Comments on: Open Thread: What's Your Luggage Strategy?

By: Jon Moss

Jon Moss — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:58:52 +0000

I always struggle as I tend to have my Pelicase with camera gear too – carry on size = heavy!!

So I need the Pelicase, Tom Bihn Empire Builder for general stuff and MBP plus a bag for clothes etc, hence a carryon only option is impossible for me.

I need to rethink my strategy!

By: Sherwood

Sherwood — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:27:39 +0000

One bag, anytime possible. I typically travel once every week or two, for 1-3 day trips. I find that a small gym-size duffel bag works great. The trick I use for keeping dress shirts wrinkle-free is to use a plain old shoe box. Roll-up the shirts loosely, lay them in the box, put the box in the bag, and then jam everything else in the spaces that are left. Sit the laptop right on thop of the shoebox, so you can pull it out at security or while waiting at the gate.

I settled on a small duffel to avoid issues with flights that run out of overhead space. The bag *just* barely fits under the seat. And of course, if overhead space is tight but still available, it’s much easier to find a nook to jam it in.

By: Jamin

Jamin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:20:37 +0000

I’m another vote for carry on only. I can get a week’s clothes and survival goodies into one back that the airlines will let me take on. It has taken a decade of practice, but it is worth it. No waiting around for bags to arrive – or worrying if they even will!

By: Judi Sohn

Judi Sohn — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:17:50 +0000

I rarely can do it all in carry-on because with my laptop bag and assorted tech, plus my purse it’s usually about as much as I can take. But I really should figure something else out before my next fligt. Last time I traveled a couple of weeks ago (from Philadelphia to New Orleans) I waited about as long for my suitcase when I came home as I was on the plane in the first place.

By: Jez

Jez — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:46:07 +0000

So I recently booked a holiday flight with RyanAir.. they are not the best company, but they charge extra for checked luggage and also airport checkin. So we didn’t.

Now I had to go find a bag that would be able to hold a weeks worth of holiday clothes, but me and my girlfriend have took it on as a challenge.

Onebag.com is a great resource!

PS — BA misplaced 19,000 bags.. not 15,000!

By: Bill Day

Bill Day — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:34:12 +0000

I’ll be the 5th person to chime in with “carry-on”. It’s an old approach, but a good one whenever you can do it.

By: Franklin

Franklin — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:19:07 +0000

I’ve used Luggage Concierge before… it was worth the price considering I was able to travel to Italy with literally just my briefcase until I reached my hotel, where my 2 other bags were waiting. I’m all for shipping luggage.

By: Parand

Parand — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:27:26 +0000

Avoid check-in at all costs. Figure out the minimum set of things you need (it’s less than you think) and fit it all in your carry on. At worst you can buy what you left behind once you get to your destination.

My luggage got lost on the way to a 3 day conference once. Besides my suit (I was a speaker) I was surprised how little I needed everything else.

By: Cathy Moore

Cathy Moore — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:16:34 +0000

Another vote for a carry-on and personal bag. Nice jacket goes on me; laptop goes in the personal bag. I spent 3 weeks in Spain with this setup and it a lot easier to get around. I bring decent-looking clothes that dry quickly after being handwashed.

By: rick

rick — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:02:31 +0000

Same as Michael. For any trip of several days or less I don’t need a full suitcase. A carryon plus personal bag works fine. If I had to deal with suits etc it would be different, but in tech… khakis or equivalent and sportshirts are fine. Pack 3-4 each plus the other stuff you need (socks, underwear etc), wear a nice jacket on and you’re done.