National Consumers League

Going Away? Better Pack Lightly


Planning a vacation over these next few warm months? Why not! The kids are home, the office is slow, you can afford a few days away, can’t you?

Well, maybe not…

Some airlines, American Airlines most recently, are starting to charge passengers taking domestic flights fees for their first piece of checked luggage, and even higher ones for their second piece of checked luggage. That’s assuming your luggage is within the weight limit restrictions; going over that will result in more charges.

There are ways to minimize your luggage weight, and not every airline has adapted these new baggage regulations, at least not just yet anyway. For a how-to on packing more efficiently and saving cash for the actual vacation, CNN offers tips for Packing smart for flights this summer, featuring advice from a couple of flight attendants on what not to pack, and what to pack compactly.