Editor,

Times have changed.

In the not so distant past if you were planning an airline flight, it was a matter of buying a ticket, checking your luggage and going to the gate — with your family and friends to see you off.

Now, in addition to heightened security, American Airlines has announced that starting next month, passengers will be charged $15 to check one piece of luggage.

This on top of Delta, United Airlines and US Airways’ recent announcement that because of increased fuel prices, passengers will be charged $25 for checking more than one pieces of luggage.

United policy allows for checking up to four more items, but it’ll cost $100 per piece, unless they require special handling.

Then the airline may add a surcharge of $200.

The solution?

Pack lighter.

The problem with this is sometimes we’re on business travel and are required to bring along cumbersome materials.

Or we’re taking an extended vacation and need to pack a lot more than a carry-on.

And how many times have you gotten on an airplane only to discover there’s no space available in the overhead compartments.

One trick I use is to mail heavy or bulky items to the first hotel on my itinerary or to a family member or friend where I’ll be staying.

Tuck inside the package a nylon bag or duffle bag that takes up little space so you’ll be able to unpack the box and transfer everything to something easier to carry.

The Postal Service’s Large Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box, for example, measures 12 x 12 x 5.5 inches, and, no matter how much it weighs, can be shipped to any destination in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, and US territories and possessions including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the American Virgin Islands, Eastern Island and Midway Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands of Tinian, Saipan and Rota for $12.95.

Priority Mail packaging is free at your local Post Office or can be ordered online at usps.com.

Hilton Guest Assistance Specialist Lauren Arnold suggests letting your hotel know ahead of time that you’re sending a package to be held until you arrival and ask what instructions you should include on the label along with your name, and the hotel name and address.

Included in the price of Priority Mail is a tracking number which can be traced on usps.com.

Marriott Customer Care Representative Andrew Spooner says a tracking number is important when shipping packages to a hotel. “The hotels can accept and hold packages for your arrival as long as you have a reservation at the hotel,” said Spooner.

Newark, DE, Main Post Office employees, located near the University of Delaware campus, say they see an increase in students mailing books and other heavy items home at the end of a quarter.

“We’re seeing just how budget-minded students can be,” said Supervisor Kim Wallace-Burney. “They’re using the automated postal center and sending everything from book to dirty laundry back home in the flat-rate boxes.

“Students tell us the luxury of additional luggage is gone and it’s cheaper — and more convenient — to mail the packages home,” Wallace-Burney said.

Shop ‘til you drop

Sometime we start out traveling light — managing to get everything for our vacation in our carry-on luggage only to find ourselves in love with a painting in a little out-of-the way antique shop; or the victim of a fantastic clothes or shoe sale.

Never fear, the package-solution works just as well when you’re shipping your treasures back home.

The Wilmington/Brandywine Holiday Inn Select in Claymont, DE, keeps its business center stocked with Priority Mail Flat-Rate envelopes and boxes for business travelers and vacationers. “Flat Rate products take the guesswork out of shipping rates,” said Front Desk Manager Raj Thakore. The hotel also provides self-adhesive Click-N-Ship labels so that guests can print and pay for their postage online at usps.com.

Thinking about going postal?

When using Priority Mail to send a package to your vacation destination, send it a week in advance of your trip.

If you’re sending packages to a US territory or possession, ask at your local Post Office for an estimated arrival time.

For more information, check usps.com.

For a complete list of what’s appropriate for carry-on and what’s appropriate for checked luggage check the website http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm.

In some cases, you can send items that can’t be carried on an airplane by using the Postal Services’ ground transportation service.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Loeser

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania