Packing Cubes?

[tecdavidt]

With the new security at the airlines I was wondering if any one out there has used packing cubes? Our last trip I used zip locks for smaller stuff but shirts won't fit. I was thinking the packing cubes might be good in case our bags were searched. Kathy

 

[nearlychildless]

I get 2 gallon ziplocks for shirts and pants.

 

[robinb]

Every single one of our bags was thoughly searched by the TSA on 12/23/02 when flying from Syracuse, NY to TPA. The American Flying Public was safe from this Wisconsin family and their pre-schooler that day! We had packing cubes that we filled with undies, socks, toiletries, etc. I also picked up a set of the Samsonite packing bags where you roll out the air. They opened the packing cubes and didn't open the packing bags. YMMV.

I liked the paking bags because I packed warmer clothes in one bag and shorts/t-shirts in another. It really made it easy for us when we were living out of our suitcases at my in-laws. I'm not sure if it helped in packing, though . I have used the Pack-It packing folders by Eagle Creek, but I tend to over-stuff them .

 

[tecdavidt]

robinb,
I bought the packing folders today by Eagle Creek. The store clerk talked me out of the cubes. I will use zip lock bags for smaller items. I can't locate the 2 gallon ziplock bags. Kathy

 

[DopeyRN]

I have never seen 2 gallon ziplocks either.

 

[GAKoch]

I found 2 gallon ziplocks (Hefty) at Wal-Mart - not the first one I checked, either.

Georgianne

 

[KaitlinsMom]

what are packing cubes? I usually just roll my clothes - RE: ziplocs, Do you put your clothes in the ziploc then roll?

Sorry - I need packing for idiots instructions -

Thanks!

Karen

 

[nearlychildless]

I find the 2 gallon ziplocks at high end grocrey stores, not the one I shop day to day. I put my thing in the bag, squeeze out as much air as possible then zip near closed and sit on the bag or roll it to get the rest of the air out and finish zipping it closed. Things are less wrinkled and easier to find and unpack.

 

[tecdavidt]

Before TSA I never put my belongings in bags then in a suitcase, I just packed in the suitcase. After TSA started inspecting luggage I read on some cruise board about using ziplock bags. So in Jan. this year that is what I did but I couldn't locate the large 2 gallon ones for large items. I also learned they prefer we travelers use clear bags to hold items such as cosmetics.

I had a conversation with my sister after we were home from the Jan. cruise. Her husband travels all the time and the last trip he had in Jan. was over to Europe. When he got back to Indiana and opened his bags he not only had his clothes but clothing from other people!!! What a surprise that would be.

So I decided maybe I ought to start putting the larger items in bags! That is why I started searching for ideas, packing cubes, packing folders, ziplock bags. I went to the site ebags for ideas. So if any person outthere has more packing suggestions. PLEASE post them. Kathy

 

[gijuju]

We use packmate bags. Big bags that you squeeze out the air. They are great and we always make sure we pack empty bags to bring pack our squishable pruchases. Try packmate.com

 

[KaitlinsMom]

OK - excuse my stupidity - but I really want to know -

what is the difference between using ziplocs and the bags you get from packmate.com? It seems like ziplocs would be more economical - would it be the sizes that you can get from packmate? Would ziplocs be a good 2nd choice?

Any info from maybe a user that has used both?

Thanks!

Karen

 

[Garretts92]

I've seen the larger variety of ziploc bags at Super Wal-Mart in the hunting and camping section in case anyone needs to know.

 

[natt]

I just want to make sure I understand the reasoning behind putting items in bags. I assume this is for when they go through the bags that your stuff will stay "put" and not get all messed up!

But doesn't that make security's job harder, don't they have to check inside each bag, or do they just "squeeze" to make sure nothing is inside? Also, what about a garment bag for hanging items, what do you do with that?

My DH thought I was wacky with the cable ties; I can just imagine his reaction if I say everything has to be in a plasic bag! Please convince/explain why I should do this. Thanks, Natt

 

[tecdavidt]

Having packed items in bags makes the TSA check easier. Back when the TSA announced "please leave luggage locks off" I read an article and in it a TSA person stated having items organized and packed in bags made their job easier. Now do they remove items from bags, I have no idea. I know their is a website somewhere out there where I read the TSA announcement and their suggestions on how to pack your bags. Besides putting items in bags or packing folders, they also suggested packing shoes on top. Another request, no fluids or food in your bags since it could set off a red flag in the x-ray machine that they now use. I wish I could remember the web site. Maybe Dave's tribute site has some info on it or do a google search for TSA? Kathy

 

[patches-4]

I THINK THE WEBSITE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS www.tsa.dot.gov THAT'S THE ONE WITH THE REGULATIONS AND NEWS ARTICLES.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I observed this weekend while traveling, they not only open the baggies and remove the items, but are using some type of swabbing system. They have round discs of some type of paper or fabric, swab the items, then insert the paper into a machine for a reading.

 

[gijuju]

The only question that is stupid is the one not asked. Packmate bags come in really big sizes. Don't tell my ex boyfriend, but size really does matter. To whom ever questioned why use bags. Simple, you squeeze out all of the air and you can pack more! It is especially nice on the return trip after you have made all of your wonderful purchases. We actually pack empty packmates and an empty foldable suitcase. Yes, you can do the same with ziplock bags, but they aren't as big or as strong.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Sounds great! - Thanks so much for the helpful info!

 

[rmbreset]

If you are intrested in either packing cubes or the samsonite space saver bags you can get them at ebags.com, they have some coupons that are great, for instance the samsonite Space Saver Bags Combo Set/3 Medium & 2 Large is 13.97, minus the 10.00 coupon thats only 3.97 !!!!! here are the coupon codes:

$10 off, no minimum with code 76788010 [Exp 3/21]

10% off and free shipping - coupon code 44436793 [Exp 4/4]

20% off - coupon code 71748921 [Exp 4/11]

$25 off $100 - coupon code 95436817 [Exp 4/11]

Buy one item, get 50% off the second - coupon code 17395835 [Exp 4/18]

Free Shipping - coupon code 3201572 [Exp 4/30]

 

[sandee]

One of my staff just returned from a trip to Las Vegas. She packed her blood pressure med. and a carton on cigarettes in her suitcase before flying home and when she unpacked, the medicine and cigarettes were gone. She said she should have known better then to pack the medicine under any circumstance, but never thought her cigarettes might disappear. (as a non smoker I wasn't heart broken to hear she'd lost them), I wonder if anyone else has felt an item disappeared during the search, or knows of anyone who has had items lost since luggage searching went into effect.