Just had an email from a friend in New Orleans and she said that some airlines in USA were charging for checked luggage. Anyone over that way know if it will have any effect on us visiting from Australia. After our TT we do about 7 internal flights and although we travel light for 8 weeks need a case each. She suggested getting our TA to check but thought some one on BB may have some knowledge.

Should have added we are travelling United Airlines on a airpass that has been ticketed already and is for July/Aug.

AB: I have had an email from an American friend who is currently travelling in Europe. Her airline was going to charge her the new checked baggage fee until she showed paperwork that indicated she had purchased her tickets before the introduction of this current fee.

Maybe this will work for you too? Carry documented proof with you for each check in.

Thanks Penny. Hope so as we paid months ago when our TA contacted us to say there were to be changes to the airpass and we needed to pay now.

Goodluck AB. I have just tried to locate what airline she and her husband travelled with (from Kentucky to Zurich), but can't find it.

I am hoping that booking before the date all these changes came in will save us as well.

It's a nightmare trying to get a bike into a box with all the gear and clothes and under 20kg!!

PS. Just found it: Continental???

from the web:
http://airfarewatchdog.com/AirfareWatchBlog/tabid/54/ar...line-by-airline.aspx

Roxy, thanks for that. Very interesting. Wish we had flown South West now. I think we should be right we booked months ago and have been ticketed already. Will make me very aware for next trip.

TA reply said that the airlines advised because we have had tickets issued before it came in we will be fine, no charge for the first bag but second per person would be $25. We only travel with one each so we are saved $$$