Checked bag policy question

[LeftyMom]

I bought a ticket with American Airlines a few days before they instituted the policy where they charge for the first checked bag. I'm traveling next month, and am trying to figure out if I can make it with one carry-on and the remainder of my stuff jammed in my laptop bag, or if I'm better off checking a bag.

I AM entitled to a free checked bag, but I suspect the chances are high I'd have to bring a printout of the policy, show the date of my purchase and have to assert myself to get it. On the other hand, I'm going to be gone for a week, so packing a week's worth of clothes and shoes into one carry-on would be a bit ridiculous. Especially since my stuff always gets "randomly" selected for a hand search. :eyes:

Am I better off doing my best to get by with a carry-on, which will probably mean a VERY limited wardrobe and not-quite-matching shoes* than I would prefer, or checking a bag and running the risk of having to argue with the gate agent about paying extra for it?

*normally I wouldn't much care, but my friend and I will probably be going out and drinking a lot, and I don't want to be remembered as the weird straight girl who shouldn't be allowed to dress herself

[Ptah]

1. When I travel, I send any check-on items by UPS.

[Orrex]

2. That checked bag *SO* doesn't go with your shoes.

Sorry to be the one to break it to you.

[malta blue]

3. since it is summer, you may be able to pack it all into a carry-on.

Just try to coordinate as many outfits as possible with each pair of shoes so you can cut down on them.

Have a nice trip :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

4. I don't even know what matching shoes means...

I'm a fashion misfit...that reads Vogue and obsessively watches Project Runway. Thank Jeebus my husband loves a tomboy in jeans and a tank top. :rofl:

I have to buy a dress tomorrow, and I'z skeered! :o

:hi:

[LeftyMom]

5. Normally I wear sneakers with everything,

but I'm probably going to have to dress up at least once over the week. Probably two or three times. And naturally, I don't have three dressed up things that go with the same pair of shoes.

[susanna]

18. You'll be fine.

Just remember to channel the Project Runway gods and remember to find "your" silhouette. What looks good on you? :-)

I'm only partly facetious. ;-)

[flvegan]

6. "weird straight girl who shouldn't be allowed to dress herself"

That's how I remember you.

:shrug:

:rofl:

[LeftyMom]

7. Yeah, but you're most impressed by whatever outfit hits the floor or lampshade fastest.

:P

[ThomCat]

8. You're an outspoken vegan

so you're probably on the list. :(

My advice, for what it's worth, is to check a bag so you have have at least one spare set of clothes.

[LeftyMom]

9. And I'm on my way to AR2008.

I'll be shocked if they don't dig through my stuff.

[flvegan]

10. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Tera-ist!

[LeftyMom]

11. Takes one to know one!

You're probably the reason I can't get on a damn plane without half the TSA getting to second base.

[flvegan]

13. Shuddup.

Please, all you freaks going to AR08 are on a special list. Not my fault.

Thanks for the diversion, though.

[LeftyMom]

15. I take it it's not the "awesome people who get gorgeous vegan meals and footrubs in flight" list?

Because that's the list I want to be on. :D

[flvegan]

16. Uh, no.

Glad to see Bobby Cheeke on the roster this year, and I wouldn't miss Tammy Grimes speaking to save the world.

Have to admit, the absence of both Farm Sanctuary and HSUS reps...odd.

[LeftyMom]

17. Dennis Kucinich is speaking!

And Paul Watson too, irrc.

I know that the deal is with the other, I'll PM you.

[Gonzo Gardener]

12. I'm flying NWA to LAX tomorrow

Buried in their checked bag fee policy is a blurb about employees being able to waive baggage fees at their discretion. All you should have to do is mention that your ticket purchase predates the new policy to get any checked bag fee waived, but in this era of "Welcome, how may I NOT help you, today?" unfortunately, you may have to "assert" yourself, sigh.

Safe traveling, LM!

:hi:

[LeftyMom]

14. Thanks! Good luck with your trip tomorrow!

If I do wind up checking a bag, I will definitely print out the policy and bring it with me.