interviews + checked bags

[mtlve]

Are most schools booking flights with airlines that allow you to check bags for free now?

If they do not, are most people paying for checked bags out of pocket or are schools reimbursing?

[bamafan]

I've been told not to check bags as they are not reimbursed. It depends on the school, check with them to ask.

 

Edit: For UCLA, I booked my own flight so I went Southwest. Aw yea!

Edited January 19, 2013 by bamafan

[dendy]

One of the flight itineraries booked for me by a school specifically said I could check up to 2 bags (not sure if the school paid in advance or would be billed later). Not sure why you would need a checked bag for a trip less than a week long though...

[scienceowl]

Some schools will re-imburse for checked bags, some won't. I would look through the instructions to see if they state this specifically. If they don't say anything, I would assume you won't get re-imbursed for checked bags.

Also I agree, Southwest is awesome!

[TakeruK]

Just before going on school visits, I invested in a decent carry-on sized bag (didn't have one before other than a backpack) for about $50 (we took advantage of a sale). At $25/checked bag, it's definitely paid for itself! It's also super convenient to be able to get off the plane and just walk out -- no more dreaded conveyor belt waits.

 

However, I don't understand why you would assume schools won't reimburse for checked bags unless they specifically said otherwise (or specifically said they would reimburse for airfare only). You probably won't need to check a bag for a 2-3 day visit but if you feel the need to for your own convenience, it's worth asking. In my experience, the school should reimburse everything (up to whatever dollar limit they might have) including taxi fare from your home to the airport, meals while traveling (if you're traveling long enough), etc. The only thing that has been a gray line are things specifically forbidden for reimbursement due to funding laws, e.g. alcohol and gratuities (although if you have a per diem allowance, then this is not as much a problem anymore). 

 

I mean, for the purposes of avoiding unexpected costs to yourself, you shouldn't assume that you'll get that money back, but I would expect that the school would be reimbursing for checked bags (and would ask for it if needed). 

[epsilon]

One of the flight itineraries booked for me by a school specifically said I could check up to 2 bags (not sure if the school paid in advance or would be billed later). Not sure why you would need a checked bag for a trip less than a week long though...

im assuming you have to check suits?

[Erbbie3]

im assuming you have to check suits?

 

Most planes have a coat rack that you can ask the flight attendants to hang your suit bag in, no problem.

[mtlve]

It looks like we can take liquids via carry ons again. I have only been doing checked bags due to this prior regulation. I hope that it does not end up being a hassle at security.

[TakeruK]

I put all my liquids in a ziploc bag at the very top of my carryon. When I get to the security line, I take the bag out and put it in one of those trays. You also need to take your laptop out and put on one of the trays too. It's much easier for them to see that your liquids are harmless if the liquids are fully visible!