Deep sigh!

Delta doubles charge for second checked bag, boosts other fees
By Harry R. Weber, AP Business Writer

ATLANTA — Delta Air Lines Inc., the third-largest U.S. carrier, will double its charge for checking a second bag on a domestic flight as part of a set of fee increases to help offset the high cost of fuel.

The Atlanta-based carrier said Tuesday that the changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after Aug. 5.

Fee changes include an increase from $25 to $50 to check a second bag for domestic travel. Fees for specialty items that require special handling, such as surfboards or ski equipment, will increase on domestic and international flights, Delta said.

First Class, BusinessElite and Medallion customers will still be able to check up to three bags at no charge, the airline said.

Delta said that as fuel costs remain high, it believes revising its fee structure for excess bags and specialty items is essential to generate the necessary revenues to offset its higher costs.

Delta currently does not charge passengers for checking a first bag on domestic flights. It has said it is studying a decision by several other major carriers to impose that fee.

Delta customers checking bags on international flights can check a first and second bag at no charge.

Fees are for each extra bag, each way.

The fee for checking a third bag on a domestic flight will increase from $80 to $125, while the fee for checking a bag that is between 51 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kilograms) on a domestic flight will rise from $80 to $90.

Delta warned on its website that if a customer has an extra piece of baggage that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, the passenger will be charged three times — once for the extra bag, once for going over the size limit and once for going over the weight limit.

It said a $175 charge per item applies to media representatives carrying camera, film, video tape, lighting, or sound equipment.

Delta announced April 14 that it will acquire Eagan, Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines Corp. in a stock-swap deal that would create the world's largest carrier in terms of traffic. The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
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So, I now have fewer choices of airlines if this takeover is approved and they will all probably raise their fees and follow suit - except Southwest. God bless Southwest Airlines! If they went in to the international arena I'd use them exclusively!

Interesting International Facts: property value

Today I learned that in Mozambique, property (land) is valued based on the number of coconut trees it has. The more the better. The coconut is obviously very valuable in Southern Mozambique!

Dear Southwest Airlines,

I am an avid traveler and in these days of delays, cancellations and fees for every service - you are a breath of fresh air! I haven't flown with Southwest in qute a while because they are a domestic airline and most of my flights are international. I have a vacation coming up and was aghast at the price of plane tickets and the difficulty of using my airmiles. I decided to visit your website to compare prices. I was able to get two round trip tickets for nearly the price of one ticket on any other carrier. After I purchased the tickets I realized I needed to alter the return flight. I called customer service and they said, you can do this online and there was no fee. I would only be responsible for any difference in price. The process was so easy, and instead of paying anything extra, I have a credit. I couldn't believe you don't charge a change fee. You don't charge for bags. You don't charge for seat preference. Yes, in these days of travel hassles and frustrations, Southwest Airlines, you are a breath of fresh air. I'm certain this also explains why you are one of the few airlines making a profit. Thank you Southwest Airlines for making travel fun again!

I am soooo disappointed!

I'm leaving to Mozambique Saturday. Friday at 4pm I receive this:

The President and Mrs. Bush
cordially invite you to the

Signing of H.R. 5501
reauthorizing PEPFAR

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The White House
East Room

Gates open at 2:00 pm
Arrive no later than 2:15 pm

Kindly respond with intention of accepting or regretting this invitation

Man, oh, man am I disappointed!!! Can you believe I get an invitation to the White House and I have to decline?! I considered cancelling my trip. This is a historic event and I could witness it first hand rather than watch it on television. The President of the United States will be signing legislation reauthorizing and expanding the largest humanitarian bill in history. There has been none of this caliber before and there will likely not be another of this magnitude to follow. When I told Kenyon that night about the opportunity I had to pass up on, he said, "you probably aren't going to get another opportunity like this. I can't believe you aren't going." Thanks, that makes me feel so much better. When you see this broadcast all over the news on the evening of July 30th, know that I could have been there, but instead I'll be in Africa working. Don't you feel bad for me? What a terrible life I lead, missing one great opportunity because I'm pursuing another. Smile!

Honestly, though, if I'd received this invitation any earlier in the day - I'd of cancelled my trip to Africa in a heartbeat. If you see Condolezza Rice in the room on the day of the signing, I don't want to know about it I am already soooo disappointed!

Interesting International Facts

Did you know?

In N. Korea is it illegal to whistle. It is also illegal to sing any song that isn't in honor of their leader.

Obviously, based on the You Tube videos I've posted, my family wouldn't last long in N.Korea.