Latest posts for the topic "Luggage rant"

Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:57:22 GMT

I've just been browsing a few deals on the Thomas Cook website and they include up to 15 kilos of luggage - so basically your ski boots and what you wear to go skiing (ok may be a slight exageration)

I struggle to stay below the usual 20kg, anyone know if its just Neilson that are cutting back?

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:29:40 GMT

Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

and Nelly - very poor rant, I'm sure you could do better.
A few ....
Who do they think I am ..
and ...
B****y jobsworths
and ...
They are as bad as potato air ...
etc etc etc would help.
:thumbup:

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:03:40 GMT

All Thomas Cook flights are 15kg, and you have to pay extra to top up to the "normal" 20kg. Its not a Neilson, its Cooks across the board and has been in place for some while.
Thomson standard baggage limit is 20kg, not come across 23kg except on long haul routes.
BA is 23kg, including skis if you want to take 1 combined bag.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:08:45 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Thomson standard baggage limit is 20kg, not come across 23kg except on long haul routes.

Interesting ....
Nelly's question made me wonder what I had paid for so I went and looked at T's&C's where it said 23kg!
Which, I admit, I thought was quite high being used to 20kg and even 15kg unless flying with a proper airline!

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:13:59 GMT

You 100% sure about that? Thomson Airways is usually 20kg limit, with a single bag limit of 23kg over which they will refuse to take it on board. Expect to pay for the extra 3kg at some airports.
Just checking as you don't want to find out when its too late :wink:

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:16:00 GMT

"no pooling of limits"

And this, imo, is why fat people should be charged more. Or to put it a politer way, everyone charged according to total combined weight of luggage and person.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:16:49 GMT

I'm flying with easy jet whilst going on a crystal holiday. Got 20Kg's for the main bag but had to pay GBP50 for ski carriage, only gives me an extra 12Kg's each way but as long as your combined weight doesn't exceed 32Kgs then its fine. Taking my ski boots on as hand baggage, I'm hoping its not a jobs worth behind the desk at 7am in the morning when I go and they let it all go through without a hitch. I've had mixed experiences when flying with easyjst, just depends whos on the check in desk.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:17:35 GMT

OldAndy wrote:Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

Well that depends on how you pack.

We get 20kg per suitcase and then ski carriage. It doesn't really state the weight of the ski carriage except that the bag should only contain skis + poles.
Balls to that. my ski bag is packed with one set of skis, poles, 2 pairs of ski boots and my apres boots, prob some towels too.

From what i understand no one ever really gets the ski bag weighed or checked.

That leaves plenty of space in my case for my other clothes and essentials.

Then there is my hand luggage which is a rucksack full of heavy stuff like my laptop.

I think we will be fine.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:21:59 GMT

Jet2's website says 22kg but my confirmation says 23!

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:25:09 GMT

Smokey Barr wrote:"no pooling of limits"

And this, imo, is why fat people should be charged more. Or to put it a politer way, everyone charged according to total combined weight of luggage and person.

I'd love to see this :D
Can you imagine everyone passing through a weighing machine with all baggage!!
Mind you in the days of "pay for what you take", which I have no argument against - "why should I subsidise those taking skis?" is the bottom line - it may well arrive.
Seen this weighing everything at work in Africa on tiddly prop planes where seating is the issue to balance the plane.
Seen the arguments as well as two rather large Americans had to sit at opposite sides of the plane rather than together or we would have been going sideways!!
Happy days ....
:D

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:26:48 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

OldAndy wrote:Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

Well that depends on how you pack.

We get 20kg per suitcase and then ski carriage. It doesn't really state the weight of the ski carriage except that the bag should only contain skis + poles.
Balls to that. my ski bag is packed with one set of skis, poles, 2 pairs of ski boots and my apres boots, prob some towels too.

That leaves plenty of space in my case for my other clothes and essentials.

Then there is my hand luggage which is a rucksack full of heavy stuff like my laptop.

I think we will be fine.

Spot on Snapzz. This is the way I have always travelled. I went with Crystal last year, and used my usual packing methods despite some concerns over the ski bag limit Crystal/Thomson attempt to hint at in their T&C's. I had it confirmed that there is NO weight limit on ski baggage, but they do insist on one pair of skis per bag, although not sure they have the resource to check every bag thats checked in?

Suitcase - clothes and ski boots, 20kg max
Ski bag - skis, poles, walking boots, 2 x sallos and 2 x jackets, skis wrapped in beach towels. Weight approx 15kg
Hand luggage - rucksack containing laptop, goggles, gloves, electrical equipment such as wifes hairdryer, extension cable. Beware of 5kg limit with Thomson/First Choice flights, as in many cases they are now asking you to weigh hand luggage at check in. I had to tell a small porky and say my bag was full of food which would be eaten before we flew; no further questions your honour 8)

I have found the above also works with Monarch flights, and I have flown out of Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester for ski flights.

Easyjet and Ryanair I've never used for ski holidays, but they appear to be more stringent so be careful.

BA one free bag up to 23kg which may contain skis at no extra cost. However, if you want suitcase plus ski bag it basically allows you to check in a 2nd 23kg max bag for something like GBP56 if prebooked. I've only ever used Heathrow T5 for BA ski flights.

Thomas Cook did also allow me the same basic baggage but we only used them once for a ski trip with Neilson a few years back from Manchester. They allowed 20kg baggage back then.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:40 GMT

Just hope that the pilot remembers to ask for de-icing on the wings, slightly more important than how much you can squeeze into your bags, as they always estimate an AVERAGE take off weight anyway.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:35:00 GMT

OldAndy wrote:
I'd love to see this :D

Me too.

I think as a nation we need to stop treading on egg shells and force overweight people to accept that there lifestyle choice is gonna cost them more.

Or perhaps airlines should set a standard weight of 150kg per ticket and then allow you to 'sell' back part of your allowance thus reducing your ticket price.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:39:42 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

OldAndy wrote:Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

Well that depends on how you pack.

We get 20kg per suitcase and then ski carriage. It doesn't really state the weight of the ski carriage except that the bag should only contain skis + poles.
Balls to that. my ski bag is packed with one set of skis, poles, 2 pairs of ski boots and my apres boots, prob some towels too.

From what i understand no one ever really gets the ski bag weighed or checked.

That leaves plenty of space in my case for my other clothes and essentials.

Then there is my hand luggage which is a rucksack full of heavy stuff like my laptop.

I think we will be fine.

Who are you flying with? I've flown with thomson, easyjet, ryanair and flybe and the couple where by they state it should only contain skis and poles have weighed it.

I would be careful in thinking they won't weigh your ski carriage because I have flown with a few different airlines and they all have and the ones who have said that weight isn't an issue and always cite stupid health and safety regs as they have to ensure the ski bag isn't to heavy so that they can pick it up and put it on the plane "safely". Which again is a load of rubbish because next time your in the departure lounge just have a look outside the window and look at how they are loading skis on the plane so say safely pretty much competing with who can throw it the hardest and furthest into the plane.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:42:54 GMT

jbakes87 wrote:

Snapzzz wrote:

OldAndy wrote:Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

Well that depends on how you pack.

We get 20kg per suitcase and then ski carriage. It doesn't really state the weight of the ski carriage except that the bag should only contain skis + poles.
Balls to that. my ski bag is packed with one set of skis, poles, 2 pairs of ski boots and my apres boots, prob some towels too.

From what i understand no one ever really gets the ski bag weighed or checked.

That leaves plenty of space in my case for my other clothes and essentials.

Then there is my hand luggage which is a rucksack full of heavy stuff like my laptop.

I think we will be fine.

Who are you flying with? I've flown with thomson, easyjet, ryanair and flybe and the couple where by they state it should only contain skis and poles have weighed it.

I would be careful in thinking they won't weigh your ski carriage because I have flown with a few different airlines and they all have and the ones who have said that weight isn't an issue and always cite stupid health and safety regs as they have to ensure the ski bag isn't to heavy so that they can pick it up and put it on the plane "safely". Which again is a load of rubbish because next time your in the departure lounge just have a look outside the window and look at how they are loading skis on the plane so say safely pretty much competing with who can throw it the hardest and furthest into the plane.

Which should all be fine as my ski bag won't be over 20kg anyway so H+S shouldn't be an issue. The only danger is that they open it to see if it is just skis and poles...which i am guessing will be unlikely.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:45:56 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

jbakes87 wrote:

Snapzzz wrote:

OldAndy wrote:Flying with Thomson, Crystal holiday = 23kg
One bag, no pooling of limits

Well that depends on how you pack.

We get 20kg per suitcase and then ski carriage. It doesn't really state the weight of the ski carriage except that the bag should only contain skis + poles.
Balls to that. my ski bag is packed with one set of skis, poles, 2 pairs of ski boots and my apres boots, prob some towels too.

From what i understand no one ever really gets the ski bag weighed or checked.

That leaves plenty of space in my case for my other clothes and essentials.

Then there is my hand luggage which is a rucksack full of heavy stuff like my laptop.

I think we will be fine.

Who are you flying with? I've flown with thomson, easyjet, ryanair and flybe and the couple where by they state it should only contain skis and poles have weighed it.

I would be careful in thinking they won't weigh your ski carriage because I have flown with a few different airlines and they all have and the ones who have said that weight isn't an issue and always cite stupid health and safety regs as they have to ensure the ski bag isn't to heavy so that they can pick it up and put it on the plane "safely". Which again is a load of rubbish because next time your in the departure lounge just have a look outside the window and look at how they are loading skis on the plane so say safely pretty much competing with who can throw it the hardest and furthest into the plane.

Which should all be fine as my ski bag won't be over 20kg anyway so H+S shouldn't be an issue. The only danger is that they open it to see if it is just skis and poles...which i am guessing will be unlikely.

Yeah that would be a first, haven't seen that happen to anyone. I pack the ski's with about as much bubble wrap as I can get my hands on.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:52:58 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

OldAndy wrote:
I'd love to see this :D

Me too.

I think as a nation we need to stop treading on egg shells and force overweight people to accept that there lifestyle choice is gonna cost them more.

Or perhaps airlines should set a standard weight of 150kg per ticket and then allow you to 'sell' back part of your allowance thus reducing your ticket price.

I'm surprised airlines haven't started doing it already. With competition at an all time high between airlines, and big holiday companies dropping like flies, it's a huge selling point imo.

If a travel company told me I'd only be paying for my "baggage", and not subsidising someone who has an unhealthy obsession with waffles and apple turnovers, it's a no brinier.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:07:18 GMT

I happen to like Waffles and Apple Turnovers :P

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:07:31 GMT

Well said smokey Barr, saw someone once across the aisle unable to the get seatbelt around their enormous waist so they stewardess had to get an extension and clip it on for him. I bet he didn't pay for weighing at least an extra 12Kg's where by I have to pay GBP50 for the privilege.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:18:50 GMT

bandit wrote:I happen to like Waffles and Apple Turnovers :P

You're paying double! )

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:44:22 GMT

Fresh cream apple turnovers for me please :P

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:45:37 GMT

Trencher wrote:Fresh cream apple turnovers for me please :P

MMMMmmmmm :shock:

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:50:21 GMT

I'm eating a vanilla pastry as we speak/type.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:14:09 GMT

It was a poor rant, considering my anger levels at the moment (few and far between but when they come, look out).

Thanks for advising anyway.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:31:34 GMT

NellyPS wrote:It was a poor rant, considering my anger levels at the moment (few and far between but when they come, look out).

Thanks for advising anyway.

Was this an unconscious displacement activity?
When your real anger was at the tax man - who, however, is too powerful to attack :D

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:35:29 GMT

Tony_H wrote:
Easyjet and Ryanair I've never used for ski holidays, but they appear to be more stringent so be careful.

I fly with EJ every season. I always stick to the latest luggage requirements for the hold otherwise they WILL batter you in charges and be careful if you are 2g under in the UK you might be 1lb over in GVA. Be careful

With regard to hand luggage, as I have posted somewhere else, EJ allow you to take any weight in handluggage as long as you can put it in the overhead locker yourself and that it is the correct size. I have always put my boots in my boot bag along with sunnies, goggles and used that as hand luggage. Never had a problem.

Many people moan about EJ and the charges. I dont think they are over the odds. The seats are more comfy and more legroom than you ever get on a Thomas cook scheduled flight.

Dont knock 'em :D

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:35:12 GMT

Just an update regarding Thomson/Crystal baggage allowance from this season they are putting a weight allowance for ski carriage which is 15kg each person.

so you have a ski carriage of 15kg each charge GBP35
Hold allowance 20kg
Hand baggage 5kg

There has been a massize forum on this on their website which has made them change the allowance from this season as they said their previous allowances werent working.

Re:Luggage rant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:25:34 GMT

I guess I remain surprised each year that airlines seemed to ignore each others competitive advantages.

The Easyjet position is very clear. At least, for the most part, which I will come to. The main hold baggage restriction is 20kgm, but I rarely exceed 15kgms, including boots and painting gear. The hand baggage weight is, for practical purposes, huge. Between the two, there should be no practical restrictions.

Yes, Eastjet do offer comfortable seating, even for a big guy, (steady now), and they are rarely late. I too use them several times a year.

TonyH has reminded us on a regular basis that a ski bag, containing also, ski clothing, et al, is allowed by BA as the main hold baggage. I have always been impressed by this, and I wondered if the acceptance by BA is tacit, or with stated approval?

Hence, a few weeks ago, I messaged Easyjet, and asked them if a ski bag could be treated as hold baggage? They initially referred me to their Ts & Cs. When I persisted, they seemed to put my message into a cupboard, so that it could not be seen by others, but of course, no answer.

That will not affect my usage of Easyjet, I have always had a very good service from them; just think they could be a tad more customer friendly, and I will be telling them so.

On the issue of weighing skis, they ought to be weighed so that the the take off weight can be calculated.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:20:37 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

On the issue of weighing skis, they ought to be weighed so that the the take off weight can be calculated.

Dave, I know for a fact that baggage weight is carefully calculated and passed to the pilot. He then decides to use the airline (yes, it varies from carrier to carrier) average weight per person, per hand baggage, and for the NUMBER of ski bags packed in, and then calculated take off weight as an overall guesstimate.

One just hopes that these are always slightly over the actual weight so that we don't see planes not able to get off the ground, although I believe in the UK this has not actually happened yet!

Interesting that TUI have set a ski bag limit of 15kg, bearing in mind that on this very forum last year we had a very detailed and open discussion about this same issue. This came after I booked with Crystal and became confused regarding the limit, if any, on ski bags. One document told me 6kg, another 12kg, another a max of 23kg, and another actually said there is NO limit!

I queried this was TUI direct, who did pretty much what Easyjet have done with Dave Mac, and tried to skirt round it without giving a direct answer. However, various TUI staff posted on another forum about this, and confirmed that as of last season there was NO weight limit providing the ski bag was able to meet the H&S criteria, ie max 23kg.
Personally, I believe this was too high, and suggested on 3 separate forums that they should consider a weight limit per ski bag of 15kg, as this would comfortably encompass a pair of skis and poles inside a reasonable sized padded bag, along with a few other items of padding around the skis. My ski bag has weighed in at as much as 18kg before, but that was packing it with all sorts, so I believe 15kg is totally fair and acceptable. It seems they agreed, maybe I like to think because of a very frank discussion that I had on a Crystal forum, and have seen sense to make it a uniform charge and weight limit.
Any lower limits than 15kg and you are going to struggle to get skis and poles into a bag at all, which defeats the object. It will be interesting to see whether they now choose to weigh each and every ski bag checked in, as this COULD lead to longer check in times, missed or delayed flights, and typically some short tempered British travellers at 4am in Gatwick for instance!!!!
I note Eassyjet set a weight limit of 12kg per ski bag.......I wonder how the guys with the rigid ski bags manage with that?

At least TUI have had the decency to recognise this has been an issue for ski flights and done something about it, and issued a clear limit per passenger who books ski carriage. That will then give the pilot an amount to calculate based on the number of ski bags checked in, ie 15kg per bag, in order to get a more accurate weight calculation for take off. Bear in mind, they always carry more fuel than they need anyway in case of diverts.

As I said, I've never used Easyjet or Ryanair for a ski flight, but it seems to be majority opinion that they are also clear and fair in their setting out of weight limits, although I have to say NOT setting a weight limit for hand luggage does encourage people to take on far too much on board with them. I hate it when you cant pop your rucksack up top because there are about 150 million small suitcases stowed in the luggage compartment!
I believe Ryanair also charge considerably more than any other airline for ski carriage?

I'd like to think that the other tour ops and charter airlines will now follow suit and set the same cost and weight limits across the board, so that us skiers all know exactly whats allowed, rather than having to search high and low for written confirmation of what is permitted, as at the end of the day it is NOT the airline who (allegedly) incur the extra work for carrying skis, its the ground handling staff at the respective airport.

It does make for good discussion though.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:32:52 GMT

I do wonder if anyone at any of the airlines actually reads any of these threads with the views of experienced and knowledgeable skiers?
Or the decision, as with so many things, is just made with whatever knowledge one or two poeple within the airline have?
I don't mind, really, what the luggage criteria are AS LONG AS THEY ARE CLEAR (says I shouting loud!).
That's my beef - a lack of transparency and then the will to follow through with the "rules".
I cannot see why it seems so difficult for clear and simple rules on luggage weight and size so that we would all know where we stand and what to expect at the check in - both ends of the flight!
Mind you there will and would always be those travellers who don't bother reading and then argue the toss at check in when told their bag is 6kg overweight and will cost $$$$ more!
Can't blame the check in staff for just letting things go through, less hassle, fewer arguments, less abuse, simple life!

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:55:14 GMT

We had the experience (Ryanair or Easyjet can't remember which) when trying to take out ski boots as hand luggage, where they checked us in OK but then changed their minds by the time we had reached the departure gate. They were taking the ski boot bags off everyone as we tried to board to put in the hold.

Apparently a ski boot is a dangerous weapon and cannot be allowed in the cabin!

I wouldn't have minded if we had known in advance that ski boots had to go in the hold but when the airline staff contradict each other, how are you supposed to get it right? These two sets of staff, check in and gate staff, were clearly not communicating with each other, as they were folowing different rules!

This is another reason why we now drive.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:06:20 GMT

This confirms TUI's new policy this season, taken from the Crystal forum:

EMPLOYEE
Grace Mumford (Aviation Supervisor) 13 days ago
"Hi Nick

I can advise that we have indeed changed our policy for this season.

Passengers who book ski carriage now get an allowance of 15kgs. this will include skis and anything you can get in the bag. If this includes boots then that is fine- as long as it is under 15kgs.

If you are taking a coffin bag with everything in, then this bag has a maximum weight limit of 25kgs.

I hope that helps.

Thanks
Grace"

I have it also in writing on the same forum that:

Every Thomson Airways ski flight has the folllowing limits and charges:

Hold baggage (standard sizes): 20kg max included in cost

Ski/board bag: 15kg max but can include anything, not just skis. Cost GBP35 pre booked only.(They do state they will charge per set of skis/board but I cant see this being applied at check in provided you come inside the weight limit)

Coffin style board bags: 25kg max. Cost GBP35 pre booked as ski carriage only. You do NOT get another bag allowed if you use this option.

Hand luggage remains the same, max 5kg limit free of charge. The following applies, taken from Thomsons website:

Hand Baggage: You may take up to 5kg free hand baggage into the cabin with you. Each customer may take one item of hand baggage (maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm). Other bags such as handbags, laptop bags or laptop computers must be carried within the single item of cabin baggage."

At least we now know where we stand, and its crystal (pun intended) clear as to whats allowed. Personally, I think its plenty for a weeks skiing in Europe with your own skis.

Hope this is useful for people.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:11:03 GMT

That's very clear and very helpful Tony - thanks for finding it!

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:29:11 GMT

Shame I'm flying with Austrian Arrows, eh?

Not overly impressed with their fleet:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8548231@N08/512646293/

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:59:02 GMT

I have pretty much nothing more to add here as some really good points have been made, some of them based on FACT (I know, rare on here at times) :)

However, if anyone says that 20KG is not enough for a skiing holiday then they need to take out all of their dancing frocks/outfits, 15 pairs of shoes, 25 t-shirts, etc etc etc :D

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:10:30 GMT

Iceman wrote:However, if anyone says that 20KG is not enough for a skiing holiday then they need to take out all of their .............. etc etc etc :D

Some of us have a distinct advantage, though, when it comes to packing lite!!
I don't need a hair dryer :thumbup:

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:14:53 GMT

OldAndy wrote:Some of us have a distinct advantage, though, when it comes to packing lite!!
I don't need a hair dryer :thumbup:

But I bet you need more Voltarol, Oil of wintergreen, paracetamol, ant acids.... ;)

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:43:41 GMT

I love that I have hardly contributed to this discussion but have come away with some valuable advise.

The only reason I posted it was becuase I thought 15kg was quite low as my ski boots already weigh 5kg. It would be so helpful if all the airlines were singing off the same hymn sheet, but I guess the moral of the story is to read the small print, pack only what you need (which I now do - I wear my stomping boots which are probably another 5kg, take something soft and cosy for the chalet - not Mr Nelly I might add - one pair of jeans and a couple of jumpers) and make sure your skis are wrapped with care.

I know the ground crew like to launch anything that is remotely fragile, if it has the word fragile on it's like a red rag to a bull, and I guess checking skis the second you get them at the other end might not be enough to claim if necessary.

But I'm hoping to get the train this year anyway. If I can carry it, I can take it.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:44:13 GMT

AND I don't take a hair dryer or anything remotely resembling fancy dress.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:49:42 GMT

Iceman wrote:

OldAndy wrote:Some of us have a distinct advantage, though, when it comes to packing lite!!
I don't need a hair dryer :thumbup:

But I bet you need more Voltarol, Oil of wintergreen, paracetamol, ant acids.... ;)

Ridiculous suggestion Iceman and I take offence at your suggestion.
:evil:

Actually I tend to take one of my private physicians with me and let them carry all the medical kit :thumbup:

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:59:56 GMT

Flying to Cyprus this Summer I was well within my 20kg limit. I had 2 hold bags though and was charged for the second. This was the first time I'd been told 'Yes, but you've only paid for 1 bag each.' I wonder what will happen if I try to board below 20kg but with my boots in a separate boot bag?

The airlines get craftier every month.

It doesn't help that you get 3 different descriptions of what's allowed. I think the next crackdown on the airlines bending the truth should be the variety of differences in 'rules' and their refusal to write to confirm when challenged.

I don't mind if I have to pay the going rate for a purchase. Just be transparent about that going rate and 'surcharges'. Airlines and insurance companies seem to be loathe to do this.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:05:23 GMT

OldAndy wrote:Ridiculous suggestion Iceman and I take offence at your suggestion.
:evil:

Actually I tend to take one of my private physicians with me and let them carry all the medical kit :thumbup:

Phew, thought there was a sense of humour failure there :roll:

Nelly - what do you go dressed as in your fancy dress ;)

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:36:53 GMT

Mekka wrote:Flying to Cyprus this Summer I was well within my 20kg limit. I had 2 hold bags though and was charged for the second. This was the first time I'd been told 'Yes, but you've only paid for 1 bag each.' I wonder what will happen if I try to board below 20kg but with my boots in a separate boot bag?

The airlines get craftier every month.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but its crystal clear that you have a weight limit of 20kg in one regulated sized case when you fly. You are entitled to pool the weight of 2 cases with some airlines to the 40kg between you, but you cannot assume that 20kg means 4 bags weighing 5kg each, think about it as they are charging you to handle each additional one.....!!!
I guess my best suggestions would be:
1. Actually read what the weight limits are
2. If you can't find confirmation, phone or check online
3. Buy yourself a standard sized case that will weigh 20kg when full

As for boot bags, its also usually clear that your checked in hold limit of 20kg includes ski boots, if you choose to run the risk of losing them/having them battered by packing them in their own bag?
Therefore, 20kg suitcase = pack your boots in the case.
Otherwise, if your boots weigh 5kg you have 15kg left for your suitcase.

I'm not sure how much clearer than that it really needs to be to be honest. No offence intended, so please don't take any. :-)

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:28:25 GMT

Hand Baggage

All passsngers receive a hand baggage allowance of 5kgs when travelling on a Thomas Cook Airline flights. This cannot be combined together with other passengers or with any hold baggage.

Each person is allowed 1 item only. The size of the item cannot exceed 43 cm x 28 cm x 23 cm (17 x 11 x 9 inches) in size as recommended by Thomas Cook Airlines.For information on items that are not allowed in your hand baggage please click here.

Childs Trunki Cases are accepted as hand baggage as long as this is associated to a child travelling. This cannot exceed 5kgs in weight. If the weight limit does exceed this the Trunki will have to be checked into the hold. This will then be part of your hold baggage weight limit.

Please note, at some UK airports a charge for a Gate Bag will now be applied. This means if customers arrive at the boarding gate with more then one item of hand baggage (excluding airport shopping) the extra item/s will be taken and put into the hold. There is a fee of GBP40.00 per bag that will be charged.

Hold Baggage

There are no size restrictions for your hold baggage, however there is a weight resrtiction. No single case can weight any more then 30kgs. This is due to Health and Safety regulations for the baggage handlers.

Hold baggage can be combined between passengers providing they are all confirmed on the same booking reference. If passengers are travelling together but have separate booking references, you cannot combine the weight allowance.

I don't think that the one bag only hold luggage rule is made clear above. The site I checked before I flew. It is made clear for hand luggage. If it's the same for hold luggage why is it not mentioned.

I have been lulled into a false sense of security by airlines 'allowing' 'excesses' and now deciding to dot every I and cross every T. This is no reason for airlines to email one set of weights and dimensions, state another on their sites and then have a different view at the check in desk.

I did read the weight limits. They didn't mention that it was only one bag per person.

I have sought confirmation and found differing information. When I have phoned I have been told that I can't have a straight answer because it depends on 'security'. So I ring the airport. They say security restrictions are clearly stated, anything exceptional to that is down to the airline who won't answer my question.

I have a standard, light case. I have hand luggage that conforms to almost every airline's restrictions. I'm not a numpty who never travels. I work within the limits and usually well within.

Whether I choose to take my boots in my bag or pack them in my case and use my boot bag for clothes is hardly the relevant part of the argument. Will Thomas Cook now charge everyone on flights this winter if they have 17Kg of luggage in a suitcase and a boot bag? I doubt it. It would take too long. They enforce when it suits. Hardly providing clarity. But muddy waters make for more gullible folk to be chargable.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:00:37 GMT

just becareful you can sometimes get away with scretching the rules in UK, but the return flight they are gonna get ya.

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:09:45 GMT

Iceman wrote:

Nelly - what do you go dressed as in your fancy dress ;)

There's always my birthday suit :lol:

Re:Luggage rant

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:39:02 GMT

Noooooooooo.......

Yes :)

Re:Luggage rant

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:06:57 GMT

My daughter has her own boots, the rest of us are relative novices so still hiring. Her ski boot bag is just a teeny bit wide at the base and does not fit in the damn green boxes so we have to split them and carry in our hand luggage!!!! Makes me furious tho when at Toulouse airport ( my that's a great airport..not)you see people with hand luggage that you could smuggle a child in with! You can bet that if I tried that I would get caught and charged their extortionate charges.

Re:Luggage rant

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:17:37 GMT

Mekka wrote:This is no reason for airlines to email one set of weights and dimensions, state another on their sites and then have a different view at the check in desk.

I did read the weight limits. They didn't mention that it was only one bag per person.

I have sought confirmation and found differing information. When I have phoned I have been told that I can't have a straight answer because it depends on 'security'. So I ring the airport. They say security restrictions are clearly stated, anything exceptional to that is down to the airline who won't answer my question.

You're absolutely right, this is unacceptable. No one wants to accept responsibility for saying something that someone else might say is incorrect. All you need is it in writing in your tour ops/airlines T&Cs and show that at check in and you shouldnt have a problem or face any extra costs.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:23:59 GMT

I can now confirm that crystals 15kg ski bag policy is being enforced.
The guy in front of me weighed in at 25kg and was charged GBP40 extra.
Mine weighed in at 16 and was let through. Both of us were told the limit is now 15kg. But it seems they use common sense as mine was only just over.

The airline is Thomson.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:31:32 GMT

Why would you not think the bag policy would not be enforced ..... it is an extra revenue stream :roll:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:35:23 GMT

the best way to make money!!

Have a good un, just so you know, is p!ssing down heree :twisted:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:35:50 GMT

Iceman wrote:the best way to make money!!

Have a good un, just so you know, is p!ssing down heree :twisted:

where?

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:36:32 GMT

Manchester :D

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:36:45 GMT

Iceman wrote:the best way to make money!!

Have a good un, just so you know, is p!ssing down heree :twisted:

Nice day in Gods county albeit a tad cold 8)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:37:50 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:Nice day in Gods county albeit a tad cold 8)

Esssex?

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:38:20 GMT

Iceman wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Nice day in Gods county albeit a tad cold 8)

Esssex?

Lincolnshire is Gods County, boys.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:41:56 GMT

Iceman wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Nice day in Gods county albeit a tad cold 8)

Esssex?

Spent 12 years there, don't think I would want to go back :wink:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:43:08 GMT

I can understand that :D

Have you got white ski boots instead of stilletoes!

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:44:30 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Iceman wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Nice day in Gods county albeit a tad cold 8)

Esssex?

Lincolnshire is Gods County, boys.

The land of G*ppo's and mole hills 8)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:45:32 GMT

GEEZ!

It take you a day to get out due to the lack of proper roads :D

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:46:51 GMT

Iceman wrote:GEEZ!

It take you a day to get out due to the lack of proper roads :D

Ain't that the truth about Norfolk!

White ski boots = fast skier. Fact 8)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:47:39 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Iceman wrote:GEEZ!

It take you a day to get out due to the lack of proper roads :D

Ain't that the truth about Norfolk!

White ski boots = fast skier. Fact 8)

Thats how we like it ......

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:49:03 GMT

All the same :D

White ski boots = feminine look

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:50:01 GMT

Iceman wrote:All the same :D

White ski boots = feminine look

They're not ski boots.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:52:02 GMT

That's where I have been going wrong :twisted:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:52:24 GMT

Now they're ski boots 8)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:53:04 GMT

These are still the best ...............

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:53:52 GMT

Neigh lad.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:54:28 GMT

I think you will find these are :)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:55:08 GMT

Iceman wrote:I think you will find these are :)

Dull. No style. Decent make though.

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:55:44 GMT

When they are covered in snow who can see :)

Odd that, those are not actually my boots (just exactly the same). But the Xwave has been scrubbed off in exactly the same place

Needs a paint job

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:56:30 GMT

I'd like to stay and continue the banter but I'm off for a hair cut, so I have to Shave, Sh*t and shower......... bye

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:57:47 GMT

I just need the 2nd :D

Have a good christmas :)

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:58:12 GMT

Iceman wrote:When they are covered in snow who can see :)

Odd that, those are not actually my boots (just exactly the same). But the Xwave has been scrubbed off in exactly the same place

Needs a paint job

Yep. White

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:59:22 GMT

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:00:16 GMT

Boom boom.

Right thats me now til after Xmas so have a good one.

Schoene Weinachten .... or something

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:25:59 GMT

Hi everyone merry christmas & happy ski season not been on for a while but i am worried about this ski carrage thing we always take two sets of skis in one double ski bag will this be classed as a coffin bag, It usualy only weighs about 15kg will we be ok flying with thomson jan 8th

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:32:46 GMT

Just got back from Sauze...via Paris using Easyjet. Took JUST hand luggage...no boots etc as we were only going for 4 days skiing. Piled it in so it would just fit in their 56 x 45 x 25 sizer and it is amazing what you can take. I don't need as much next time!!

As for the issue of TO weight...the airlines all have to work out what their max weight is as the issue is one of single engine failure at V2...technically the speed which they can carry on the climb with one engine out as opposed to aborting the Take off. So V1 is rotate speed....thats when you feel the nose come up and is the speed that the aircraft will fly with all its bits hanging down (wheels, flaps etc...lots of drag)..there can be a slight gap between V1 and V2.....the real danger zone as there is not a lot you can do. Military pilots on opps can find themselves with quite a gap of say 5- 15 knots but civilian regs mean that as long as the AUW is calculated correctly V2 is usually below V1 so any engine failure before V1 means they have options...that is to continue the Take off or abort and still be able to stop before the end of the runway. So weight has a very important position as if the AUW is calculated too low and you have an issue below V2 the AC may not be able to fly...but cannot be put back on the runway. I can go on and explain the issues that altitude and temperature have as well but neadless to say airlines do not like an aircaft full of fat people with oversize baggage flying from somewhere hot and high.

Here endeth the lesson....you are safe, I cannot remember the last time a civilian aircraft operating under CAA regulations crashing with single engine failure and not due to pilot error. )

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:55:11 GMT

Phew, that took some reading :roll:

Re:Luggage rant

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:23:25 GMT

bald-eagleman wrote:
As for the issue of TO weight...the airlines all have to work out what their max weight is as the issue is one of single engine failure at V2...technically the speed which they can carry on the climb with one engine ............
[pause for breakfast]
gap of say 5- 15 knots but civilian regs mean that as long as the AUW is calculated correctly V2 is usually below V1 so any engine failure before V1 means they have options...that is to continue the Take off or abort and still be able to stop before the end of the runway. So weight has a very important position as if the AUW is calculated too low and you have an issue below V2 the AC may not be able to fly......
[pause for lunch]
but cannot be put back on the runway. I can go on and explain the issues that altitude and temperature have as well but neadless to say airlines do not like an aircaft full of fat people with oversize baggage flying from somewhere hot and high.

That was quite interesting and instructional - thanks baldy!