h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Beware when in the USA. Many (irritating) people there have decided that it is too much trouble to check their luggage, and insist on carrying it all onboard with them. It doesn't seem to make any difference if its a suitcase, a desk or a Ford Mustang - its coming with them.

The result is that all overhead space is at a premium, and people will actually start fights over it. So GET ON BOARD EARLY. How? If you fly regularly, make sure that you're in their frequent flier programme. If you're travelling with small children make the most of it and say you need extra time.

This seems very unfair, especially as American airlines allow up to 70 kg of checked baggage for cattle class (as opposed to the measly 20kg the rest of us get) I think there's a definite cause for loud complaint to your carrier about "one piece of carry-on only" (a policy that I've ranted about in my posting re Heathrow. If the ground staff won't do anything, write to the president of the company, the national press and your congressman about how _dangerous_ it is. Well, it is isn't it?

Actually some airlines started enforcing hand-luggage size by putting a metal screen around the metal-detectors. If it wouldn't go through the hole it couldn't go on board.

Last I heard they had been forced to take them off by other airlines that shared the detectors, as they were an "infringement of free trade".

Any news from our American friends????

I'm an American. However, I've never left the country so I can't make comparisons real well. I can tell you that I saw a guy convince them that skateboards could be allowed as carry-on luggage, tho.