I am hoping someone can help with this.
We are flying from JFK to Madrid and arrive in Madrid January 8th at 8am. I have a medical problem that I have to carry with me medical supplies. We will have 5 carry-on bags of just medical supplies, Plus we will have 2 bags for me and my husband. 2 of our adult kids will also be with us.
(In the US Medical supplies fly free and I can take them on as carry-ons so they don’t freeze in a checked bag or lost)
We have called twice to Iberia airlines to inquire what their requirements are for that much luggage and medical supplies. THey told us we couldn’t carry that much and would have to pay a lot more. We would have to get our luggage and go through their security. I’m not sure how that would go.
So then we decided to take the train to Seville. We called today and only can have 3 bags.
Are last option is to rent a car and drive to Seville.
If anyone has ideas on this I would greatly appreciate. Or even find better customer service for Iberia or Renfe than we used. It sounded like they had a script and just repeated the same thing.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
758 posts
If I am reading correctly RENFE allows 3 bags per person on the train. You have 4 people so you can bring 12 bags. Doesn't that cover your 5 bags of medical supplies plus the personal luggage of each family member?
Posted by
Wengen
3529 posts
Trains are not like planes. There is no check in. There are no luggage sizers. In principle on trains the rule is that all luggage is "carry on", so you can take what you can carry. You have to move and store the luggage yourself. The luggage rules exists more so that the railways has something to point at in case someone tries to take something very unusual along on a trip.
But you have to manage all that luggage yourself, so getting a rental car may in your case be the best option.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13125 posts
I’m traveling with some medical supplies (IV bags) so we do have extra luggage. ( I know I need to call Iberia airlines to check on Medical supplies). From another of OP's posts.
Any possibility what you need can be procured there and alleviate the need for so many extra bags?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13125 posts
I can take them on as carry-ons so they don’t freeze in a checked bag
Quite unlikely they would freeze in a checked bag.
https://travelpander.com/how-cold-does-luggage-get-on-a-plane/
With the number of folks who pack various sorts of liquids that cannot go in carry-on bags, and the lack of any reports of freezing should alleviate that concern.