The Luggage Blog

By now you’ve probably heard of  the list of fees for checking your luggage.  So now your trying to figure out “How to get it all in one carry-on”? Well, here are some helpful tips:

 1) Prepare

• Make a packing list, then try to cross off half of it!
• Be realistic. Think about where your headed and rule out anything that you won’t need.
• Use a less structured bag (Ex: a bag with flexible fabric or without a frame) 

2) Pack Less

• Sure those heels make your legs look longer, but they’re hard on your feet. Stick to one pair of comfortable shoes.
• Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes to save space.
• Use travel size bottles…which of course takes up less room.
• Remove interior accessories from suitcase that are not needed…such as suiter sleeve.
• Think 2-in-1. Get yourself a pair of convertible pants-to-shorts and that’s one less thing to worry about.
• Use ExOfficio buzz-off clothes so you don’t need to pack bug spray.
• Also use ExOfficio undergarments…they air dry within hours. You can wash as you go, so you only need one pair!
• Pack crushable hats (Ex: Wallaroo) and travel jackets (Ex: UBU) Both are a must!

3) Pack Smart

• Color coordinate your accessories to match all outfits
• Use the space inside of your shoes to pack belts, socks or other accessories.
• Use Packing Folders …they keep you organized, wrinkle free and compress air..which takes up the most space.
• If you use an Expandable suitcase, pack it full expanded, then sit on it and crush it and zip it back shut! This will eliminate any extra space.

Photo by Decor8

1) Items not to wear or carry through security

• Jacket or anything with a hood because you will need to take it off
• Belt, the metal may set the sensor off
• Don’t wear tie shoes, we recommend slide shoes to make it easier
• Piercings are not prohibited but you may want to take them out just in case
• Keys and coins should not be in your pockets, they may set sensor off and Don’t forget your change!
• Gel inserts for shoes…must go through screening

2) Items to have handy with you through security

• Passport
• Identification
• Ticket

3) Items to keep separate

• Your computer…be sure you get it back too since many are being left at airports.  You should attach your id/business card so it can be returned to you if lost
• Quart size bag along with 3 oz bottles-only one per traveler allowed

4) Items not to carry-on

• Beverages..but you can purchase after going through security screening
• Lighters
• Scissors longer than 4 inches
• Box cutters & knives
• If your just not sure, check it!

5) The TSA line preference in use at 21 airports

• Check it out! It may be useful for you
• Expert traveler
• Casual traveler
• Families and special assistance

Sharon Laudenbach, President of LuggageOnline/Robinson Luggage shows how you can pack into one suitcase in order to save on second checked bag fees.  Overpacking is the biggest mistake that people make.  So here are some important tips that Sharon suggests:

• use pack-it accessories…they are key to organization and wrinkle-free
• pack your heavy, bulkier items on the bottom
• be sure to color coordinate all of your accessories to match
• use all space…such as packing accessories/socks inside of your shoes
• think LIGHTWEIGHT
• use a luggage scale before you leave for the airport to make sure you aren’t close to the 50 lb. weight limit

1) Try to carry-on

• When choosing a bag make sure it’s a guaranteed carry-on or you may pay fees.

• No, really! The airlines are checking what size bag you have.

2) If you must check

• Try to only check 1 bag per person

• You should probably pack in a 26” because most likely you’ll over-pack in a 30” and you don’t want those overweight fees!

3) Be sure to have your own scale

• Make sure you weigh your luggage before you get to the airport…so you don’t have to rearrange when you get there.

• If your bag is over 50lbs, it’s better to pack into 2 bags because it will cost a lot less than paying for overweight fees.

• Use travel size bottles…there is no need to bring big bottles, they will only make your bag heavier.

• Wear your heavier clothing and shoes on the plane, since it will only weigh your bag down if you pack your heavier items.

4) Don’t pack too much clothing.

• Pack ExOfficio undergarments, you don’t need many at all.

About ExOfficio products: 17 countries, 6 weeks, and 1 pair of underwear: the Give-n-Go Brief. This is the one pair that you want in your suitcase. It’s odor resistant and moist wicking.  Plus you can wash and hang it to dry, and you’re ready to go for your next adventure. ExOfficio clothing field-tested and approved by the African Wildlife Foundation.

• Be sure your accessories match all outfits, so you don’t have to pack a lot of accessories.

• Never pack more than 2 pairs of shoes, it’s unnecessary, takes up space and weighs your bag down.

5) Additional Important Tips to Remember

• Make sure you double check with your airline for a list of up-to date fees before your trip.

• Bring your own headphones, some airlines are charging for them.

• Bring your own snacks…checkout this list of tips for food and make sure the snacks that you want to bring are allowed (check with the TSA prohibited items list).

Traveling green isn’t as difficult as you might think… in fact it could be as simple as a walk in the park!  Here are some tips on ways you can travel eco-friendly.  (We promise they’re not all that corny!)

1. Visit A Green Location

• Travel to a walkable city
• Go on a camping or hiking trip
• Visit National Wildlife sites or National Parks
• Visit one of the 7 US Eco-Travel Destinations

2. Stay at a Green Hotel

Some hotels offer free parking for hybrids, use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, and even provide space for Eco organizations.  For more information, check out American’s 10 most Green Hotels

3. Travel Locally

• Reduce fuel consumption (and save on fuel costs)
• Eat and drink locally and support businesses that don’t import food

4. Use Green Modes of Transportation

• Drive, don’t fly
• Take a bus or train
• Rent a hybrid
• If you do fly, be sure to [Read more →]
  
  

With airline regulations changing all the time it is so hard to decide what bag to buy. All airlines are charging fees if bags are overweight (most over 50 pounds) and some are now charging for EVERY bag you check. So now the dilemma is, which way do you go and what is the best way to be able to take the most on your trip while being charged as little as possible?

Let’s start with this. If you can get a 22″ wheeled carry-on bag, (or a 20” for international travel), that does not have a lot of structure to it and only take what can fit into that bag, you will be in great shape. Just remember if you pick this option you can only take liquids that fit into a quart size plastic bag.

If you can not handle that limited selection of clothes and shoes, your next best option is a lightweight 30″ wheeled duffle or a 28″ suitcase that only starts out at about 10 pounds, which is a lot less than most brands. I use the Eagle Creek Centerline 28″ suitcase and I love it! One time we were going away and I had all of my things packed into a 26″ older upright suitcase that started out heavier and when I put it on the scale it was over 50 lbs. I then took all of my things out and put it into my Eagle Creek suitcase and I had no problem! I think you will find the weight to be such an advantage to you. The organization is nice and the quality is excellent! Now, why don’t you give it a try!