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you for the cost of repairs, give you new bags, or pay for the cost of
replacing them, depending on the amount of damage. You must report any
damage within 7 days. If your bags are damaged before you check them,
the airlines will ask you to sign a damage waiver at check in, which
states the nature of the damage and exempts the airline for that
damage. Otherwise, if the bags arrive damaged and the airline didn't
have you sign a waiver, the airline is fully liable for the condition
of the bags. Normal wear and tear, of course, is not subject to a
damage claim. Carry-on bags are not subject to damage claims, except
in clear cases of airline negligence (e.g., flight attendant moves
your bags, damaging them).

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Subject: [2-15] Baggage Limits

Checked baggage weight/size/number limits vary depending on the
airline, the class of fare, and the country of origin. For US domestic
flights, one is typically limited to 2 pieces of checked baggage
(excluding luggage carriers), each of which has a total length + width
+ height less than 62" (or 72") and weighs less than 70 pounds (32
kg). For domestic travel within a foreign country, however, the limit
is by weight, not piece count, usually 20kg.

For international travel the weight limits for couch, business class,
and first class are 20kg, 30kg, and 40kg, respectively. But if the
fare is for travel to or from North America, the baggage limit is that
of the entire journey, even if one leg would normally have a lower
limit. So for international travel from the USA, for example, coach
passengers would be limited to 2 bags (piece rule) and not just 20kg
(weight rule). The key here is that the fare is a 'through fare'. If
you switch airlines instead of taking a direct flight, you may be
subject to a lower baggage limit for that portion of your journey. If
this matters to you, make sure either that you are ticketed as a
through fare, or that the tickets are endorsed to permit the higher
piece rule baggage limits (e.g., "2 pieces allowed with trans-Atlantic
connection").

Unchecked carry-on baggage is usually limited to 2 bags, which must
fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
Purses, cameras, coats, and similar items are usually excluded from
the limit.  Garment bags are also often excluded, especially for first
class customers. Sometimes the limit will be reduced to 1 bag,
especially on very full flights. Oversize articles (e.g., skis,
bicycles, moose heads) must be checked.

For US domestic flights, the official size for carry-on bags is 21" x 14"
x 9", and 2 bags is the usual limit. If the flight isn't full, you can
usually get away with slightly bigger bags. If they see you struggling
with your bags, or you're carrying far too many bags, or you ask if
your bag is ok, they'll probably ask you to check the bag at the gate.
Purses usually don't count towards the number of bags limit (depends
on the purse of course -- there are some mammoth purses out there). If
you're carrying non-checkable items (e.g., computers or electronics),
they'll probably let you carry them on. If your bag is extremely
heavy, DO NOT put it in the overhead bin -- the latches aren't very
strong, and having a 40 pound bag fall on your head during a flight
isn't pleasant.

If you do have excess baggage, it is cheaper to pay the excess baggage
charges than to ship it by air freight. (This is why courier travel
exists -- it is often cheaper for a company to pay for an airline
ticket than it is for them to pay freight charges.) Rates airlines
charge for excess baggage vary considerably, so it pays to call around
before purchasing a ticket. For international travel the charge is
typically 1% of the first class fare per kilogram.

Baggage limit rules are enforced very unevenly, particularly on
flights which aren't very full.

Most aircraft have room for onboard storage of one folding wheelchair.
If the wheelchair is checked, the airline is responsible for
reassembling it if necessary.

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Subject: [2-16] Pets

   If you are travelling with a dog or cat, you must say so when you
make your reservation. All airlines will allow at most one dog in the
presurized portion of the cabin (to prevent barking fights). The dog
must be in a travel cage which fits under the seat in front of you and
sedated. (If the dog is small, try to get a cage which fits under the
seat, so you can keep watch on the pet. Otherwise, the dog will travel
in the pet area of the baggage section, and you won't see the dog
until the flight is over. The pet area is pressurized but may not be
heated/cooled. Get nonstop flights since the pet area can get pretty
hot while on the ground.) Cats can travel in a carrier that fits under
the seat in front of you. Only one cat per carrier except for kittens.
Most airlines will allow at most three cats in the main cabin, with
sufficient number of rows separation.  Some airlines will charge you
extra (~$50 each way) for a small dog or cat.

   Many airlines require that the dog be given a tranquilizer supplied
by your vet. Most veterinarians no longer recommend sedating your
animals when transporting by air.

   If you let your cat out of its carrier, be sure to watch it
carefully. Most cats tend to run when in an unfamiliar place. 

   In the US, service animals travel free of charge on all airlines and
can accompany their master in the main aircraft cabin. Service animals
include guide dogs for the blind, signal dogs for the deaf, and
assistance dogs for the mobility impaired, among other animals. Proof
of disability may be required (i.e., attaching a harness to your dog
won't get the animal on for free). Canadian provinces have similar laws
for service animals. If traveling to a foreign country, be sure to
check the local regulations, as some countries restrict the travel of
animals and do not make a special exemption for service animals.

   America West and Southwest do not take pets, with the exception of
service animals. AA, UA and US all take dogs. US charges $30. AA and
UA charge $50.  (Small dogs.) United charges $50 per carrier for cats
in the pet area, $30 for cats as underseat baggage.

   All carriers require a recent (10 days old or less) veterinary
certificate of health, but rarely look at it.
   All airlines embargo pets if the outside temperature is in the
90's (or perhaps even 80's). AA won't carry a pet if the temperature
is less than 45F (enforcement of this rule is uneven). UA says they
won't handle pets when it is -10F. US says they always handle pets
except on certain commuter flights.

   US allows you to bring your pet out to the gate and have it
boarded just before you get on the plane. AA sometimes will, but
usually won't, allow this.

The following is what the airlines charge (1-way) for a pet which fits
under the seat in front of you, as of August 1, 1992. 
   $30   Alaska
   $45   Delta, Northwest, USAir
   $50   American, America West, Continental, TWA, United

You may want to consider using a boarding service instead of bringing
your pet with you. Many veterinarians provide this service for short
durations. 

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Subject: [2-17] Bicycles

Most airlines charge about $45 one way to ship a bike. If you belong
to the League of American Bicyclists ($25 annual membership fee for
individuals, $30 for families, call 1-800-288-BIKE (1-800-288-2453)
for info), you can get free bike passes on America West, Northwest,
TWA, and USAir if you book your tickets through the Sports National
Reservation Center, the LAB's travel agency. [LAB formerly known as
League of American Wheelmen.] Some folks report that you don't have to
use the LAB's travel agency; call your airline to check.

Bikes fly free on Northwest if you're a member of an Adventure Cycling
affiliated club.

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Subject: [2-18] Restrictions on Electronics 

The navigation equipment on most airplanes is unshielded, and hence
subject to interference from electronic devices such as radios or
personal computers. The latest FAA advisory leaves it up to the
airlines to set their own rules, but prohibits the use of cellular
phones during taxi before takeoff and during takeoff itself. Many
prohibit the use of certain types of equipment belowt's probably best to keep them clear of *both*
the metal detector and X-ray machine, just in case.

Do not rest your film or notebook on top of the x-ray machine -- they
aren't as well shielded as they could, especially on top. The
electrical transformers in X-ray machines, if not properly shielded,
can harm magnetic media.

Unless you rub your wallet along the coils of the metal detector, and
the field strength is set very high, walking through is unlikely to
wipe the magnetic strip on your credit cards.

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Subject: [2-20] Packing Tips/Checklist

Checklist of things to bring with you:

  [ ]  Fanny Pack or Money Belt
  [ ]  Small Screwdrivers
  [ ]  Swiss Army Knife (one with scissors), Can Opener, Flashlight
       Pocket knives should have blades no longer than three inches.
  [ ]  Camera, Batteries, Film (especially for overseas travel)
  [ ]  Business Cards
  [ ]  Sewing Kit, Safety Pins, Shoelaces
  [ ]  Bandages, Sun Block, Lotion, Insect Repellent, Cough Drops,
       Decongestants, Aspirin, Lip Balm
  [ ]  Toilet Paper (especially if traveling in some parts of eastern
       Europe, Asia, and the third world)
  [ ]  Shaving equipment, Mirror, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo,
       Towel, Tampons, Dental Floss, Nail Clippers, Comb/Brush
  [ ]  Plastic Baggies (Ziploc), Duct Tape, Scoth Tape, Rubber Bands,
       Small Box, Nylon Cord
  [ ]  Medication should be carried in the original bottle. Bring a
       copy of your prescription, if possible. If the medicine
       contains narcotics or other controlled substances, carry a
       letter from your doctor certifying your need for them.
  [ ]  Washcloths
  [ ]  Umbrella/Raincoat
  [ ]  Alarm Clock/Watch, Earplugs, Night Shades
  [ ]  Padlock & Coated Wire, Compass, Binoculars
  [ ]  Extra small change. A roll of dimes in the US; a pocketful of coins
       overseas. (Public restrooms in Europe are often coin-operated.)
  [ ]  Small tape recorder or pad of paper and pens, for notes/journal. 
  [ ]  Empty backpack or duffel bag. A canvas bookbag may also be useful.
  [ ]  For wet climates, don't take cotton clothes, which get soggy
       and don't insulate as well when wet.
  [ ]  Clean clothes
  [ ]  Documents: Passport, visas, tourist cards (for Mexico and
       certain South American countries), money, driver`s license,
       credit cards, travelers checks, credit cards, international
       certificates of vaccination (the so-called "yellow card"), and
       insurance certificates. 
       Bring photocopies and keep them separate from the originals,
       plus a few photographs if you lose your passport. Leave a
       second copy at home with family or friends.

Pack liquids in plastic bottles and then double wrap in a zip-lock
bag.

The following items should be included in your carry-on and not in
your checked luggage:

  [ ]  A change of clothing.
  [ ]  Prescriptions.
  [ ]  Passport, visa, and other important travel documents.
  [ ]  Basic toiletries.
  [ ]  Valuables, including jewelry and cash, and any fragile items.

If going on an extended trip, cut your hair and go to the dentist
before departing. Don't forget about rent, bills, taxes, and so on,
and let a friend know where you'll be.

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;;; *EOF*

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