Delta Raising Baggage Fee

Delta on Tuesday boosted its fees for domestic travel to $23 for the first checked bag and $32 for the second one, up from $15 and $25, respectively. Try to get more in less bags but watch the weight limits. Take your essentials plus at least one change of clothes in your carry on.

Cruise Travel Tips #4

You should pack a 3 X 5 card in your luggage stating your complete itinerary, including all hotels, ports, and schedules. This way if your luggage is lost or your luggage tags come off they’ll know to forward it to your hotel or next port of call and not back to your home.

Top Travel Tips #4

Take a change of clothing and sample size toiletries in your carry-on luggage. You never know when an airline may lose your bag, and not having to buy clothes immediately will save a little trouble while waiting on your bags. We had this happen to us once in San Francisco and it took 24 hours to get our stuff. Glad we followed the advice of this tip- Mike

Top 10 Travel Tips #3

Always pack as little as possible. Take what you will need, not what you think you might need. Keep in mind that suitcases are heavy and you might have to carry your own luggage. Plus there is that little pesky charge for extra bags on some airlines. Mike

Top 10 Travel Tips #1

Put your name and the telephone number of your destination on both the outside and the inside of your luggage. Then, in case you and your bags are separated, they can catch up to you quickly.

This is the beginning of a series for the next few weeks- enjoy!

What About Lost Luggage?

LOST LUGGAGE (Who else has lost luggage?)
• Find an airline representative and report the problem.
• You will be given a form to complete. DO THIS IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT. This form will describe the luggage and its contents.
• Obtain a copy of the form before giving it to airline representative.
• If you are asked to surrender your claim checks, make sure you note this on the form.
• 98% of lost luggage is found within several hours, and will be put on the next flight to your destination.
• If you cannot wait, make sure the airline has your address to forward your luggage.
• If you need to buy or rent replacement items, most carriers will front you some cash. Receipts will be required if replacement items are worth $50 or more.
• If luggage is never found, you will be asked to estimate the value (depreciated) of its contents. If you claim anything new or costly (i.e. camera), you may be asked to provide receipts and other documentation.
• There is a “lost luggage” heaven — Scottsboro, Alabama.

International Travel Tip #3

Your luggage may be searched upon entering a country, so pack accordingly. Know what items are taboo in the country you are visiting. Make sure you don’t have anything in your checked luggage you can’t lose.

Air/Auto/Hotel Reservations #3

Really cool tip today:

Store your carry-on luggage in the compartment across from you so you can keep an eye on it.