Luggage Weight

[Elitravelor]

It has been quite a challenge to keep our suitcases at 50 lbs on the last few trips. We try to pack lightly--but it all piles up! When we went to Hawaii, the airline clerk had us get back out of line and re-pack our suitcases to even out the load or we would have been charged for 2 bags over. We are always so close but our luggage it self weighs 10-13 lbs.

Does anyone know of any light weight luggage that holds up on trips? We take 4 suitcases for the family. I hate to buy new luggage but I hate the stress of the big weigh in at the airport! I thinking of sending it Federal Express but DH thinks that is just crazy!

Anyone have the same trouble? Any ideas--other than just tell the girls to pack less!

 

[frannn]

It was great when Jetblue's luggage weight limits were about 70 lbs/bag. I use space bags, so I can stuff a ton of clothes into one large piece of luggage. This year, the Jetblue weight limit is 50 lbs, so I'm going to have to pare down. Each year, I try to take either less or lighter stuff. We use a few very large duffels (these are the size of larger luggage, but much lighter), so the weight of the bags themselves aren't such a big factor. I pack cotton tees and shorts to sleep in, that could double as extra outfits during our stay if I need them. I was trying to pack less "in case" clothes, like sweatshirts, jeans (we're going in Sept) that will really bulk up and weigh down the bags. I used to pack a pair of socks for each day, but then I realized that I'd be wearing my sandals a good amount of the time. I don't take all the shoes and accessories for DD4's costumes anymore. This year, I'm going to try to plan out my daily outfits in advance, because each year I take tons of matching outfits, and we don't wear most of them. I will also try to be realistic in what I take. I have a ton of "skinny" junior tees that I love the look of, but hardly ever wear because my size 14 body (and we won't even get into the chest area) isn't really flattered by them. So, I'm going to do my best to leave those home. I just bought some Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen, which in whole is a regular sized bottle, but has a smaller travel sized bottle cut into it. It eliminates having to bring two separate ones. I think that if I do enough of this kind of paring down, I'll end up with less stuff to carry, and less that needs to be repacked & lugged back home. If I don't bring enough, it'll be an excuse to buy a souvenier!! Hope some of my rambling response helped in some way....

 

[Elitravelor]

Thanks for your ideas! Yes, I am thinking strongly about duffel bags. I promise myself each trip that I will not over pack--but I do. We have not been to Disney in 4 years and a lot has changed with the kids. No more costumes and extra clothes for spilling accidents etc. Now we just need extra outfits to look gooood.DD is almost 12 and although she plays every sport there is, she has to wear just the right outfit too . You never know who you might see.

I am right there with you in bringing favorite stuff and end up wearing what is more comftable--aka--fits Especially by the end of eating all week!

I am just going to make piles for each day and not let anyone add extra! Besides, we are going in August and all the clothes should be little and light.

 

[pooch]

we usually go for 10 days and I only allow 5 days worth of clothes per person. Then I take a "pool break" and do some laundry. Yes, I know, that's a dreaded word on vacation but I do it anyway. The laundry room is always close to the pool (and the pool bar!) and it forces me to relax for an hour or two. It also cuts way back on the clothes you need. Besides don't we all wear our favorite outfits first? This way, you can wear them twice!!!

 

[Elitravelor]

Yes--the dreaded Laundry! We are only going for 8 days this time-(which is making me nervous since we went for 10 the last two times.) but I can consider laundry--especially to bribe people into taking less. Not to mention me!

I am still going to hunt out some lighter luggage. I saw a piece at Marshall's that had a tag that said " Lighter Luggage " . Next summer we are doing Europe for over two weeks --can you imagine the clothes!

 

[disneynutz]

I think that most airlines have set the 50 lb. limit. I read somewhere that charging for the now over weight bags has added millions of dollars to the airlines coffers.

 

[Elitravelor]

I am sure they are pulling in some good money. We sweat it out as the number appears--usually at about 47-49! DH just looks at me and gives me the oh so lucky look! I now check the kids' suitcases like a detective--DS once packed his sub-woofer so his music would be good for Maui . We discovered this in the repacking of the bags in the terminal after his bag was way over! With snorkel gear, 14 days of clothes.... Needless to say, we shipped boxes home!

 

[ironz]

Shoes are one of the heaviest things people travel with. My hint is to wear your tennis shoes on the plane (running shoes, whatever you call them), and pack the lighter sandals, etc.

Esp. if you have several pairs of tennis shoes in the bag (for each family person), it adds up quickly!

have a great trip

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I travel a lot and I usually only take a carry-on suitcase and a large purse or backpack for trips as long as a week.

It can be done. Just remember you aren't putting on a fashion show - do you think strangers care how you look? Plan outfits which mix and match and try and take only one extra pair of shoes. You can even wear the same outfit more than once.

Doing laundry mid trip helps a lot.

If you have teens who insist that they need a lot of stuff, make them pay for the baggage charge and also make them lug their stuff themselves. Bet they'll pack lighter the next trip.

 

[Lewisc]

Shoes, books, magazine and health/beauty aids are heavy. Don't take more HBA then you need and either purchase smaller bottles or transfer your stuff. Consider taking fewer shoes or packing your extra shoes in your carry on bag.

Newer bags are lighter the newer Kirkland (COSTCO) bags weigh about 1/3 less.

Wheels, and the required frame, add weight. Consider backing a collapsible duffel bag. Going home put your dirty laundry in the bag, leaving room in your main bag for souvenirs.

 

[Elitravelor]

Nice ideas. DH will really love the "you go over, you pay! " It always works with shopping--you can get it as long as you use your money!
( usually goes back on the shelf )

The funny thing is--haven't you run into people that you know at Disney? The last two trips at the Poly and the BC, we ran into people from out little town and my BIL's sister! But you are right, we are there to have fun and not get dressed up! Hey, our new crocs won't weigh much.