are paying more attention to the baggage that you check in.

Know The Rules

We all know that our carry-on bags have to be below a certain size. The little measuring box at the airline ticket counter tells us so. But did you know that the bags you check-in have restrictions too?

Prepare To Pay

According to Libert, the standard weight limit for baggage on most airlines is 50 pounds per bag for domestic travel, and you may check in two bags. However, she warns travelers, "Now some airlines also have a restriction on the size of the bag, so you could still be in that 50 pound weight limit but then have a bag that's oversized and be charged extra for that." Also, your final destination may factor into that extra fee. For example, Libert explains, "If you're traveling domestic, there's one set of rules. If you're traveling internationally, there's different set of rules about weight and size."

Bags to Heavy?

If you find yourself at the ticket counter and your bags are too heavy, you can try repacking to lighten the cost. Just ask Justin Sobie, a baggage weight casualty. According to Sobie, when he got to the ticket counter, they told him he had to pay a $95 dollar penalty for his two overweight bags. So what did he do? "I had a carry-on bag inside a piece luggage... put some stuff in my carry on," he said. According to Sobie, by doing this he was able to lower the penalty to $50 dollars, $25 dollars per bag.

Before Packing

According to Libert these are some helpful tips to make your next trip to the airport hassle free:

-- Go to your airline's website or ask your travel agent about the limits. The rules on baggage weight limits and sizes are complicated and each airline has their own rules.

-- When shopping for suitcases buy the lightest weight suitcase within the size requirements.

-- Consider shipping ahead really heavy stuff to your destination, or pack some of your heavier stuff in your carry-on.

-- Before taking off for the airport, get an idea of what your bag weighs. Place it on your scale at home.

Security Concerns

Here are some suggestions from our expert that you can do before packing to keep your possessions safe.

--Assume that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)---the organization hired by the Federal government to oversee security at our nation's airports--- will check your bag. Don't put a lock on your bag. If you do the TSA will break your lock.

--Pack your goods in see-through plastic bags. This way it's a lot easier for the TSA to go through your stuff, and your belongings won't be manhandled.

---For added security, you could also put a garbage bag twist tie on your luggage instead of a lock. This personal security measure lets you know if someone other than the TSA has gone through your bags.

(Note: If the TSA has screened and opened your bag they will leave a note on it saying that it was searched.)

--If you feel something is missing or damaged while your bag was searched by the TSA you may fill out a form on the TSA's Web site and submit it. Click here for the information.

For more traveling tips check out Skyguide's website: skyguide.com

Read more smart consumer tips and strategies
from Fox11 Eyewitness News Online

PRIME PICKS

TWO AND A HALF MEN
Tonight at 7:00 PM
Anteaters. They're Just Crazy-Lookin'
Charlie loses a woman to the young, handsome handyman (guest star Enrique Iglesias) working at his house