Checked Baggage Policies - SIZE DOES MATTER!

Checked Baggage Policies – Size Does Matter!

Second in a 3 part series


It is hard to believe that it has been a month since the airlines announced the implementation of a fee for a second checked piece of luggage. On May 22, American Airlines announced that they would begin charging $15 for the first piece of checked effective June 15. It did not take long for other carriers (United and US Airways) to play MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO and match Americans fee policy. So as the cost for fuel continues to increase so have the airline fees.

For business travelers, in particular those having attained a preferred level with their carrier of choice, baggage does not seem to be an issue. Many have found that they are exempt from some or all of the additional surcharges, particularly if flying on a full coach fare or in Business or First Class.

This winter, families traveling on vacation will find that 2 outfits per day is going to cost them an additional $30-80 round trip per person, to check a second piece of luggage. For a family of four, this can put a big dent into the vacation budget.


As the ski season approaches, knowing how big of a bag you can check and how much it weighs will be almost as important to travelers as the destination and travel dates. Finding this information on airline website’s is about as elusive as a powder run in April. We have compiled this list of general guidelines for you to consider as you pack for your winter vacation. A list of airline phone numbers and web sites is also provided so you can call or click for the most current information because this winter SIZE DOES MATTER!


This information is provided as a quick reference guide. For the most current information and fees, please contact your carrier.



Additional Information as of 06/15/08:

All surcharges are directional and will apply both inbound and outbound.

Fees for checked baggage are collected at check-in.

Bag size is maximum of 62 linear inches (height+width+length)
Bags in excess of 62 linear inches will be considered oversize and subject to fees per Airline guidelines

Maximum weight for checked bag is 50lbs.
Bags over 50lbs are overweight and passenger will be assessed accordingly per Airline guidelines

Ski & Boot Bag will be considered 1 bag BUT must not exceed 50lb limit or over weight fee will apply

*Baggage surcharges as of 06/15/08.

This information is provided is accurate as of June 15, 2008. Please verify all information with your airline prior to your departure to assure you have the most current rates for checked baggage.

WINTER SKI VACATION PLANNING – THE TIME IS NOW!

Summer is usually the time when we are thinking about going to the beach or on a family road trip to a close by attraction. Who would have thought that many families would actually be skipping their summer vacations in order to finance their winter one?

Most travelers did not even consider planning their winter ski vacation until the "Top Resorts" issue of the ski magazines came out in late August. But the times are changing and this year there seems to be a change of heart. Many travelers who traditionally waited for FARE WARS and LAST MINUTE SPECIALS find themselves scrambling to book their flights and vacations NOW!

With gas prices climbing upwards, many families have to reevaluate their travel budgets. Although early season booking lodging discounts are plentiful, finding a CHEAP flight is proving to be a challenge. This week 3 major airlines announced that they were cutting back flights, reducing their fleets and lying off over 1,000 personnel per carrier. As a result, airports that use to have 4-6 flights per day on some routes are seeing reductions to 2-3. How will this impact the ski industry and what is a traveler to do?

The first thing is to determine your dates and start looking at flight availability TODAY! The longer you wait the more difficult is going to be to get the dates and flights you want, particularly if you MUST travel on Saturday or Sunday. Gone are the $300 fares from the East Coast to Denver and Salt Lake. Reports on all the major network news shows have shown that summer fares have increased by a minimum of $100 since last year. That $320 ticket from Atlanta to Denver last summer will cost you $450 this year. Add this increase to the revolving door of fuel surcharges and you will be looking at fares over $400 to destination airports like HAYDEN (STEAMBOAT) or BOZEMAN (BIG SKY).

Prices of airfare over the HOLY GRAIL Christmas vacation window of December 26 – January 2 are quickly climbing out of control. Of the 20 flights out of New York/LaGuardia to Steamboat/Hayden, only 3 were under $1000 with the lowest coming in at $720, well over last years average of $575-600.

With airfare of close to $800, the question arises – will a family of 4 shell out $3200 before the even get to their destination? We know everything has increased in price, but with the "BAGGAGE SURCHARGES" implemented in early May of this year, resort taxes ands fees closing in on 25% of the lodging total, many families may put their trips on the back burner.
Is it possible to travel over the holidays and get a deal? Unless you are willing and able to travel a week earlier (when many resorts are less crowded and offering lower prices on lodging) or visit a smaller destination (with less terrain, vertical feet and things to do when the slopes close), the answer is more than likely going to be NO. Even backing you vacation up 2 days and traveling 12/24-31 provides a minimal savings of $100 per ticket on flights that are not so kid friendly.

If you think these increases only apply to the Christmas Holiday, think again. Rates on prime 3-Day holiday weekends in January and February as well as the traditional SPRING BREAK month of March are showing less availability and higher prices than we have ever seen this early. Gone is the $999 SPRING BREAK packages, including air/lodging/lift ticket/transfer. If you are able to find one for under $1000 over President Holiday or $1500 over Spring Break, you had better move fast. Waiting will only drive the air portion of your trip higher.

Thinking about cashing in all those airline frequent traveler miles or points with your credit card company? Well, you had better move fast. Several carriers have already increasing the number of miles required to book a seat making it less likely that you will be able to cash in for multiple tickets on the same flight.

So as we ease into summer when we would normally dream of warm weather and cool ocean breezes, STOP! It’s time to THINK SNOW! The knowledgeable sales staff at SKI THE ROCKIES is available to help you find the best VALUE on a WINTER VACATION package to the destination YOU want to visit this year. Call us at 800-291-2588 or visit or website and check out some of the GREAT WINTER VACATION SPECIALS NOW!