Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 5PM Eastern.
Carry On Luggage Tips
What Can I Take?
Pack your carry-on with essentials first -- medication, identification, a copy of your itinerary, and everything you'll need for the first 24 hours at your destination, just in case something happens to your checked bag. If you're bringing important business materials, such as a presentation or portfolio, bring them in your carry-on, too, as they're less likely to go astray.
If you're bringing a laptop or cell phone, be sure to have chargers, adapters and other accessories available in your carry-on. Also consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones if you plan to spend time concentrating on work (or even just reading a good book) during the flight.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Carry-On Luggage And Personal Items
eBags.com Tip: What is the difference between carry-on luggage and personal items?
Carry-on luggage generally covers a bag with total dimensions (length + width + height) of no more than 45 inches, weighing no more than 40 pounds.
Personal items are most often permitted in addition to the carry-on luggage, giving you a bit of extra room for your belongings. Some need every cubic inch, while others prefer to avoid the excess bulk and weight
Personal items can be a purse, laptop bag, briefcase or backpack. Any luggage store, whether online or not, will have standard sizes. Virtually all name brands -- American Tourister, Atlantic, Samsonite, Travelpro, or other -- of carry-on luggage will be within the airline regulations.
Keep your personal item as small and lightweight as possible. On full flights, some passengers may be asked to check their carry-ons or even personal items to free up room in the overhead bins.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Whatever it looks like, your carry-on had better fit in that overhead bin once you're on board the plane, and your personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. You may not want to cram your Kathy Van Zeeland handbag on the floor, but you may have no choice. When you're packing, bear in mind that you will need to lift your carry-on luggage into the overhead bin yourself. Flight attendants may assist but cannot do it for you.
If you're not one of the first people on the plane, it may be necessary to pack your carry-on some distance away from your seat. In the frenzy of boarding, stowing your gear and getting seated, it's easy to lose track of where exactly your bag is. Make things easy for yourself later by making a note of the compartment number or seat number nearest to your bag.
Especially if you have a heavy bag, be careful taking it down at the end of the flight. Many a passenger has suffered a bruised shoulder because someone else's bag fell out of control.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Hard-side or Soft?
eBags.com Tip: Carry-ons come in a variety of shapes, colors, compartments and quality. One decision is whether to get hard- or soft-sided carry on travel bags. Should your carry-on luggage be a hard-side bag that will survive getting knocked around as you race from one terminal to another? Or perhaps you simply like the neat and professional look of defined, hard-shell shape? Choose a material, ABS or aluminum, both are tough stuff. Soft-sided bags offer the advantages of more flexible and lightweight carry-on luggage. The many options on the soft side include cotton, canvas, leather, microfiber, suede and nylon. If you get an expandable carry-on, be sure that in its largest state it will still meet the carry-on luggage limits.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Duffel, Tote, Wheeled or Shoulder Bag?
Again, start with the question of what suits your needs best. A duffel style is roomy and casual, and conveys a sporty appearance. If you don't have a lot of clothes that need ironing or special care, or if you want to maximize every inch of space, consider a carry-on duffel.
Perhaps you want to keep it simple and just have a tote on board that includes the essentials—maybe some snacks (non-liquid, of course), over-the-counter and/or prescription medicines, toothbrush and toothpaste, one day’s worth of clothing, camera and any valuables. You can move swiftly and it’s hassle-free getting through security.
Wheels are another option, making a carry-on bag of any style easier to manage through a large airport or on a quick connection. Shoulder bags keep your hands free for the important things, such as talking on your cell phone as you walk toward the gate. They can be small, counting as a personal item, or larger to serve as a carry-on.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Sturdy With Style
eBags.com Tip: With so many carry-on bags available at reasonable prices, there's no reason to pick one that's not "you." Leather carry-on luggage is classic and durable, marking you as a professional concerned with quality. Carry-on backpacks are practical and reflect both youth and outdoor themes.
American Tourister carry-ons come in a wide variety of styles, all lightweight and colorful. Samsonite carry-on luggage has a reputation for durability, and a great many models come with wheels for added flexibility. TravelPro carry-ons are professional-looking but affordable. For a fashionable take on the carry-on, check out Kathy Van Zeeland satchels and totes.
