Airline Travel Report
May 5th, 2008 Posted in travelWritten by Jamie
I just finished up an enjoyable trip to my old home of Lake Tahoe. I wanted to post about my travel experience this trip. Since Shanie stayed in the States longer to be with her family, I volunteered to take her ski gear back. In addition, we purchased many hard to find items, some books, outdoor gear, and some other random things. Well, American Airlines new policy is to charge US$100 per bag after the alloted two per passenger. In addition, they charge US$50 for bags over 50 lbs.
Arriving in Buenos Aires, switching to the domestic airport, and then flying with Aerolineas Argentina was expensive as well. Their policy is to allow 2 bags of 15 kilos each. Anything over 30 kilos is charged at 10 pesos per kilo.
I tried to plead with both airlines, explaining I had all my wife’s gear and she would be travelling extra light. I even spoke in both languages. They were not interested.
So, that can of chili I had been craving probably cost another 3 dollars to bring home. Those salad dressings I miss were not cheap.
I guess the lesson is the more you carry on (they allow two bags now) the better. As best I can tell, there is no checking weight of carry-ons, only the size.
On a final note, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of these passengers. Either they were trying to save some pounds and therefore wore their helmets on board, or they knew something we did not. For the record, the flight was smooth and no turbulence.
6 Responses to “Airline Travel Report”
By Jason Mack on May 7, 2008
After a recent three week trip to Alaska with close to 200lbs of gear or more, I learned that going super heavy for your carry on is the way. I picked all the heavy items, like batteries, radios, climbing hardware,(not the ice screws though)rope and such. Any how my over head bin bag was close to 60lbs plus I brought the ski boots on board which three items. How long will it be before every one catches on the plane becomes top heavy?
By Patagonia on May 7, 2008
Or how long will they allow heliski guides stinky ski boots on the plane?
Thanks for the comment, I agree, more carry on and less underneath makes sense.
Hopefully the airlines don’t read our blog.
JMack, great seeing you in Tahoe and always a pleasure to ski with one of the world’s top 50 skiers.
By Tim on May 8, 2008
That photo is too Funny. I have been packing for my trip down south and was thinking that my ski helmet was taken up way too much room and that I should ware it on the plane.
And then I thought that the airline may not allow it.
No Way — “This? This is my CRASH HELMET i won’t fly without it”
What could they say to that?
By Patagonia on May 8, 2008
Tim, do it with a straight face, that would be classic. Buen Viaje!
By Tim on May 8, 2008
goggles down and chin strap security facened.
