Flying to your destination this winter? Beware! Airlines are starting to clamp down on luggage size and weight, according to the Travel Goods Association, an alliance of luggage manufacturers.

Although charges have always existed for oversized luggage, the airline industry has started to aggressively levy these fees. The penalty charges vary by airline, but they can be as much as $270 USD.

Most airlines charge for luggage that exceeds 70 pounds (32 kg) and/or 62 linear inches (158 cm). To get the linear size of your luggage, simply measure the length, width and height and add them together.

Check with your airline directly to get more information about oversized luggage charges.

DRIVE NOW, TALK LATER!

Talking on a cellular phone while driving may be as dangerous ­ perhaps more so ­ than drinking and driving. Researchers at the British Transport Research Laboratories tested cell phone users in a driving simulator. They found that reaction time for the cell phone users was 30% slower than for drunk drivers and 50% slower than for sober drivers. Cell phones may be particularly intrusive because they present four types of distractions ­ visual, auditory, mental and physical.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Letter

YET ANOTHER PHONE SCAM

We've already told our members to be aware of people calling to tell you that you've won a prize and giving a phoney number for you to call to collect. The RCMP is warning consumers about a new group that preys on your concern for your friends and family.

Here's how it works...you'll get a message telling you that a member of your family is ill, has died or has been arrested, and they will give you a number to call. The number they give you is a "pay-per-call" number (similar to a 1-900 number) and, because the numbers operate outside North American jurisdiction, the company owning the number is not required to warn you of any charges.

An estimated $100 million is lost every year by victims of fraudulent telemarketing scams.

If you believe that you (or someone you know) have been a victim of a phone scam within Canada, call the PhoneBusters National Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501.