The Luggage Blog

Message In a Carry-On - TSA Communication Plates [Evolution of Security]

Image by Evan Roth

Images by fotopusch and dragonroy

The liquid ban got some attention recently when Virgin Airways called for a review of the carry-on limits, particularly concerning liquids.   At the time the Department of Transportation said it had no intentions of changing the restrictions stating “…a generic capability exists to create liquid bombs from domestic items.”

Not even a month later the TSA sings a different tune.  They’ve announced that they foresee the liquid restrictions to be more relaxed.  ” TSA Chief Kip Hawley says,

“I think realistically in one year we, the TSA and foreign colleagues, will be a position to relax liquids restrictions. We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process.”

The reason for the change of heart? A new X-ray machine that can detect explosives.  The machines are already in use, but the software that detects the bombs is still being tested.  With the new technology liquids will most likely still have to be removed first, but the limits on quantity may be relaxed in ‘09.  In the meantime? Get out your 1 qt baggies and 3oz bottles.

TSA Likely to Relax Liquid Ban in 2009 [MSN Travel]

Photo by msmail

The Rough and Tumbler test, which entailed filling carry-on suitcases until they weighed 20-25 lbs and tumbling them up to 1,000 times, is among one of the tests done by Consumer Reports. The tests determined which of 12 brand suitcases were the toughest of travelers.  The report was quite interesting and you can see the chart to the left of what was found in terms of durability, capacity and convenience. 

The bottom line is, Tumi was rated best overall with more room than most brands! Highest in quality and price, the Tumi Alpha 22″ Carry-On costs $595.  It was also determined that there are other brands that cost less and are still good quality but didn’t perform as well in every test category.  It comes down to your preference and price range as to what bag is perfect for your needs. So don’t overlook the Victorinox NXT, Hartmann Stratum and Briggs & Riley Baseline or any of the other top carry-ons!

Another airline does it again… Starting tomorrow, if you purchase tickets on United Airlines, your 2nd checked bag fee will be doubled!!!!  If your traveling between the U.S. and Canada, after November 10th, the fee for a 2nd checked bag has increased from $25 to $50.

$50 … WOW it seems unbelievable!  If you ask me, I would rather not travel with United Airlines if I was planning on checking 2 bags.  I would recommend checking just 1 bag or better yet, trying to just carry-on your luggage.  Check out our extensive list of airline fees and make sure you always check with your airline for the most up to date information.

Picture by Consumerist

Briggs & Riley appeals to me because of it’s clean lines and understated appearance. I chose the olive because it is much more attractive than your everyday black case. The external handle system is what really sold me on this bag because you gain much more packing space and we all know how important that is!

Perfect For

This Briggs & Riley carry-on is my one and only suitcase. It is great for weekend trips and it even allows me enough room to pack for full week trips. The internal pockets and compartments make organizing for your trip a breeze. With the internal suiter you can bring along your best attire for a night out on the town. This bag is great for a business man or a beach bum.

Favorite Feature

The best feature of this bag is Briggs’ ingenious idea to have the telescoping handle on the outside.  It may not sound like much but every bit of space counts, when your like me and need all the room that you can get. I don’t like to check my luggage because I don’t like the extra time involved. This feature, with the handle on the outside of the case, allows me to take much more along for my trips.   [Read more →]

Toddlers/Pre-School:

• Always Bring One Extra Outfit…because you just never know.
• Use gum or chewy candy (ex: gummy worms/bears) for older children and mints for younger children to chew during take off and landing for the pressure in their ears
• Recommend not bringing your child’s favorite toys on plane just in case they get lost.
• SURPRISE: Fill up a bag of goodies from the $ store.  Don’t let the children see or play with them until you are on the plane.
  • It will keep their interest because it’s new and different.
  • You could even wrap the toys to “buy” you a little more time.
  • If you forget any of these on the plane, don’t worry it was only a $1.
• What to Buy:
  • Stickers, crayons, coloring books, play-doh, party favors, bubbles, silly putty, etc…(things to keep hands busy).
  • But don’t buy toys that make noise…your seatmates will hate you!

Babies/Infants:

• While taking off and landing give the baby a pacifier, bottle or nurse them and this should elevate any ear pressure problems that may occur.
• With very young infants do take the time to get on the plane early and get settled.
• Ask for the bulk head.  You will want/need the extra leg room.  Some airlines do have bassinets that can be secured to the wall (international).
• Mothers tend to over pack, but unless your baby spits up a lot or makes messes in their diaper often, don’t pack more than necessary!  It will take up too much space and you will be the one who needs to carry it around.
• An Extra outfit and onesies in your diaper bag should do the trick along with what you normally pack.
• Babybjorn/slings will be your best friend…they will keep your baby close and your hands free!

[Read more →]