$15 to Check first bag on American Airlines

bowman — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:48:34 GMT

Here we go. The end of airline travel as we know it. American Airlines has announced substantial cutbacks in service, decommissioning of aircraft, and increase of other fees from $5 to $50.

And if you check a bag, you'll need to cough up $15 for the first bag.

Other airlines will surely follow.

Can you imagine the ruckus when you board your plane, roller board in tow, only to find that there's no room in the overheads since everyone and their brother will be carrying on everything on the planet?

Buckle your seat belts, there is huge turbulence ahead.

Technorati tags: Airline regulations, travel, airline travel

Don't pack spare Lithium batteries in checked baggage after 1/1/2008

bowman — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:40:21 GMT

According to this US Government site, spare batteries should be packed in carry-on luggage only. Here is the table that appears on the official website.

GUIDE TO RULES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008
Type Of Battery/Batteries	In Checked Baggage	In Carry-On Baggage:
Lithium Metal Battery, Installed in a Device (up to 2 grams lithium)	Permitted ¹	Recommended ¹
Spare Lithium Metal Battery (Not Installed In a Device) (up to 2 grams lithium) (up to 2 grams lithium)	Forbidden	Permitted in carry-on baggage ²
Lithium Metal Battery, Spare or Installed (over 2 grams lithium)	Forbidden	Forbidden
Lithium-Ion Battery Installed in a Device (up to 8 grams lithium equivalent content)	Permitted ¹	Recommended ¹
Spare Lithium-Ion Battery (Not Installed in a Device) (up to 8 grams lithium equivalent content)	Forbidden	Permitted in carry-on baggage ²
“Special Case” Up to 2 Lithium-Ion Batteries, Spare or Installed (between 8 and 25 grams aggregate lithium equivalent content)	Spare Batteries: Forbidden! Installed in Devices: Permitted ¹	Spare Batteries: Permitted ² Installed in Devices: Permitted ¹
1. Although you may carry some devices and installed batteries in checked baggage, carrying them in carry-on baggage, when practicable, is preferred. Whether in checked or carry-on baggage, ensure that devices remain switched off, either by built-in switch/trigger locks, by taping the activation switch in the “off” postion, or by other appropriate measures. 2. Be sure to take protective measures to prevent against short-circuits. See the spare battery tips and how-to pages.

Technorati tags: travel tips, airline regulations, gadgets, traveling with extra batteries, batteries

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$15 to Check first bag on American Airlines

Don't pack spare Lithium batteries in checked baggage after 1/1/2008