The Luggage Blog

With news that the multitude of baggage fees put in place by major airlines over the past year has essentially saved their butts, it looks like we’re going to have to begin packing lighter. The fees aren’t going anywhere, but hopefully you and your family are! So in order to avoid up to $25 per bag, we suggest a move towards carrying on when possible.

Sure, you may be thinking “when possible” applies to weekend trips only, but would you believe some people use a single carry on bag and one personal bag for up to ten days of travel? That may be extreme, but with the right packing habits and the right pieces, one week- one bag can be done. Doug Dymont, author of OneBag.com has been promoting this idea since 1996, long before baggage fees came into play.

Fees aside, carrying on your belongings saves time and eliminates the lost luggage nightmare. The Luggage Blog is here to help. For today, we’ve compiled a quick list of packing tips gathered from here and there… a few from over there too. Stay tuned for carry on luggage suggestions as well!

1.Pack only what you need: This may be difficult, for say, someone who has a bag just for their shoes. But if you’re smart you gave that habit up years ago. This becomes easier when you pack entire outfits- planned in advance - which also makes for less time getting ready and more time to enjoy your trip.

2. Color coordinate: Pick a color scheme for your trip and stick to it. This will eliminate the need for several belts, shoes and handbags.

3. Accessorize: You can essentially wear them same suit if you switch up your tie, cuff links, jewelry or scarf. The same goes for casual gear. A classic, crisp white tee worn under a cardigan by day, can be dressed with with a statement necklace and clutch by night. These small accessories take up far less space than an additional garment would.

4. Use packing cubes: Many travelers swear by Eagle Creek Pack-It cubes. If you’re a generally organized person, they may work for you as well.  Available in several styles and sizes, they maximize space and simplify packing. Great for T-shirts, jeans, underwear or socks, they make rolling up and stashing items a snap.

Think your packing tips are better than ours? Share them with us below!

Taking a nod from Domino’s Pizza (wink, wink), on July 7th Alaska Air promises to pay customers $25 if they do not see their checked bag within 25 minutes. If your bag doesn’t arrive at the baggage claim within 25 minutes after your plane parks at the gate, customers will receive a $25 voucher for future travel with Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air.

With all of the fees that airlines have been dishing out over the past year, it is nice to see them paying customers back if they are inconvenienced while traveling.

Source

As if travelers aren’t confused enough, today US Airways announced that they will be raising the fee on the first checked bag to $20. They are giving customers the option to prepay the fees online at a $5 discount. $15 to check a bag…what a bargain! That’s just $15 more than it used to cost.

Hertz is making it way cheaper to drop off a rental car without filling the tank first.  Down from around $7.99 a gallon, they are now charging the market rate plus a flat $6.99 refueling fee.  Granted, the current market rate is still pretty high, but at least it’s fair(er?).

[Dallas News Airline Biz Blog]

Photo by hyku