Yesterday I received a box in the mail. Usually that's like Christmas for me, but I knew what was in this box. You see, in my attempt to outsmart the airlines and their stupid checked baggage fees I had mailed my cowboy hats and dirty laundry. Yup! dirty laundry.
I resent having to pay $20 for each bag for each way when I fly. I so resent it that I managed to pack all my clothes, laptop and cameras into one carry on and purse for my trip. I knew that I'd pick up some souveniers, but had not counted on my new boots and hats taking up so much room. Poor planning really.
So one the last day of my trip, while doing errands, we stopped by the post office and I mailed post cards and a box. I knew the straw hats would be crushed in my carry on, so I put them (yes two) in a box, using my stinky dirty clothes to cushion them and keep them from getting crushed on their way to my office. I'm sure I was the talk of the town the next day.
"Did you hear about K's daughter? She mailed her dirty laundry home! You should have seen that wild red polka dot bra. It was like something out of a porno movie."
I also gave the clerk a mental work out figuring out postage to 3 different countries. I actually had to explain that the UK is England or United Kingdom. I don't doubt that the people there go traveling, but I'd guess from the length of time it took to get it all mailed that they don't mail things out of country very often.
So what did my fee dodging save me? Well, if I'd only checked in a bag coming home it would have cost me $20. My postage for the box was just under $14. So I had a total net savings of $6, which in airports isn't even the price of a cheap meal. But I saved having to lug and extra bag and the eternal waiting at the baggage claim. Which in Uni time, is priceless. :)
