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Remember Air Canada also offers at least 1 free bag into the US from Canada. Two if you have at least Prestige status – which thankfully I do.
As for needing two bags – it depends on what you are doing.
Much of my travel into the US is related to the medieval society I belong to – the SCA – and with renaissance fencing gear and clothing, not to mention real world clothes I find the current version of two bags challenging.
In the “good old days” when I travelled from Australia to the US we had the 2 32kg (70lb) bags and that meant I could carry a small tent as well as hard suit combat armour etc.
The reduction in bag weight has been more detrimental in itself – harder to transport armour and other gear such as swords and shields.
I know this sounds strange to many but trying to fly with enough gear to camp for a week in a medieval/renaissance setting is much harder than it used to be – and with airlines charging for 50lb bags it is even harder to afford.
That’s why I fly Air Canada where possible (and WestJet has a great baggage allowance too but a more limited route map for where I want to go)
And when I travel with family (two young kids) for vacations generally we need at least one big bag each plus a bag for toys etc.
Any sort of sport travel is hungry on baggage and with new restrictions on carry on baggage it is becoming more expensive to travel becasue of baggage charges – and that’s where Fare Compare comparison charts are handy to be informed before you get stuck in the neck with baggage fees
Make informed choices based on total cost of travel – not just the headline fares. And maybe one day the airlines will have to advertise the all up cost (including taxes and fees) of a ticket – but that’s another topic
Paul,
I’ve never had a letter quite like yours before – but I’m glad you wrote. I’m sure there’s plenty of folks out there with “weighty” hobbies that can relate.
Best,
Rick
I travel to Ireland for four months every summer. Traveling with one carryon bag is just not feasible, and these new fees are really annoying. Being nickle-and-dimed now by the airlines takes so much of the fun of flying away from this formerly great experience.
Ethna,
Check with your airline – Continental, for example, does not charge for a first checked-bag to Europe.
Regards,
Rick