…that is the question.
Some travelers prefer to carry a massive amount of luggage. Several changes of clothing…outfits for every occasion…shoes and purses for each outfit. That approach works for some, and in fact is the preferred style for some travelers. It’s made easier if you’re flying in your own jet and have an entourage to schlep your bags.
That’s not the way I roll. It’s carry on only for me.
First, a confession: there are times when we violate this rule, but it happens rarely. A recent trip to Antarctica and Patagonia required packing a bit more than usual to accommodate the clothing requirements of hiking in a cold and austere environment, but both Victoria and I managed it. If you’re traveling to a formal event or on board a ship that requires formal or semiformal attire, it may not work. Or, if you need to take along items or quantities that exceed what can be carried in an aircraft cabin, you may be foreclosed. But, once you dip your toes in the waters of the carry-on only approach, you’ll find it hard to go back.
Here’s the most important reason to carry your own belongings:
Some travelers prefer to carry a massive amount of luggage. Several changes of clothing…outfits for every occasion…shoes and purses for each outfit. That approach works for some, and in fact is the preferred style for some travelers. It’s made easier if you’re flying in your own jet and have an entourage to schlep your bags.
That’s not the way I roll. It’s carry on only for me.
First, a confession: there are times when we violate this rule, but it happens rarely. A recent trip to Antarctica and Patagonia required packing a bit more than usual to accommodate the clothing requirements of hiking in a cold and austere environment, but both Victoria and I managed it. If you’re traveling to a formal event or on board a ship that requires formal or semiformal attire, it may not work. Or, if you need to take along items or quantities that exceed what can be carried in an aircraft cabin, you may be foreclosed. But, once you dip your toes in the waters of the carry-on only approach, you’ll find it hard to go back.
Here’s the most important reason to carry your own belongings:
Yes, that’s a photo I took at O’Hare IAP. As I watched over a span of more than 20-30 minutes, with my carry-on bag stowed overhead, multiple carts and trucks drove around this solitary forlorn suitcase. If it made it onto the same flight as its owner it was a miracle.
Before I saw the light, I had a couple of instances where luggage was misplaced. In one instance, our luggage was delivered to our hotel in Jackson Hole after a three day absence, but the airline to this day has lost track of it. When last we checked, they thought one suitcase was on the east coast, the second was in LA, and the third in Costa Rica. They had no clue.
U.S. airlines alone lose around two million suitcases each year. A large number are never reunited with their owners and those that the airlines give up on end up being sold (If you want to be the beneficiary of someone else’s misfortune, you may want to check out https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/, which sells items that the airlines have lost).
But, enough picking on the airlines. The better reason for carrying your own luggage on board is sheer convenience. While others are navigating to Luggage Claim and waiting for their suitcases to emerge, you will be through Customs and Immigration, and on your way to your hotel. Are you your own valet? It’s a heck of a lot easier to wrangle a 15-20-lb. roll aboard than a massive suitecase weighing 40 or 50 lbs. Running for a train? If you find yourself doing so, you’ll thank me.
Enough of the why. Without getting into too many technicalities, here’s the how:
First and foremost, you must be aware of your airline’s size limitations. Most U.S. carriers—in fact, most international carriers—will allow you to carry on a bag up to 9” x 14” x 22” (sometimes expressed as “combined dimensions of 45”), as well as one “personal item,” a smaller purse, briefcase, or boarding bag. Some international airlines limit carry-ons to a smaller size, and a few also have weight limitations, some as low as 7 kg. (15.4 lbs.)
Wheels take up room that could be devoted to packing capacity, but that’s a trade off I happily make. Victoria and I generally use four-wheeled roll aboard suitcases by Eagle Creek, with a boarding bag that features a sleeve allowing it to be carried on top of the wheeled suitcase.
Traveling in this manner requires a bit of planning, but you’ll get the hang of it. Many articles have been written about what to pack, and it takes a couple of times doing it to figure out what works for you. A few tips:
-Synthetic fabrics can make this all manageable. They’re often thin, lightweight, and dry quickly after washing.
-You can recycle without fear of exposing yourself as a Neanderthal. I generally figure I can easily get two days’ use out a single outfit. By keeping colors and patterns compatible, I can mix things up and make my wardrobe a little less horrifying to those who are watching (Here’s my secret: I don’t care if you’re watching. Not one bit.). If you need warmth at your destination, lightweight (and compressible, if possible) fleeces, down garments, and merino wool are the best. Layers are always your friend, and you’ll find that a base layer of synthetic or merino wool will extend your comfort zone considerably.
If you find yourself on the move you will find that synthetics can be hand-washed and will dry quickly. But, it’s more satisfying to have your hotel do your laundry for you every three or four days. Seriously, do not pack a separate outfit for each day or occasion.
-Be aware of those items that suck up space and add weight. Men have it easier than women, but I find that I can always get by with a maximum of two pairs of shoes. I wear the heavier, bulkier ones and pack the light ones. Regardless, shoes suck up a lot of space, and if it’s possible to travel with just the pair you wear to the airport it will free up quite a bit of space. If you must carry extra shoes along, don’t let the space inside them go to waste; pack underwear or socks inside. For shoes and other items, small lightweight packing cubes can be very helpful for organizing (and in the case of shoes, keeping other items clean). However, my personal experience is that packing cubes actually are not all that efficient, except in keeping certain items segregated and easier to find.
-Pay attention to what you can and cannot carry on board an aircraft. A little common sense goes a very long way, but if you lack common sense check the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all) and/or your airline’s rules on what you may carry aboard. People most often have problems with the rules that limit the quantity and volume of gels and liquids. No, I’m not going to repeat the 3-1-1 rule. If you’ve flown anywhere in the past few years, you are familiar. That standard is, by the way, perhaps going to die out in the months ahead, as security technology improves.
So, those are the basics of what I carry. How do I pack them?
First, it may be self-evident, but I limit discretionary items. If I’m debating between packing three or four pairs of socks, I’ll go for three. Generally, I’ll roll my clothes, which helps in a couple of ways. First, it minimizes wrinkling. Second, it seems to allow items to occupy a bit less volume, and, sometimes, to be placed in an otherwise unused bit of space. Finally, by avoiding layering, more of your wardrobe is visible when you open your suitcase—it’s easy to spot that blue pair of trousers or that red skirt. You won’t have to dig for what you’re searching to find.
If I’m packing shoes, socks and underwear go inside. Otherwise, you’re packing air. Small items can be fit into the nooks and crannies that are unsuitable for bigger items. And, if you absolutely have to take a larger coat or a suit, I’d consider wearing them. Sometimes that doesn’t work all that well, but it’ll free up space in your suitcase.
In addition to your carry on suitcase, most airlines allow for one additional “personal item.” That can be a purse or a briefcase, but it can also be an additional small piece of luggage. I use a “cabin bag” that accommodates my notebook, toiletries, and electrical plugs and cords, as well as travel documents. This bag has a sleeve that slips over the extendable handle of my roller bag, easing transit through the airport, train station, or hotel. You should always remember that you may be required at check-in to check your carry on roller, even if it meets size and weight limits, so make sure you pack your medications, toiletries, travel documents, and cash in your personal bag. I try to toss a single of clothing into this bag as well; after all, a big part of the reason we’re members of the Carry On Baggage Club is because airlines frequently lose suitcases.
I’ll add additional tips as they come to mind, but those are the basics. As a final thought, even though I’ve been doing this for years I still come back from most trips and find that there are always a couple of things that I didn’t use during my trip. As you finalize your packing, remove an outfit or two, then zip up your bag. You’ll thank me as you hoist it into the overhead bin.
Be brave. Join The Club.
Before I saw the light, I had a couple of instances where luggage was misplaced. In one instance, our luggage was delivered to our hotel in Jackson Hole after a three day absence, but the airline to this day has lost track of it. When last we checked, they thought one suitcase was on the east coast, the second was in LA, and the third in Costa Rica. They had no clue.
U.S. airlines alone lose around two million suitcases each year. A large number are never reunited with their owners and those that the airlines give up on end up being sold (If you want to be the beneficiary of someone else’s misfortune, you may want to check out https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/, which sells items that the airlines have lost).
But, enough picking on the airlines. The better reason for carrying your own luggage on board is sheer convenience. While others are navigating to Luggage Claim and waiting for their suitcases to emerge, you will be through Customs and Immigration, and on your way to your hotel. Are you your own valet? It’s a heck of a lot easier to wrangle a 15-20-lb. roll aboard than a massive suitecase weighing 40 or 50 lbs. Running for a train? If you find yourself doing so, you’ll thank me.
Enough of the why. Without getting into too many technicalities, here’s the how:
First and foremost, you must be aware of your airline’s size limitations. Most U.S. carriers—in fact, most international carriers—will allow you to carry on a bag up to 9” x 14” x 22” (sometimes expressed as “combined dimensions of 45”), as well as one “personal item,” a smaller purse, briefcase, or boarding bag. Some international airlines limit carry-ons to a smaller size, and a few also have weight limitations, some as low as 7 kg. (15.4 lbs.)
Wheels take up room that could be devoted to packing capacity, but that’s a trade off I happily make. Victoria and I generally use four-wheeled roll aboard suitcases by Eagle Creek, with a boarding bag that features a sleeve allowing it to be carried on top of the wheeled suitcase.
Traveling in this manner requires a bit of planning, but you’ll get the hang of it. Many articles have been written about what to pack, and it takes a couple of times doing it to figure out what works for you. A few tips:
-Synthetic fabrics can make this all manageable. They’re often thin, lightweight, and dry quickly after washing.
-You can recycle without fear of exposing yourself as a Neanderthal. I generally figure I can easily get two days’ use out a single outfit. By keeping colors and patterns compatible, I can mix things up and make my wardrobe a little less horrifying to those who are watching (Here’s my secret: I don’t care if you’re watching. Not one bit.). If you need warmth at your destination, lightweight (and compressible, if possible) fleeces, down garments, and merino wool are the best. Layers are always your friend, and you’ll find that a base layer of synthetic or merino wool will extend your comfort zone considerably.
If you find yourself on the move you will find that synthetics can be hand-washed and will dry quickly. But, it’s more satisfying to have your hotel do your laundry for you every three or four days. Seriously, do not pack a separate outfit for each day or occasion.
-Be aware of those items that suck up space and add weight. Men have it easier than women, but I find that I can always get by with a maximum of two pairs of shoes. I wear the heavier, bulkier ones and pack the light ones. Regardless, shoes suck up a lot of space, and if it’s possible to travel with just the pair you wear to the airport it will free up quite a bit of space. If you must carry extra shoes along, don’t let the space inside them go to waste; pack underwear or socks inside. For shoes and other items, small lightweight packing cubes can be very helpful for organizing (and in the case of shoes, keeping other items clean). However, my personal experience is that packing cubes actually are not all that efficient, except in keeping certain items segregated and easier to find.
-Pay attention to what you can and cannot carry on board an aircraft. A little common sense goes a very long way, but if you lack common sense check the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all) and/or your airline’s rules on what you may carry aboard. People most often have problems with the rules that limit the quantity and volume of gels and liquids. No, I’m not going to repeat the 3-1-1 rule. If you’ve flown anywhere in the past few years, you are familiar. That standard is, by the way, perhaps going to die out in the months ahead, as security technology improves.
So, those are the basics of what I carry. How do I pack them?
First, it may be self-evident, but I limit discretionary items. If I’m debating between packing three or four pairs of socks, I’ll go for three. Generally, I’ll roll my clothes, which helps in a couple of ways. First, it minimizes wrinkling. Second, it seems to allow items to occupy a bit less volume, and, sometimes, to be placed in an otherwise unused bit of space. Finally, by avoiding layering, more of your wardrobe is visible when you open your suitcase—it’s easy to spot that blue pair of trousers or that red skirt. You won’t have to dig for what you’re searching to find.
If I’m packing shoes, socks and underwear go inside. Otherwise, you’re packing air. Small items can be fit into the nooks and crannies that are unsuitable for bigger items. And, if you absolutely have to take a larger coat or a suit, I’d consider wearing them. Sometimes that doesn’t work all that well, but it’ll free up space in your suitcase.
In addition to your carry on suitcase, most airlines allow for one additional “personal item.” That can be a purse or a briefcase, but it can also be an additional small piece of luggage. I use a “cabin bag” that accommodates my notebook, toiletries, and electrical plugs and cords, as well as travel documents. This bag has a sleeve that slips over the extendable handle of my roller bag, easing transit through the airport, train station, or hotel. You should always remember that you may be required at check-in to check your carry on roller, even if it meets size and weight limits, so make sure you pack your medications, toiletries, travel documents, and cash in your personal bag. I try to toss a single of clothing into this bag as well; after all, a big part of the reason we’re members of the Carry On Baggage Club is because airlines frequently lose suitcases.
I’ll add additional tips as they come to mind, but those are the basics. As a final thought, even though I’ve been doing this for years I still come back from most trips and find that there are always a couple of things that I didn’t use during my trip. As you finalize your packing, remove an outfit or two, then zip up your bag. You’ll thank me as you hoist it into the overhead bin.
Be brave. Join The Club.