Spacesaver bags-Samsonite

[frannn]

Just bought 20 medium & large from ebay for about 35. with shipping. Please tell me I didn't waste precious disney spending $$. I was hoping that we could use these bags to save luggage space- there's supposed to be a one way valve that pushes all the air out of your clothes in the bags and "vacuum" packs it so its all neat and small. I figured I would use ziplocs also, for small stuff. I need to fit a lot of stuff in my and DH luggage so we have room for all DD's dress up (princess dresses, shoes, wig, crown).
Does packing the stuff up this tight make it weigh more? How can I make it easy to lug baby, stroller, car seat, luggage, etc to and from the airport? TIA!

 

[ceecee]

I had some for storing blankets, etc. The one was so heavy, I couldn't lift it, ended up storing that one under the bed. The smaller ones were better, but the stuff was really wrinkled afterward, not at all like the commercial showed on the TV.

 

[tigerhoo]

I have used travel space bags for years. I get them from QVC.

It's really good for bulky items. I've packed pillows, stuffed animals and other big items and it smashes it down pretty flat.

If I overstuff the bag, the items will get wrinkled. But if you fold everything neatly and don't try to get too many items into one bag, it should come out okay.

It's also a nice way to sort and organize clothes if you're sharing a suitcase or if you have different clothing for different activities.

It also keeps your clothing protected in case any of your bottled items like shampoos, baby oil, etc. have a leak and make a big mess.

I traveled to Florida last month on American Airlines and I was surprised the weight limit on checked bags was now 50 lbs per item verses 70 lbs like before. I had jammed a lot of stuff into my suitcase and it was already over 50 lbs at the start of my trip, before I had even bought souvenirs.

Fortunately I always carry a TOTE zipup bag, and I was able to transfer some things to it and check that in so I didn't exceed the weight limit. They would have charged me $25 for each bag over the limit.

Happy packing.

 

[Colleen A.]

I got a set from BJ's. It was a 2 pack and each pack contained one jumbo, 2 large and 1 travel type smaller one - the kind you roll to get the air out. It was $24 and some odd change! I used the jumbo ones for the sleeping bags in the trailer and have put all our winter clothes in the large ones. I think I'll use them the next time we go to Disney. It will save on packing in the camper (not that I tend to overpack! ). As far as the wrinkles go, I always keep Downy wrinkle releaser on hand...works great!!

 

[disneyfan551]

I considered taking those bags, but my dh reminded me about how we would pack them back up when it was time to leave! Also, you don't have to have the specialty bags! All you need is a garbage bag, put your items in, suck out the air with the vacuum, twist the top a few times, and secure it with a rubberband! It works exactly the same! And for only pennies...

 

[jilljill]

We absolutely love the travel spacesaver bags. In fact I just bought another set before my D'land Paris trip last Feb. We put each of our clothes in a bag and that way when we unpack we know who's clothes are in which bag.
That was a very good price you paid on eBay for them.

 

[pamlet]

I've used them in the past to travel to England. Personally I only found them REALLY worth the cost for bulky things like sweaters. (I was going for 2 months in the fall). I found that it didn't help that much with small things like T-shirts, and thinner fabrics.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I thought about using those or other bags in January, since for that time clothes are heavier and bulkier.
My concern was the new, lower weight limits set by the airlines for luggage.