Two pieces of luggage allowed, but only one (overloaded) luggage
I have to take a plane and the company allows two pieces of checked luggage of 20kg each. I have only one piece of luggage and I estimate its weight to be roughly 20kg. For the sake of the question, let's assume that I have no means to know the exact weight before arriving at the airport. Assume also that, for some reason, I cannot transfer part of my belongings to my carry-on luggage.
Here, there are two options:
I buy a new piece of luggage, split my belongings between them. I don't need to worry about checking. The drawback is that I may have to unnecessarily carry two pieces of luggage around me, which will be inconvenient (e.g in trains, cars, taxis…). Also, luggage is expensive and/or buying them is taking a lot of my precious time.
I don't buy an additional luggage and try to check my luggage anyway.
Imagine that, in the second situation, I figure out that my luggage is too heavy. What can I do except buying a new luggage on the spot?
My current idea is to bring a big shopping bag made with strong plastic, put some stuffs (say food and clothes) in it and use the wrapping machine to protect it and close it tightly.
I am sure that this problem has occurred to many travelers, so I am looking for smart ways to handle this situation.
Best Answer
If you have more or less 30-40 kilo overall, you will have to get an additional luggage.
If you are closer to 25 kilos overall, the recommendation is to get a bag out of a good nylon (like a light, cheap backpack or similar) and put the items in there that are not fragile and where you do not care that they get crumpled. Stuff the items above 20 kilos into that bag and then into the larger luggage.
If they complain that the single luggage is too heavy, you take out the smaller bag and check that one in. Once at the destination, you stuff the smaller bag into the larger luggage again.
Pictures about "Two pieces of luggage allowed, but only one (overloaded) luggage"
What is the meaning of 2 pieces baggage allowance?
This means you can carry two pieces of luggage as check-in baggage wherein weight of one bag should not exceed 32 kg. Some airlines allows two bags of 23 kg each as well.Can I carry 2 bags as checked baggage?
Maximum weight No single bag or item can weigh more than 32 kg . If you have a checked-baggage allowance of 35 kg or 40 kg your baggage must be split over at least two bags, with no bag weighing more than 32 kg . If any single bag or item weighs more than 32 kg it must be carried as freight.Can I combine 2 luggage weight?
If two passengers are booked on the same flight (single booking number), they can combine their total weight allowance, but no bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) and 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimensions.What if my luggage exceeds the weight limit?
The standard overweight fee for normal bags (your first two) is $100 if the bag is between 50.1 LBS and 70 LBS, and $200 if the bag is between 70.1 LBS and 100 LBS. Bags over 100 LBS are not allowed. If you are bringing more than two bags and are not military or business/first class, you will face additional charges.How to Travel with Overweight Carry On Luggage
More answers regarding two pieces of luggage allowed, but only one (overloaded) luggage
Answer 2
They express the maximum weight of each bag because they don't want individual bags that are too heavy--it's a worker safety issue handling the bags. Thus 2x20kg doesn't mean you can check 1x25kg.
Answer 3
The airline rules on baggage allowances are fairly straightforward. You may check X bags, each of which may weigh up to Y kg. Any bag over Y kg costs the overweight bag fee. bags over Z kg are not accepted, period.
You do not get to check one bag weighing X1 + X2 kg.
So your options are fairly clear: pay the extra charge or buy another bag. Probably work out to be more-or-less the same amount of money. I have a small duffel bag that lives at the end of my main case, I can move 5kg of stuff over very quickly.
The per-bag limits are mainly for handling purposes - the machinery handles only so much weight, and someone has to pick up the bags at several points in the process.
The 0.1kg over charges are airlines looking for any excuse possible to charge more money. Call them and complain while you are waiting for your flight. The toll-free call costs them, the agent's time costs them (and it won't result in a sale). I've been 2-3 kg over on my regular airline several times, they didn't say a thing.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich