Why 19" is better than 20"

I love to travel. The more trips I can squeeze out of my limited travel budget the better. I love the 5 star trip at the 2 star price. But every year there seem to be more and more surcharges levied by the airlines. My point is clearly illustrated by Air Canada's recent announcement to charge $25 per checked bag. This is inline with what other carriers, like Delta, have been doing for a while. Discount carriers that have come on the scene, like Allegiant Air, have many surcharges, checked bags being just one of them.

So, to maximize my travel budget I've gotten used to travelling with just a carry on bag. Not only used to it, I'm almost dictator-like when it comes to family vacations. In fact, we travelled to Hawaii on Delta airlines last Christmas and got the bargain of a lifetime on the flights. I was not going to mess with my accomplishment by checking 4 bags and forking over another $200 to Delta. That $200 was instead spent on surfing lessons. Easy to see that surfing provides a better family memory versus toting extra clothes across the country.

So how do we do it? How did we spend 8 nights in Hawaii with only check-on bags?  Well here are my top 5 secrets to packing light and efficiently.

1) Only bring it if you really love wearing it and it can be worn in at least 2 different outfits.
2) Jumbo ziploc bags. Roll everything, stuff in jumbo ziplocs and take the air out. This is also easy & tidy if customs/security wants to search your bag.
3) Wear you most bulky items on the plane. For example, the one sweater, pair of jeans & walking shoes you are bringing on the trip.
4) Know in advance if your hotel/resort has guest laundry facilities. I would MUCH rather do one load of laundry halfway thru the trip than haul twice the clothes.
5) Know your airline rules for liquids, bag size, etc. Etc. The more you know in advance the better.

The reason I say 19 inches is better than 20 is that while most airlines allow the little wheely rectangular 20 inch suitcases as your carry on, they often get stuffed to the zippers and can bulk up past the allowable size. When they ask you to measure it in their metal sample thingy at the airline counter, you can get busted and be asked to check it. When you have to check at the counter the prices go up. For example, if you pre-pay your bag on Allegiant when you are booking the flight it's $35, but if you have to check it when you get to the counter it's $50.

Also, budget and regional carriers are flying planes like the MD88 or MD90 series. A great plane, but limited overhead space. So again, if you can't jam it in the overhead bin, or you are late boarding the plane... guess what.... you're checking it now.

Many of the luggage makers are now producing a compact 19" model that looks just the same as the industry standard 20 inches.  These bags at a good sale price are under $50 to buy. And you'll slide in nicely at the measuring device and look like a pro.

Follow my carry on advice and you'll never get stuck at the baggage carousel waiting for bags that arrive damaged or 30 minutes after you do. You'll grab the first cab and be on the beach in no time.