Another possible downside to all of this is the skycaps becoming a memory. I've read reports where the skycaps are having to collect the extra fees for Delta and the other lines already doing it, which means they are "the face" of the airline to the passenger, which means their tips go away when they ask for the $25 baggage fee.
Personally, I like curbside check-in and always tip the skycaps nicely. It is quicker and easier than standing around at the counter inside.
This is a real bummer. While we usually only check our one large suitcase on the way to someplace, we usually also check our carryons for the trip home - - looks like we're really going to have to evaluate how we travel in the future. With our cruise a year and a half out, and being unable to book airfare until 330 days prior, I wonder if by then we'll also be paying a fuel surcharge for flying... I hate to think we'll be restricted to sailing from the West Coast for the remainder of our days . . .
Are the liquor 6 packs boxes considered an extra piece of luggage? If so I doubt if many people are brining back any recently since it kills much of any savings you might make.
