Luggage - Have you changed the way you pack?

[peyjax]

So we are looking to buy new luggage. The best deals come in a set of three. However the reality is the midsize luggage seems like a waste. I now think everyone in my family needs a carryon size and we need one big one. With the ridiculous fees they are charging for baggage we are trying to figure out had to get the most bang for our buck. Is it worth it to pay the extra amount to buy each piece seperate in order to get 2 carryons and one large one?

Do members of your family pack differently? Is it even a feasable idea to put a weeks worth of clothes in a carryon? Do you just forget about and pay the fee?

 

[postage stamp]

That's EXACTLY how we pack for a trip. Everyone has a carry on and we have one big bag.

My carry on has one extra outfit for everyone in case the big suit case gets lost. (My husband who doesn't get to travel with us often also packs an outfit for everyone if he's with us)

My oldest daughter's carry on in toys crayons, books, etc for the trip and the hotel.

My youngest daughter has the diaper bag. (But if someone will have mercy on me and let her be potty trained soon maybe we can avoid checking luggage all together!)

And whatever doesn't fit goes in the big suitcase!

 

[Lewisc]

Is it really a good deal if you get a third suitcase, you'll never use? Stores like WalMart offer "deals" on very low quality luggage. Reviews suggest many of those bags won't even last one flight. A poster who started a recent thread discovered his newly purchased luggage (from WalMart) didn't last one trip.

COSTCO sometimes has the right sizes in a set of luggage. One bag to check, a carryon roller bag (fits in the overhead bin) and a bag that's small enough to qualify as a personal bag (fits under the seat in front of you). Even that's a waste if you have a laptop bag, briefcase or purse as your personal item.

edited to answer your question. Sometimes "ridiculous" charges for checked luggage makes possible "ridiculous" airfares. Passengers should include the cost to check luggage when evaluating airfare costs.

More expensive luggage is lighter and better made. I'm not saying you have to buy a Tumi the $50 luggage sets are junk.

 

[maxiesmom]

Just be sure that your big bag isn't really too big. I know that I bought a new, light one last year, and now I am afraid to use it. And if you do use a big one, better watch the weight!

Just this last trip I have started to roll my clothes when I pack them, and packing that way does save a bunch of space. I think too that when we fly in a few weeks we will have a checked bag for each person. That way we will still have room for some souvineers.

 

[bavaria]

I foresee the US carriers changing their carry on limits in 2010 or beyond, perhaps not to be in line with the rest of the world, but to limit some of those sizes currently in use. I also foresee changes to check luggage limits; there have already been changes on some carriers in recent past to both carry on and checked limits and fees.

A 22 inch wheeled suitcase often does not fit in the overhead bins, including larger aircraft such as 767s, especially if filled.

I would not purchase luggage based on current situation unless you don't plan to fly much and don't plan to fly internationally. Or plan to buy something at a low price with low expecations for longevity, or be flexible.

My limits would be 20 inches for a carry on and 25 inches for a checked piece of luggage, based on current international standards and the changes I foresee coming in the US.

 

[peyjax]

most of the airlines I looked up had a 45 inch limit. I was looking at a 20 inch because the 17 inch is just too small. My fear is just that, to buy luggage based on the current situation. Do you think a 29 inch bag would not be a wise choice? I have seen your posts before and know you travel a lot. We do like to travel and seem to go at least once or twice a year.

I foresee the US carriers changing their carry on limits in 2010 or beyond, perhaps not to be in line with the rest of the world, but to limit some of those sizes currently in use. I also foresee changes to check luggage limits; there have already been changes on some carriers in recent past to both carry on and checked limits and fees.

A 22 inch wheeled suitcase often does not fit in the overhead bins, including larger aircraft such as 767s, especially if filled.

I would not purchase luggage based on current situation unless you don't plan to fly much and don't plan to fly internationally. Or plan to buy something at a low price with low expecations for longevity, or be flexible.

My limits would be 20 inches for a carry on and 25 inches for a checked piece of luggage, based on current international standards and the changes I foresee coming in the US.

 

[bavaria]

29 inches is already far too big. Most 'cheaper' bags that size weigh at least 15lbs empty, and you will easily exceed the 50lb limit if you pack that size.

A 25 inch will be easier to fill within the 50lb limit.

More and more US carriers are forcing customers to gate check luggage often at a fee because the bins are getting too full. Boarding takes too long, resulting in longer turn times and higher costs.

The next step will be for US carriers to limit sizes and enforce them like they do in the rest of the world. While I don't expect to see an immediate shift to 7kg limits I do see far more enforcement, and those 22 inch bags are simply too big when full.

I use a 22 inch as my checked luggage most of the time, with a 25 inch usually for trips of 4-6 weeks or longer. I usually pack a foldable duffel for overflow or if I am going to be over the weight limit due to the heavy work items I pack.

For carry on I use a Longchamp flight bag which is very small, very light, and allows me to remain under the international weight limit for carry on while still carrying my laptop(s), electronics, etc. My handbag is either a Longchamp le Pliage or a French Jump brand handbag, either of which easily fit under the seat (my flight bag could fit as well along with my handbag)

I cannot stand to have a 22 inch rollaboard as a carry on, although I do that about twice a year in America. It is a hassle to drag through the airport, use restrooms, etc. And in America you don't usually have carts for carry on luggage, so add children, or less mobile people, and it becomes a real pain. That is one reason why I suspect so many hear fear connecting flights - they are overloaded with carry on luggage.

 

[Lewisc]

The PP is being a little conservative. Most 21" roller bags qualify as a carryon bag, for the airlines DIS fly. Likewise a 28" or 29" inch bag generally complies with the 62" standard. It's very easy for a large bag, packed full to be overweight. I'd go with a 26" or 27" bag. Unzip the expansion zipper to comply with current limits. Keep it zipped if the OP is correct and the maximum size for a checked bag is reduced.

Foreign airlines, such as Ryan Air, have lower limits then most of the US airlines.

It makes a lot more sense to buy a somewhat expensive 26" or 27" inch bag then a set. You want a light bag. Some of the older bags weigh almost 20lbs empty.

 

[bavaria]

It is not just the LCC's and not just Europe. It is the mainline carriers like LH, LX, AC, etc. Last week I saw some Canadian travellers pitch a fit because their 22 inch roller bags were declined at CDG because they were too heavy. That is checked bag size.

I do expect a change to come; two years ago people here regularly scoffed at me when I predicted changes in baggage limits/allowances on US carriers. Look at what has changed since 2007 in America, and don't expect that today's standards will remain the norm.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Do you prefer one airline over another? If not, and if you have the option to fly Southwest, I would fly with them. They don't have any baggage fees (unless your bag exceeds the weight limit) for the first 2 checked bags. DW and I fly SW and we each usually take the large bag and medium sized bag. Since we have to check in the big bag anyways, we figured why not check in the mid size bag as well.

Now I'm sure I would be thinking like you if we were to fly on an airline other than SW. Then we would probably pack like you. Use the big bag for our bigger clothes and utilize the carry-on for smaller stuff like socks and underwear.

 

[bavaria]

www.ebags.com is a good place to start researching luggage in America. It lists sizes and weight and reviews. Cheaper luggage tends to fail/be less comfortable in regards to wheels, handles, lack of grab handles, telescopic handles, zippers, etc. Better luggage will come with a warranty, and while few companies will reimburse for just normal wear and tear, better luggage companies will stand behind their product and will repair or replace luggage in many instances.

Buying online however is not something I recommend however until you can try the piece 'in person'. For me that means approaching strangers at baggage claim, testing colleagues luggage, or trying out in store. The handle has to be at the right height for my size, the wheels have to spin freely, there has to be the correct placement of grab handles, pockets and zippers have to be functional and well placed.

If you only want a bag for once every two years or so, or for driving, then it isn't as critical to consider those items. But if you are looking for something which will last more than a flight or two (I still don't understand that Walmart thread and the luggage, but it was apparently very poor construction) then do some research. You can find closeouts on luggage at discount stores and department stores, and usually buying a set is not the best option.

If you do purchase from ebags.com there are many discount codes online, and they have a frequent purchase bonus. I recently replaced my packable duffel for less than $2 due to the bonus, and found an excellent quality one on clearance.

 

[Tara]

My handbag is either a Longchamp le Pliage or a French Jump brand handbag, either of which easily fit under the seat (my flight bag could fit as well along with my handbag)

I knew I liked you for a good reason! I currently have my pink le Pliage on the floor next to my desk and one of my browser tabs is open to Nordstrom.com to this page. I just can't decide on a color.

(Also, my le Pliage bag went a long way toward helping me blend in and even be mistaken for a Parisian in Paris this spring.)

I cannot stand to have a 22 inch rollaboard as a carry on, although I do that about twice a year in America. It is a hassle to drag through the airport, use restrooms, etc.

I really wish they'd start limiting bags to 20 inches anyway to reduce the number of bags that aren't able to go in wheels-first/out.

And in America you don't usually have carts for carry on luggage, so add children, or less mobile people, and it becomes a real pain. That is one reason why I suspect so many hear fear connecting flights - they are overloaded with carry on luggage.

I think you are on to something there. And yes, I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE for more airports to have cars like they do in Europe. I know so many complain about CDG, but that was my first real experience with carts like that, so it holds a special place in my heart.

 

[bavaria]

I knew I liked you for a good reason! I currently have my pink le Pliage on the floor next to my desk and one of my browser tabs is open to Nordstrom.com to this page. I just can't decide on a color

I have pretty much every version of purple/plum/lavender/fig that Longchamp creates in various sizes and styles, and they are smart enough to do a different variation of that colour almost every season to lure me in. I bought a large size lavender a few weeks ago. And of course the end of season sales in Paris make it easier for me to buy at those prices.

My fig le Pliage 'shopper' is actually starting to get a little worn at the corners, but it has been all around the world many times and does get stuffed as it IS my shopping bag for groceries, etc.

The Jump bag gets more beautiful with age.

I bought the flight bag in honour of bumbershoot, and it was the best purchase I made on a travel product in years. The finishings are so well made that it is comfortable to carry by hand or over the body, and it is 'bigger on the inside than on the outside'.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWOT-Longchamp-...in_0?hash=item2c510c4181&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[uva185]

If you think $25 per bag is ridiculous you definitely don't want to get a very large suitcase. Try going over the weight limit and see what fee they come up with.

 

[kaytieeldr]

29 inches is already far too big. Most 'cheaper' bags that size weigh at least 15lbs empty, and you will easily exceed the 50lb limit if you pack that size.

A 25 inch will be easier to fill within the 50lb limit.

Agreed. I have a set with a 24"-25" bag that I use all the time, and a 28" bag that still has the store tags on it.

 

[rewok]

Like some PP, I would shy away from a large 29”, which could easily be overweight, since you can stuff it so much, and even be oversize if you “expand” it. Personally, I have a 24” bag, which for me is more than enough, unless maybe I’d travel to Siberia for 2 weeks! With that size, ff you buy something light, going overweight would be pretty impossible with "normal" stuff. I also have a matching 17” carry-on (one for both of us) that I use mostly for Disney, since I have to spend a complete day without my bags (due to ME & RAC). But otherwise, I mostly go with the backpack because it's easy to carry around at the airport. You also have to think about how you'll brings all those large bags to/from your home & destination in your car! 4 adults, 4 24" suitcases, and 4 small carry-ons fit VERY tight in a compact car...

 

[NotUrsula]

I have an expandable 27" that we use for family travel, plus 2 20" that DH and I use for business. (All purchased at TJMaxx, btw.)
We also normally take one of the 20's on family trips if we are taking lots of electronics.

Packed fully expanded (which makes it 60" total), the 27" invariably comes in at between 46 and 48.6 lbs. It's duffel-shaped, and makes more of a long cube shape when expanded than a normal pullman does -- I like it because the narrower profile rolls through subway turnstiles. I can lift and handle it myself when I travel alone -- a must, IMO, because lots of European train stations and hotels still require climbing stairs.

Bring a flexible tape measure with you when you shop. I wheel them over to the bath aisle to weigh it empty, then I put a bunch of towels in it to fill it completely before I measure it. Measure carefully; the labels are often misleading, because they either don't account for the outer pockets, or they may have measured between the wheels. (Naturally, I do put the towels back exactly the way that I found them!)

We DO use compression bags when packing in winter, but we don't ever pack jeans. In our household, denim is only allowed to be taken on trips if you wear it on the plane. For travel, we use fleece tops, and lighter weight trousers coupled with silk long underwear when outdoors in colder climates.

 

[Missytara]

Also watch the height. I am exactly five feet tall. I was able to go to the store and try out the 26" expandable and the 30" expandable. I couldn't open up the handle all the way on the 30" because it was so tall.

 

[bavaria]

You also have to think about how you'll brings all those large bags to/from your home & destination in your car! 4 adults, 4 24" suitcases, and 4 small carry-ons fit VERY tight in a compact car...

Excellent point. And don't count on always having 'someone' ie a husband, or porter, or bell person, or bus driver, to lift that luggage. You may find yourself having to pull it off the luggage belt, or put it in the trunk of the car.

I ensure that anything I pack can be lifted and manouevered with one hand as I cannot and do not expect any assistance from anyone else.

In our household, denim is only allowed to be taken on trips if you wear it on the plane.

I won't wear denim on aircraft/during plane travel, but I have dark denim trousers which are fashion forward and lightweight, and which have been around the world many times. I suppose if we are talking about heavy work wear type denim it would apply, but there is a lot of fashionable denim around that isn't heavier than anything else. I know; I bought my favourite pair at an American shop. Denim trousers can be more light weight and more fashion forward than many heavier items.

Something like this is perfectly acceptable in most of western Europe and doesn't weigh much http://www1.talbots.com/online/brow...y=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=

 

[bavaria]

Also watch the height. I am exactly five feet tall. I was able to go to the store and try out the 26" expandable and the 30" expandable. I couldn't open up the handle all the way on the 30" because it was so tall.

Another good point! It works in reverse for us tall people too. Good luggage will actually have a handle which has two positions, to try and cover a wider range of heights. I use the shorter height if I am walking with my spinner next to me, and the longer height if it is behind me.

Also consider what is going on top of your luggage. The flight bag I linked earlier is a perfect fit on top of my suitcase ie it doesn't fall to one side or the other, or off the bag. Same with my laptop case. But quite often I see people struggling to keep the smaller bag perched on top of the larger bag. That can be very uncomfortable, even if you are just trying to get down a long hallway in a hotel.