Planes, Trains, and Your Bags - Trip Packing 202 -

- Disclaimer -I dont claim to be an expert, but I know the current bag policies and limits.

The various airlines & trains bag policies all differ, and they do change frequently.

Enforcement of bag size limit policies by agents is inconsistent.

Much of what I know Ive learned the hard way.

Consider what you REALLY NEED to take!

Mr. BIGs #1 Travel RuleYOU must be able to get from your car to the motor coach, with all of your bags in ONE trip. If YOU cant do that, YOU have TOO MUCH STUFF!

Current Checked Bag Fee PoliciesDelta $25 1st bag - $35 2nd bag - $125 3rd bag -----------------------------------------------United $25 1st bag - $35 2nd bag - $100 3rd bag -----------------------------------------------Alaska Air $20 1st bag - $20 2nd bag - $20 3rd bag ------------------------------------------------ Amtrak$0 1st bag - $0 2nd bag - $20 3rd bag

Oversize Bag Penalties > 50 lbs. = $90 > 62 linear inches = $175---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 50 lbs. = $100 > 62 linear inches = $100----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 50 lbs. = $50 > 62 linear inches = $50----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------All 3 consider separate Ski/Board & Boot bags to = 1 checked bag

Oversize Bag Penalties

Bags exceeding 50 pounds = NOT AcceptedALL Bags exceeding 75 linear inches = $20(Length + Height + Width)

Separate Ski/Board bags & Boot bags are counted as 2 checked bags!

There are other options:

Ship your skis ahead

Rent your equipment

RENTSkis.com

Shipping your gear ahead?Over-night air available for $100+

Economical ground freight - 2 to 3 day delivery - Costs $22 to $27 each way

Warning!Large groups (Ski Clubs) traveling together with large amounts of luggage, such as skis & boots, may not have all of their bags & equipment loaded on the aircraft, due to weight restrictions. Those bags can be delayed!

FREE - Carry On Bag Limits

1-bag >> 22 x 14 x 9 maximum ------------------------------------------------------- 1-bag >> 24 x 17 x 10 max.

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2-bags not exceeding 50 lbs. & 28 x 22 x 14

WHAT CAN YOU LEAST AFFORD TO LIVE WITHOUT?

These are items that must remain in your possessionAT ALL TIMES!

Carry-on priorities:#1 Cash, checks, and credit cards.

Carry-on priorities:#1 Cash, checks, and credit cards#2 Photo ID / PASSPORT, etc

Carry-on priorities:#1 Cash, checks, and credit cards#2 Photo ID / Passport, etc#3 Medications and prescriptions

Carry-on priorities:#1 Cash, checks, and credit cards#2 Photo ID / Passport, etc#3 Medications and prescription drugs#4 Valuables (jewelry, camera, cell phone, etc)

Carry-on priorities:#1 Cash, checks, and credit cards#2 Photo ID / Passport, etc#3 Medications and prescription drugs#4 Valuables (jewelry, camera, etc)#5 Your SKI BOOTS!

My Carry-On Strategy

My cash, credit cards, photo ID, Passport, and cell phone are all in my pockets.

I wear the fleece liner of my ski parka on the motor coach and plane.

My boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, gator, parka (shell), and prescriptions, are all in my carry-on bag.

How can you possibly fit all of this into a Carry-On bag?

Security & T.S.A. Reminders

Identification Name Tags BOTH outside & inside all bags.

Carry-On gels & liquids are limited to 3 oz. size.

All Carry-On gels & liquids must be placed in a clear 1 qt. size plastic bag.

Shoes, coats, caps, all have to be removed and scanned.

Body Scanners require emptying of all pockets.

Why pack differently if you are traveling by train?Amtrak allows TWO free carry-on bags.

Checked bags wont be lost or delayed.

More costly ski/board & boot bag policies.

Your traveling time is longer.

Change of clothes / Night clothes.Beverages and snacks.Alcoholic beverages. (Only allowed to be carried-on in sleeper units and must be consumed within the unit). Books, MP-3 players, games, etcToiletriesJacket or sweater

I hope youre coming with us to Jackson Hole and Schweitzer!

Have a terrific Ski Trip! Regardless of where you go, or how you get there Be smart about what you pack, and where you pack it!