Airline Baggage Fees...I've finally figured it out

How long has it been since the airlines started slapping passengers with all those extra baggage fees. It's always bothered me that they charge $25+ for a bag. Hello, yes, I'm traveling across the country and over an ocean, I need to take underwear and my curling iron with me.  Oh and forget it if you get there and your bag is 51 pounds - that's another $25 per flight.  Don't remind me that we're taking 4 different flights (To Maui, an island hopper, stop in LA four two days during the return trip, and finally back home) and we're each checking a bag every time.

While the charges have always annoyed the heck out of me it only dawned me yesterday, as I was packing up two weeks worth of stuff, how they came up with these fees. I am betting it wasn't just the airlines' idea. I'm betting husbands had something to do with it. I'm betting men who didn't want their wives to bring every pair of shoes in their closet told the airlines if they charged per bag and charged extra for heavy bags, that women would pack a little lighter. I used to be the kind of girl who would bring a pair of shoes for every outfit. But when you have to decide if you want to bring that 10th pair of shoes or your shorts...well there are priorities, I suppose.  So, thank you husbands of the world!

So long as the airlines don't start charging for carry-ons me and my shoes are good to go.  I'll even let you in on a little secret. If you pack the largest small suitcase you have (mine's the maximum size for a carry-on) full of your heaviest items, you might even be able to fit a few extra pairs shoes.