Air Travel

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker >(meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a >Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed >48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am >entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is >the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it >as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge >me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was >that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on >this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb! > What the hell is a footlocker?

a box about 1M x .5M x .3M (40×20x14) with an opening lid and provisions for locking – no wheels (never were in the Army, huh?  8-)…)

Response:

> This is typcial of a beurocratic system, rules is rules. The incentive > system is that she gets no benefit  from helping you and possibly > jeopordizes her company standing by letting a "against-regulation" bag > through. > Singapore (and SIA) are particularly hidebound by rules. > snip-snip

May you be a "ramp rat" in your next life and have to handle those overweight bags.  (Hell, _I’m_ bad enough after COMDEX when I pack a parachute bag full of paper (right up to the 70 lbs).  I usually ask them for a "heavy" tag myself))  Remember – SHE had to handle it AFTER the poster (to load it on the trolley)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > >(meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > >Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > >48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > >entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > >the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > >as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge > >me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was > >that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on > >this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. > >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > >check me in ! Talk about dumb! > What the hell is a footlocker? >a box about 1M x .5M x .3M (40×20x14) with an opening lid and provisions >for locking – no wheels (never were in the Army, huh?  8-)…)

Oh, ok, so that’s what it is.  Well, look on the bright side, at least he didn’t try to take it with him as a carryon.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge > me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was > that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on > this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. > Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > check me in ! Talk about dumb!

No, it’s a thing called policy.  And i think that Lufthansa just handles the flight. I would have done the EXACT same thing to you if you checked in at my counter, although i would have given you a box. nate

Response:

So I actually had a call on this today at work, and I wanted to post Lufthansa’s official policy on weight of baggage.  Our manual says that any ONE PIECE over 99 lbs (45 kg) cannot be accepted as baggage, but must be directed through cargo.  As it was explained to me, the luggage handlers at the airport (who are often outsourced) are not permitted by law to lift more than that, and the cargo department has machines to move such items. It should also be noted that 32kg is the weight limit of FREE baggage – 45kg is the maximum we can accept, but we’ll charge for every kilo over 32. Hope that helps, –M.S. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge > me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was > that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on > this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. > Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > check me in ! Talk about dumb!

Response:

This is typcial of a beurocratic system, rules is rules. The incentive system is that she gets no benefit  from helping you and possibly jeopordizes her company standing by letting a "against-regulation" bag through. Singapore (and SIA) are particularly hidebound by rules.

: I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker : (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a : Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed : 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am : entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is : the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it : as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge : me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was : that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on : this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. : Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the : footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 : pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to : check me in ! Talk about dumb! — Hassan Alam

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > says… > >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > >check me in ! Talk about dumb! > YOU could have asked for their baggage boxes! Talk about dumb!!! > Why is it that nearly every person who posts an airline experience in > this group gets met with insults, flames, sarcasm, rudeness, > condescension, etc.?  Hasn’t anybody here anything kind or helpful to > say to anyone?

–Because usually their postings are full of insults, flames, sarcasm, rudeness, condescension, etc. directed against unknown airline or airport employees, air traffic controllers, or the weather! This posting was a typical example with the comment ‘Talk about dumb’ directed at one of Lufthansa’s check-in staff who has no opportunity to respond. –==++AJC++==–

Response:

> I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > as the equivalent of 2 pieces ?

Reason is the health and safety regulations. Anyone involved in handling your luggage is exposed to injuries if they lift your overweight piece. It is that simple.

Response:

>I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker >(meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a >Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed >48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am >entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is >the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it >as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge >me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was >that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on >this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb!

What the hell is a footlocker?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker >(meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a >Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed >48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am >entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is >the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it >as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge >me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was >that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on >this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb!

It may seem dumb but, that’s the way it works.  It’s IATA standard when traveling from/to the Americas, it works on the piece system (you’re allowed two pieces and neither can be over 32kg/70lbs.)  No exceptions.  I’ve worked with several airlines Continental, Alitalia, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic and you would have been charged by ALL of them (or asked to repack.)

Response:

appear as if it was written: >I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker >(meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a >Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed >48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am >entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is >the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it >as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge >me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was >that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on >this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb!

Yeah, really dumb. How the heck do you think those bags get to the aircraft?  Magic? Mark, *people* have to (be able to) pick up every checked bag.  It is incredibly naive of you to assume that because you can deal with it, everyone can in every situation (say, caught in an awkward corner on the baggage system). Malc.

Response:

> Why is it that nearly every person who posts an airline experience in > this group gets met with insults, flames, sarcasm, rudeness, > condescension, etc.?  Hasn’t anybody here anything kind or helpful to > say to anyone?

        Not true. Think of a thread a some months ago about a lady who fell out of a wheelchair pushed by an airline employee. She got a lot of sympathy and advice here, as I recall.         OTOH, air travel nowadays is a highly standardized commodity (well, for those of us in the rear). It is unreasonable to expect the same level of service as in the days when full-fare IATA tickets were the norm. If someone expects royal treatment just because the ticket price is a good fraction of his/her salary, I would sense a bit of narcissism there – which tempts to do all the naughty things you mention.  J:)rgen — Juergen Stockburger                     (213) 740-9337 phone USC Chem. Dept., SSC 717                (213) 740-8348 fax

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > >check me in ! Talk about dumb! > YOU could have asked for their baggage boxes! Talk about dumb!!! > Why is it that nearly every person who posts an airline experience in > this group gets met with insults, flames, sarcasm, rudeness, > condescension, etc.?  Hasn’t anybody here anything kind or helpful to > say to anyone?

HE was the one complaining about trying to check an overweight bag and getting charged.  (For what was the airline’s policy, not his ignorance of it)

Response:

I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to check me in ! Talk about dumb!

Response:

>Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb!

YOU could have asked for their baggage boxes! Talk about dumb!!!

Response:

> >Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the >footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 >pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to >check me in ! Talk about dumb! > YOU could have asked for their baggage boxes! Talk about dumb!!!

Why is it that nearly every person who posts an airline experience in this group gets met with insults, flames, sarcasm, rudeness, condescension, etc.?  Hasn’t anybody here anything kind or helpful to say to anyone?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge > me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was > that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on > this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. > Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > check me in ! Talk about dumb!

Not if you happen to be the ramp rat who has to handle that 110 pound behemoth.  Why do you think they have CARGO???  (No sympathy, for you at all)

Response:

>Its not dumb. Think about the luggage handlers. Isn’t it easier for them >to handle two pieces weighing 24 kg each than to handle 1 big piece >weighing >48 kg?

A ery good point. There may even be a rule on how much they can/should have to lift. You might have to bring your bags to the airport, but they life bags all day for their job. Sure, they’d get great muscles from it, but if you hate lifting a ~50Kg box, so would they… >Zahid

-richard — Richard Muirden, SAP R/3 & UNIX Admin.          All opinions are my OWN, etc "The past tempts us, the present confuses us, the future frightens us, and our lives slip away moment by moment, lost in that vast, terrible in-between."                           – Emperor Turhan, Babylon 5, "The Coming of Shadows"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I bought a lot of books and records and put them in a footlocker > (meets dimensional specs) and tried to check it in at JFK on a > Singapore Air flight to Singapore. The check in clerk said it weighed > 48 kilograms, and is too heavy (limit is 33 kg). I said since I am > entitled to check in 2 pieces of luggage and since the footlocker is > the only piece of luggage I was checking in, couldn’t she consider it > as the equivalent of 2 pieces ? No, she said, she will have to charge > me excess baggage! I tried to reason with her, and her only answer was > that she works for Lufthansa (which code-shares which Singapore Air on > this flight) and that she didn’t want to get into any trouble. > Finally, in exasperation, I had to remove some of the books from the > footlocker, and luckily found an empty box near the airport. With 2 > pieces of luggage now, (each weighing at about 24 kg) she is happy to > check me in ! Talk about dumb!

Its not dumb. Think about the luggage handlers. Isn’t it easier for them to handle two pieces weighing 24 kg each than to handle 1 big piece weighing 48 kg? Zahid

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