Monday, July 20, 2009

Warning to Travelers

I am a wee bit wiser as an air traveler now since my husband and I have just returned from Boston and Maine.
We flew United, round-trip. I called ahead to confirm our schedule with a customer service rep and made sure to clarify all the rules and regulations as it has been more than a year since I last flew anywhere. Still no more than three ounces of liquid in one's carry-on. Check. Disposable razors only. Check. One carry-on and small personal item per traveler. Check. Want to check a bag? You'll have to pay. Hmmm. That was a new one. We got one free bag last time. The customer service rep suggested we check in online ahead of time because the fee to ship luggage is discounted if you do it before you arrive at the airport. I thanked her, ended the call, and went to follow her advice online.

It was a painless process overall, however I was privy to new information. The small print kind of information that you have to click on a separate link to find out. I learned that if I wanted to check say...antlers...I would have to do it at the airport. Yes indeed. Or if I wanted to check my hang gliding equipment, luge board, or vaulting pole I cannot do it online. No. I must check these in person, at the airport.

"Bummer," I thought. "Now I'm gonna have to repack my bag!"

Just kidding, just kidding; but it's silly and crazy, don't you think?? Sort of like the warning you get on your drive through coffee that says "Contents hot. Consumer may get burned."

So, future traveler, you have been warned. Next time you are flying and want to bring your... christmas tree...first consult your airline's "list." Here is United's, free of charge :)



2 comments:

Unknown said...

Laura, good story as usual. I always look forward to your blog, missed it while you were out of town. Good to see your back to writing!

Suzanne said...

I suppose, then, that it's a good thing that I didn't ask you to bring my archery equipment out with you!