Continental Airlines is Downsizing Its Carry-on Luggage Size
What with some airlines charging for blankets and pillows and even water to drink, did you think you saw the last of nickel-and-diming their customers? Well, as of October 7th Continental Airlines began charging you $15 for your first checked bag (in addition to the $25 fee for a second checked bag, which went into effect in April) when you have an Economy fare ticket. This is for air travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. The good news is that there still is no charge for checking in car seats, strollers, and wheelchairs. That, of course, could change too. For the full rundown on their checked baggage fees, click HERE.
But wait. There’s MORE! Up until midnight on October 31st, your carry-on luggage size will continue to be “51 linear inches or 130 cm (L+W+H).” However, as of November 1st, they will only let you bring carry-on luggage that is “45 linear inches or 115 cm (L+W+H).” If it’s larger, you’ll have to check it and that will cost you. For details on their new carry-on baggage requirements, click HERE.
What I don’t understand is that if the airline industry is having so many problems and is raising ticket fares, isn’t this the time to IMPROVE customer service instead of making it even harder and more expensive to fly? And what about the fact that oil prices have come down dramatically? Are the airlines still justified in using fuel prices as an excuse to selfishly disrepect their customers who are forced to pay higher and higher prices for airline tickets? Isn’t charging for each piece of checked luggage a bit greedy?
What is YOUR opinion about all of this? Register and then comment. Make your voice heard! 
Ginger Can Prevent Motion Sickness
Are you tired of wearing a “patch” when you take a cruise? Do you wish there were some way to prevent motion sickness without taking drugs which makes you sleepy (and which don’t even work if you fail to take them in advance of feeling queasy)?
One solution is GINGER. The herb? Yes. And not only does it really work; but even if you unexpectedly start to get seasick (or airsick; or carsick), ginger will STILL help. Powdered ginger root capsules are available at health food stores.
Luggage Identification Hints
Here are some luggage safe-travel hints when traveling by air, car, train, or on a cruise:
Although properly-labeled luggage will increase the likelihood of it being returned to you if it gets lost, it also can send out a message to criminals that you are leaving your house available for them to rob at a leisurely pace. The point is that many people put their name, home address, and home telephone number on their luggage tags, like a neon sign that says, “I’m not going to be home for awhile. Rob me!” Instead, use your office address, if you have one, or a post office box number (which is better). Also, put your office or a friend’s telephone number, since you might not be there to answer the phone if someone is trying to locate the owner of your luggage.
Another precaution: always put your complete identification information INSIDE your luggage as well . . . taped or glued securely as a permanent part of your luggage. Luggage tags can be accidentally pulled off, or destroyed by the weather (rain or snow, for example).
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