First time flying -- Carry-on suggestions please

[pwdebbie]

Since I started looking at carry-ons, I've been bombarded with ads in the FB feed. Some of the carry-ons look interesting. So, I have questions.
(1) Do they weigh the carry-on or just check it for size?
(2) Has anyone tried those carry-ons that suck all the air out so you can get more in? I would think your clothes would be a wrinkled mess.
(3) Give me suggestions of what to buy.

Thank you!

 

[foodiddiedoo]

I’ve never had a carry on weighed in the US ever. I haven’t had mine measured either, however I don’t fly on discount airlines that might be a bit stricter with carry on bags. I really like my Swiss Gear bag I got at Target. Are you planning on trying to use this bag for an extended period or just for extra space and checking a bag?

 

[fla4fun]

Since I started looking at carry-ons, I've been bombarded with ads in the FB feed. Some of the carry-ons look interesting. So, I have questions.
(1) Do they weigh the carry-on or just check it for size?
(2) Has anyone tried those carry-ons that suck all the air out so you can get more in? I would think your clothes would be a wrinkled mess.
(3) Give me suggestions of what to buy.

Thank you!

Make sure you check the size for every airline you are considering as they may not all have the same dimensions. International carryon maximums are typically smaller than domestic US dimensions as well. Get a bag that matches the smallest carry on limit and you will be good for all your choices.

I have not had a carryon weighed, just put in the sizer, but they have the right to do it so I wouldn’t overload the bags if it were me, unless you are willing to buy a bag and repack at the airport.

I have used the bags you can squeeze the air out of so you can pack more items. They worked great and gave me a place to put dirty laundry when repacking to return home. I packed a travel size of wrinkle releaser in my liquids bag and used that when I unpacked upon arrival. I didn’t have a lot of wrinkles as I packed items that did not wrinkle easily. You can also hang items in the bathroom while taking a steamy bath or shower to release wrinkles if necessary.

Personally, I like a carryon with one large compartment and one exterior pocket as opposed to a bag with a lot of small spaces that touts itself as an organizer. The little pockets and spaces inside are usually sized wrong for my items and it’s simpler for me to fill all the available space in a one compartment bag. It’s a personal decision, kind of like a woman and her handbag, so you have to think about what you want and then go out and look at some in person, even if you plan to buy online later. With Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other retailers having big sales next week, it’s a good time to go shopping for luggage.

 

[Best Aunt]

A few things to keep in mind:

My understanding is that the flight attendants are not supposed to physically lift your bag into the overhead compartment for you. My guess is that this is in their contract so that they do not get injured. Even if I'm wrong, they are not always in your immediate area when you are trying to put your bag in the overhead compartment. So in terms of how heavy the bag is, will you be able to lift it up yourself? If not, you may be relying on the kindness of strangers.

Depending on the type of fare you book, you might have to gate check your bag. When you are sitting at the gate, the person at the desk often asks for volunteers to check their carry-on bag. If people don't volunteer, and you are going to be part of the last group to board, they might require you to do this. (The fare you booked might determine the order in which you board the plane.) Theoretically it's because they are going to run out of space in the overhead bins, but people frequently post that after this happens they get on the plane and there is lots of overhead bin space. Anyway, think about whether the bag you choose will be sturdy enough to survive being checked.

People sometimes put something on the bag they are going to check, to make it easier to identify when it comes off the conveyor belt after landing. People sometimes use ribbons or a piece of colorful tape. I do the same thing on my carry-on bag. When you go through security, your bag goes through the x-ray machine on a conveyor belt. You have to go walk through a machine. If my bag gets through before I do, I don't want someone accidentally grabbing it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

How long are you traveling for? Have you already booked your ticket? Is this the first of many flights or more of a one off experience? Are you aware of the rules around liquids?

I have traveled with cheap suitcases, expensive suitcases, hard sided, soft sided, backpacks, duffels, etc.

If this is a one time experience I’d try to borrow something from a friend. No need to invest in something nicer. This is what we do with my father in law when he travels (after he showed up at the airport once carrying everything in a Target grocery bag).

My current carry on is a Monos - i think it’s called the bigger carry on? I like it a lot but it’s totally overkill if you aren’t going to travel a lot. My kids have less expensive expandable hard sided carryons that came in a set and so far they haven’t destroyed them. I wouldn’t go super cheap because the last thing you want is for your suitcase to fall apart mid trip.

When I travel in Europe (especially for weekend trips) I personally prefer a backpack, because most “European” sized hard sided suitcases are the size of a toddler suitcase here in America.

I have seen bags weighed overseas but not in America. United doesn’t really check bag sizes in my experience but it is my understanding that the discounters may.

Also pay attention to the size of your personal item. Airlines have been cracking down on those as well.

Finally, my favorite travel tip is to use packing cubes. I didn’t for years but now I swear by them. It makes life SO MUCH EASIER.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Lewisc]

Are you looking for a carryon bin bag? or Are you looking for a personal item which goes under the seat in front of you? Will you also be checking a bag? How long is your trip? What airlines?

PP are right. International airlines have smaller size limits and are more likely to measure and weigh.

Edited to add Airline size limits for carryon bags INCLUDE wheels and handles. Luggage manufacturers frequently exclude wheels and handles from listed measurements. Carefully read, use a tape measurement or make an allowance.

 

[sponica]

Since I usually check luggage, my carryon is a backpack (or my old diaper bag) and then I stick my purse into a canvas tote bag that holds my tablet/crossword puzzle book/whatever book I'm reading and keep those under the seat. My carryon carries prescriptions/charging cables/extra clothes

 

[EACarlson]

Since I started looking at carry-ons, I've been bombarded with ads in the FB feed. Some of the carry-ons look interesting. So, I have questions.
(1) Do they weigh the carry-on or just check it for size?
(2) Has anyone tried those carry-ons that suck all the air out so you can get more in? I would think your clothes would be a wrinkled mess.
(3) Give me suggestions of what to buy.

Thank you!

1. Only size and only if grossly oversized or on an Ultra Low Cost Carrier, in the US. Other continents it's a completely different experience.
2. Never heard of them, but a carryon that did that would be asking for trouble. I've seen the bags, I've used them, but it's often difficult to get them to fit in on the trip home anywhere near as nice as it did on the way there.
3. I have two carry ons that I use and just bought what might end up being a third. All from Samsonite and what used to be called eBags. https://shop.samsonite.com/luggage-...59XXXX_color=1542591041&cgid=luggage-carry-on is my wife's bag, I had bought the large checked size one and she said she would love one in a carryon size. My bag is a CTS Spinner that is not being made anymore, it's a hard sided carryon that has worked quite well for me for the last couple of years. And my new bag that is on the way. It's a MotherLode backpack, https://shop.samsonite.com/backpack...?dwvar_154257XXXX_color=1542571041&quantity=1 I ordered it to use as a personal item, but it may be just too big to fit that roll and may be better suited as a carryon.

 

[Mle8308]

1. Only size and only if grossly oversized or on an Ultra Low Cost Carrier, in the US. Other continents it's a completely different experience.
2. Never heard of them, but a carryon that did that would be asking for trouble. I've seen the bags, I've used them, but it's often difficult to get them to fit in on the trip home anywhere near as nice as it did on the way there.
3. I have two carry ons that I use and just bought what might end up being a third. All from Samsonite and what used to be called eBags. https://shop.samsonite.com/luggage-...59XXXX_color=1542591041&cgid=luggage-carry-on is my wife's bag, I had bought the large checked size one and she said she would love one in a carryon size. My bag is a CTS Spinner that is not being made anymore, it's a hard sided carryon that has worked quite well for me for the last couple of years. And my new bag that is on the way. It's a MotherLode backpack, https://shop.samsonite.com/backpack...?dwvar_154257XXXX_color=1542571041&quantity=1 I ordered it to use as a personal item, but it may be just too big to fit that roll and may be better suited as a carryon.

I just bought the Mother Lode backpack, I exchanged it for the junior. I want to use it as a personal item and the regular Mother Lode will probably be too large to squeeze under a seat. I'll be able to do it with the junior version, it's not much smaller but enough so I will be able to fit it under the seat. I'll be testing it in 2 weeks (I'm checking a bag on this trip so no carry on, if the backpack doesn't fit under the seat I'll put it in the overhead). It's a great bag - I'm finally going to try and travel without checking a bag, I'm tired of fees for everything! I figure the cost of the bag will pay for itself after 2 trips. Right now, they are on sale for 30% off and free shipping. However, I did discover if you add it to your cart and leave it there, they will send you a 15% off coupon code. You can't combine the 2 offers, but it's a better deal to use the 15% off. I am also a fan of packing cubes and I found a set on Amazon that are vacuum sealed travel bags that come with a small rechargeable pump. We shall see!

 

[_19disnA]

I believe they do not weigh carry-ons..........where would they do that since they aren't going to have scales at every gate? Airlines do have limitations on the size/dimensions of carry-ons and have seen where they do have a container looking device at the gate if there is an issue. Rules on carry-ons vary by airline so be sure to check the airline website you typically fly if buying something new. Available overhead storage is limited on smaller aircraft, so that can also be a consideration when buying a new item. Also be sure to look at the TSA website since there are restrictions on what types of things you can carry on an aircraft, particularly if you don't plan to have any checked luggage. There are size limitations for thinks like shampoo/lotions for carryon bags that don't apply to checked luggage. I also seem to recall some recent rule changes regarding lithium batteries. Some things permitted in checked luggage are not permitted on the aircraft for safety/security reasons.

Personally, I rather check my luggage instead of dragging it through the airport. I think some people want to avoid the checked baggage fees by bringing it onto the aircraft. My personal item mostly has things I will actually use during the flight (i.e. snacks/beverage/reading materials/etc.). The compressible ones you see on TV probably don't hold any more than other types of luggage and it is just a marketing gimmick.

If you are new to flying, I find that most people seem to have black luggage, so I would either avoid that color or place a colorful ribbon/sticker on it for easier identification on any checked luggage as someone else mentioned. Some people just grab the first black bag that shows up at baggage claim and seem clueless to the fact they aren't the only ones with that color of luggage. Have seem that happen quite a bit.

 

[EACarlson]

If you are new to flying, I find that most people seem to have black luggage, so I would either avoid that color or place a colorful ribbon/sticker on it for easier identification on any checked luggage as someone else mentioned. Some people just grab the first black bag that shows up at baggage claim and seem clueless to the fact they aren't the only ones with that color of luggage. Have seem that happen quite a bit.

I've taken to putting luggage covers on my plain colored checked bags. I've got something like this https://www.amazon.com/Dremagia-Ant...x=dinosaur+luggage+cover,aps,192&sr=8-60&th=1 but with a dinosaur that I bought for my son years ago. Makes it very obvious and gets a good laugh when I roll it into a business conference.

 

[Lewisc]

I believe they do not weigh carry-ons..........

PP already made the point, carryon luggage in the United States isn't weighed. Airlines in Europe do weigh carryon luggage, not all the time.

 

[comicguy]

I usually just use a standard back pack that has a mesh bottle holder and a couple of out side pockets.

My carry on usually has Passport/ID, Meds, 1 change of clothes, chargers for whatever electronics I may have (phone/tablet/etc..) and a few snacks, small notepad and pen. Over the years I have been working to travel a bit lighter.

I did a 4 day solo trip last July to WDW with a carry on only (with my extra pair of sneakers and 4 days worth of clothes included) my backpack was full/tight but still doable!

Checked luggage is another story It holds whatever else I may need for the trip (clothes, extra sneakers, swimwear, etc..)

 

[pwdebbie]

Are you planning on trying to use this bag for an extended period or just for extra space and checking a bag?

I was hoping to avoid checking a bag. Trip is nine nights. I figured I'll be doing laundry.

 

[pwdebbie]

How long are you traveling for? Have you already booked your ticket? Is this the first of many flights or more of a one off experience? Are you aware of the rules around liquids?

Nine nights at at WDW, with my son and his family. I'm planning the trip and he said he'd take care of the plane tickets. I always drive (and recently took AutoTrain back twice) and it is so much simpler. Son wants to fly. He hasn't gotten tickets yet. Since my husband died, I have wanted to travel, my passport paperwork is on the kitchen table waiting to be filled out. I know nothing about the rules. Lots to learn.

 

[pwdebbie]

Are you looking for a carryon bin bag? or Are you looking for a personal item which goes under the seat in front of you? Will you also be checking a bag? How long is your trip? What airlines?

I was thinking a bin bag and a back pack. Does that work? I was hoping to avoid a checked bag. I am so uninformed on airline travel. We'll be there nine nights. Don't have tickets yet.

 

[pwdebbie]

If you are new to flying, I find that most people seem to have black luggage, so I would either avoid that color or place a colorful ribbon/sticker on it for easier identification on any checked luggage as someone else mentioned. Some people just grab the first black bag that shows up at baggage claim and seem clueless to the fact they aren't the only ones with that color of luggage. Have seem that happen quite a bit.

My daughter bought luggage for me at Christmas. It is orange, very bright orange.

 

[Shellyred8]

My recent travel tip is that I bought some 2-gallon sized ziploc bags. I put some of my clothes in those and then roll them up to press out as much air as possible and then seal them up. That helps a little bit with space.

I have a relatively inexpensive Samsonite hard sided carry on that I use. It's worked out fairly well so far.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I was thinking a bin bag and a back pack. Does that work? I was hoping to avoid a checked bag. I am so uninformed on airline travel. We'll be there nine nights. Don't have tickets yet.

A bin bag (rolling suitcase to be stored overhead) and a backpack under the seat in front of you is just fine.

The biggest thing you need to pay attention to is the rules about liquids. Airports used to be a lot more strict about certain things, but the keys to remember are
1. Everything must be 100ml or less (3.2? 3.3? oz)
2. Put your liquids (which includes pastes and gels) into a clear 1 quart ziplock bag that is accessible in case you need to take it out to go through security (some will make you, others no).

If you have more liquids than will fit into 1 bag it’s best to have 1 go through with your carry on and the other with your backpack. Technically the rule is 1 bag/person but it isn’t really enforced anymore.

You can bring an empty water bottle through but not a full one.

Remember that when it comes to liquids it’s the size of the container that matters, not the contents. In other words a half empty tube of toothpaste won’t cut it. But a fully empty bottle is fine.

For nine nights though you may want to reconsider not checking a bag. I’m not saying it isn’t possible to squeeze everything into 1, but you’re probably going to be a lot happier if you have access to more stuff.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Nine nights at at WDW, with my son and his family. I'm planning the trip and he said he'd take care of the plane tickets. I always drive (and recently took AutoTrain back twice) and it is so much simpler. Son wants to fly. He hasn't gotten tickets yet. Since my husband died, I have wanted to travel, my passport paperwork is on the kitchen table waiting to be filled out. I know nothing about the rules. Lots to learn.

It is only simpler because that's what you're accustomed to. Depending where you live, flying might be life-altering for you, saying "Wow, that was so quick; I'm never driving again!" That is what dh said when we were first dating and I surprised him with a trip to Orlando for his birthday. He had already done the 20+ hour drive with our friends, several times before we were dating. He was shocked that we took off, they served breakfast (which most airlines no longer do) and then it was time to land. We haven't driven since. I'd fly just to get to the airport if I could.
We live in South Jersey and in the time it takes to drive to the AutoTrain, we'd already have landed in Orlando.

You will notice that you arrive much less tired and will have 2 additional days at your vacation destination.

Enjoy!