(no subject)

[lollardfish]

We're back. We have no luggage. It got to Chicago, but didn't make it out again. The plane was too heavy and they took some off, though they didn't tell us about it.

I feel only slightly worse for the people with frozen fish from their trip to Alaska, all packed and good for "twenty hours." They aren't going to make it.

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

"The plane was too heavy and they took some off, though they didn't tell us about it."

I've been thinking about this. My guess is that the plane was no heavier than usual, but that their calculations are off.

Plane weight is calculated based on people and baggage. Each person is given some standard weight which includes carry-on bags. Each checked bag is either weighed or given some standard weight. Multiply everything out, and you know the total weight of the passengers and their bags.

So far so good, but the recent rule changes mean that lots more people are checking bags that would otherwise have been carry-ons. Which means that the standard weight per person is now higher than it should be, which means that the total weight is now higher than it should be.

The airlines are going to need some new data before they get this one right.

B

[creidylad.livejournal.com]

You're probably right. Also, any bag given "standard" weight has the odds of being lighter than tagged.

Anyway, welcome back to the US, Mr.-and-future-Mrs. lollardifsh!

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

"Also, any bag given 'standard' weight has the odds of being lighter than tagged."

Another good point.

B

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

This is all more or less what the woman I just talked to at American Airlines just said.

[bethlet.livejournal.com]

Undoubtedly, though I personally would prefer to wait a day or two for my luggage than to crash and die because the plane was too heavy. ;)

Congratulations on making it home. And on your engagement!

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

I would prefer, though, that AA calculated their weight capacity correctly when filling up the airplane. Or at least made an annoucement, "Folks, we're overweight and have had to leave some bags behind, but don't be alarmed, we'll get them to you first thing tomorrow morning."

[bethlet.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on that one. Wholeheartedly.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

But if you think about, the flight attendents are the last people in the world to want to make that announcement. They'll end up spending the entire flight dealing with people who ask "When are we getting our bags?" or "Are my bags on the flight or are they delayed?" and taking criticism and abuse -- all without having any ability to solve the problem. The flight attendents are happiest, and I'll bet the flight is smoothest, when everyone flies in blissful ignorance.

B

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

Solution to that: instead of making the announcement at the beginning of the flight, make it at the end. "If you don't see your checked baggage at the baggage claim facility, there is no need to panic. We were overweight and had to remove some bags before takeoff. Leave your name and address with the baggage claim office, and your bags will be delivered to you in the morning."

This assumes, of course, that they HAVE a handle on the problem and can get the bags delivered promptly the next day...

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Big assumption.

But yes, the ground agent should have made that announcement when he announced which baggage claim carousel to wait at.

B

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

Right. Exactly.

[buttonlass.livejournal.com]

Heehee. She said Mrs. Lollardfish. Hee.

Thank you.

[zinzinzinnia.livejournal.com]

Why isn't he Mr Buttonlass? ;)

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

Cause she didn't buy me no ring yet.