Flying with Bags

Anytime you plan to travel by air, it is important that you refer to your airline's website to make sure you are up to date on any new policies.  American Airlines in particular frequently changes its policy on luggage.  Unfortunately,there are no across-the-board regulations for international travel. 

For example, right now, if you are traveling to Brazil, you can check two bags for free, but if you're headed to Europe, you can only check one for free.  You may be thinking, I went to Europe last year and was allowed two checked bags!  These policies are literally changing all the time.  Thus, check the website before you travel! 

Something that I recently learned the hard way: airlines are not liable for any damage done to the outside of your luggage, i.e. the wheels, handles, etc.  So . . .  do not spend tons of money on fancy luggage!  The Today Show did an investigation into what happens to our luggage in between the time we hand it over to the TSA handlers and pick it up on the baggage carousel.  Check out this video to see the intricacies of baggage handling.

So what's the moral of this blog? 

Check airline policies before you travel and don't check any luggage that you would be heartbroken over if it was torn to shreds.