Excess Baggage Scam

Regarding the excess baggage article by Peter Greenberg (Savvy Traveler, Jan. 28): I was almost a victim of the overseas airline scam recently. When I flew from Los Angeles to New York and on to Morocco via Iberian Airlines, for my excess baggage of 70 pounds I paid $76. On my return trip, I learned from Iberia that an overnight in Madrid would be necessary, so I elected to transfer to Royal Air Maroc. By pure chance I asked the Air Maroc agent what the charge would be for the extra 70 pounds. I was told that it would be about $500--what I paid one way from Morocco to Los Angeles. Fortunately, I had two weeks before my departure to get over the shock and have the articles sent back by parcel post for $185.

I believe it should be standard practice for travel agents as well as American airline companies to warn their customers of this nefarious practice.

DORIS LENART

Glendale