I've just been informed via EasyJet's website that checked baggage may not exceed 20kg; every kg over the limit incurs a 7.50-euro surcharge. Meaning my 32kg bag (=70 pounds, the normal international limit) would get me a hefty fine of about $110. Virgin Atlantic, on the other hand, which is my connecting airline, allows two checked bags, each up to 32 kg. Grrr. I've e-mailed EasyJet explaining the exchange student situation and the restriction discrepancy, and sometimes these small airlines can make exceptions - especially since there will be a lot of passengers with no checked bags at all - so we'll see. Otherwise I'm going to have to do some major switching around and put all the light, bulky stuff (swim gear, etc.) into my suitcase and all the heavy stuff (books, etc.) into my swim bag. Because, strangely enough, your carry-on baggage has no weight restriction, as long as you can lift it into the overhead bin by yourself. So that will be my safety net. But I need to get ahold of a scale, to weigh these suckers. No Publix baggage scales on this side of the ocean... *sniff*.