Thoughts on Carry-on luggage

[anabelle]

Well I bit the bullet and booked US Air out of Reagan in DC. We paid $245 round trip. I have never paid that much but the flight times were ideal and non-stop. Southwest was $100 higher for similar flight times.

I have never flown out of Reagan or on US air. But I know we will have to pay baggage fees. To minimize cost, I am considering carryon luggage in combo with one or two check bags between the six of us. I have researched a bit and can purchase this carry on for the price of checking bags.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15092297

I just saw Up In the Air and am convinced we can do this with minimal checked bags.

What are your opinions? We really only fly once a year. Should I just pay the checked luggage fees? Is it worth it to have to store carry-on's at home.

 

[CarolMN]

If you use the expandable feature, that bag won't fit in the overhead compartment.

Make sure any bag you plan to check doesn't weigh more than 50 lbs after it's packed or you'll pay hefty fees over and above the usual price.

We use carry on size bags similar to what is shown in your link, but we check them. One per person. Our carry ons fit under the seat and contain only things we can't or won't check (due to value). Much less stress IMO.

That said, lots of people do carry on only. If you go that route, please be careful lifting your bags in and out of the overheads, so that you don't hurt yourselves or the people sitting near you.

Be aware that the other passengers will expect you to move quickly on and off the plane - if your party can't do that because of the luggage in the overheads, consider waiting for others seated in the rows behind you to deplane first.

 

[seashoreCM]

Is it worth it to have to store carry-on's at home.

In some cases a carry on piece will fit inside a larger piece. Put the former in a large plastic bag to keep the interior of the latter cleaner.

I have done numerous trips including to Disney with one nearly maximum size carry-on.

 

[disneyag]

I always check a bag for any trip over 3 days. However, this website might help you out. www.onebag.com

 

[anabelle]

I always check a bag for any trip over 3 days. However, this website might help you out. www.onebag.com

This is a great website. Thanks

 

[thumper75]

We are only taking carry-ons (21" wheeled uprights) plus one small bag that will fit under the seat (purse for Mom, small backpack for me). My carry on won't even be full!

 

[ckdsnynt]

I always check a bag for any trip over 3 days. However, this website might help you out. www.onebag.com

where has this been all my life? Awesome site!

 

[bumbershoot]

Make sure the carryon is the right size, don't expand it, and practice putting it up above your head AND taking it back down when it's fully packed.

DH is on a business trip right now, and while waiting to deplane the other day, he got hit hard by someone's carryon. He said that the woman with the bag required the help of TWO other passengers to put her bag up in the bin. Then she didn't ask for help to get it down (which for most people is a much harder thing to do and control than hefting it up), and was surprised when it crashed to the ground and cut my husband's leg.

Make sure you guys can heft the bags and control their descent when taking them down.

 

[Lewisc]

Southwest was $100 higher for similar flight times.

I have researched a bit and can purchase this carry on for the price of checking bags.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15092297

I just saw Up In the Air and am convinced we can do this with minimal checked bags.

What are your opinions? We really only fly once a year. Should I just pay the checked luggage fees? Is it worth it to have to store carry-on's at home.

I'd include the cost to check one bag when comparing fares. US Air charges $46 R/T to check one bag, almost half your savings.

You asked about a specific bag. The bag is 46" (linear), US Air has a 45" limit for carryon bags. The bag mfg size doesn't include protrusions cause by packing. You might wind up having to pay to check the bag.

The bag is made of polyester, good bags are made of ballistic nylon. I'm not sure how long that bag will last. Poorly mfg bags, similar to the one you asked about, sometimes don't even last for one flight.

edited to add:

I might be tempted to use a (slightly) oversized bag I already own but I wouldn't purchase a new bag that's oversized by even one inch.

 

[uva185]

Just wanted to add this since you said you are flying US Airways. Their Airbus aircraft have standard size overhead bins but the 737s have small bins. So small that you cannot even come close to fitting a standard roll-a-board in wheels first, you have to turn it sideways. This means there is much less overhead room and more bags will have to be gate checked.

US Airways flies A LOT of 737s from DCA-MCO so be careful, you will not have to pay for gate checked baggage BUT do not place any valuables or items you need immediate access to in the luggage.

PS. What dates are you traveling?

 

[anabelle]

Just wanted to add this since you said you are flying US Airways. Their Airbus aircraft have standard size overhead bins but the 737s have small bins. So small that you cannot even come close to fitting a standard roll-a-board in wheels first, you have to turn it sideways. This means there is much less overhead room and more bags will have to be gate checked.

US Airways flies A LOT of 737s from DCA-MCO so be careful, you will not have to pay for gate checked baggage BUT do not place any valuables or items you need immediate access to in the luggage.

PS. What dates are you traveling?

We are flying out June 20 and returning June 26.


Also, I have no issues lifting baggage above my head. Unfortunately, I am usually helping other people put their stuff overhead.