The Luggage Blog

Well it looks like United Airlines realized that they need to stay competitive in this rapidly changing market!  Early this month, United Airlines decided not to DOUBLE the 2nd checked bag fee.  Though United is still charging a fee for the second checked bag, it’s only $25 compared to the $50 it was as of September 2008.  This will save customers $50 round trip…now that sounds like a lot more money saved!!!  Another way that they are staying competitive is by offering perks such as giving a 20% discount on the 1st checked back if customers purchase their ticket at www.united.com, now thru Jan. 31st, 2009.  If you ask me, every little savings count!!

Picture by Consumerist

As if we need another reason to love Southwest Airlines, Forbes just named Southwest America’s Most Reliable Airline.  Forbes points out that one would usually assume that the cheapest fare come with a price… but Southwest proves that low fares don’t have to mean poor service.  So not only are they the only airline that’s not charging you to breathe, they’ve risen to the top when it comes to quality service.  Forbes measured each airline based on delays, arrivals and of course, mishandled luggage complaints.  Over the last 5 years Southwest rose to the top with on-time flights more than 80% of the time and a low cancellation rate of 0.65%.  Congrats Southwest and keep it up!

Picture by GirlieErin

The liquid ban got some attention recently when Virgin Airways called for a review of the carry-on limits, particularly concerning liquids.   At the time the Department of Transportation said it had no intentions of changing the restrictions stating “…a generic capability exists to create liquid bombs from domestic items.”

Not even a month later the TSA sings a different tune.  They’ve announced that they foresee the liquid restrictions to be more relaxed.  ” TSA Chief Kip Hawley says,

“I think realistically in one year we, the TSA and foreign colleagues, will be a position to relax liquids restrictions. We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process.”

The reason for the change of heart? A new X-ray machine that can detect explosives.  The machines are already in use, but the software that detects the bombs is still being tested.  With the new technology liquids will most likely still have to be removed first, but the limits on quantity may be relaxed in ‘09.  In the meantime? Get out your 1 qt baggies and 3oz bottles.

TSA Likely to Relax Liquid Ban in 2009 [MSN Travel]

Photo by msmail

Aside from airline fees, one of the top complaints traveler’s have lately is the amount of time it takes to get through security.  The TSA has tried to address this issue by implementing self-regulated lanes designed for different types of travelers.  The only downside to system where each passenger decides their level of expertise is that people may tend to chose whatever line they think will be quickest, regardless of how often they travel… leaving the people who actually DO travel often stuck waiting behind someone less prepared (as usual).

A few airlines are taking matters into their own hands and plan to provide special priority lines to their frequent travelers.  American Airlines announced last week that they’re starting their Priority Access, giving their top customers dedicated security and boarding lines to speed up their trip.  Today Southwest Airlines announced Fly By,  which will provide a priority security lane to Business Select and Rapid Reward A-List customers.  Both programs are said to begin sometime in late October.  This sounds like great news for frequent travelers who are sick of getting held up in long lines.  While we’re not sure how TSA policies play into this, we suspect you’ll still have to remove your shoes.  But at least the people in line with you know the drill and are probably wearing slip-ons.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Priority Security Lanes at Select Airports
American Airlines Adds Airport Perks for Top Travelers

Photo by Ingorr

Delta Airlines has introduced a new pink plane to their fleet in order to raise awareness with their partner, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Delta and Northwest Airlines will also team up to kick off breast cancer awareness month with this special event on Oct 1st.  Breast cancer survivors and company executives from both airlines will fly on Delta’s pink plane from LaGuardia to Minneapolis/St. Paul where a ceremony will be held.  Donations will also be accepted and Delta’s Pink Mini-Cooper will make an appearance at the ceremony.  What a great way to show support of Breast Cancer Awareness!

Packing to Avoid Airline Fees & Stress

• Pre-Packing Tips
  
• Packing tips for guys
• When packing for two seasons, how can I avoid airline baggage fees?

Frequent Fliers

• Signs That You Travel Too Much
• What it’s like to be a Flight Attendant

Airport Security

• New TSA Uniforms cost taxpayers $12 million
• Congress questions why TSA agents are no longer screened
• US Develops Mind Reading Airport Screening Device

Photo by Andrew Currie