Perfect storm

The light traveler who has resolved NEVER to check a bag faces a stiff challenge in the UK. Let’s say you fly to London, drive to Scotland, then take a short hop on low-cost carrier BMI back to London or over to Europe. Guess what the carryon rule is for British Midland if flying coach? Try 7kg/15 pounds (6kg if flying out of Manchester), and the stated rules say you get only ONE piece and NO personal item - your personal item must fit in the carryon.Your 20-pound carryon PLUS your six-pound messenger/camera/briefcase bag that you flew over the pond with are no longer allowed. According to this the Brits enforce this rule rather stringently.

This changes everything for the light traveler. And this is the trend: Lower weight and piece limits for all baggage, more fees for checked bags, and higher overweight penalties. Add to this the 3-1-1 liquid rule and you have a perfect storm for the light traveler. And don’f forget - there are others who want ban luggage altogether!