Garment Bag Tote for European Travel
Sep 16th, 2012, 08:53 AM
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Garment Bag Tote for European Travel
I have been advised by some people not to bring a garment bag for my multi-city, three week trip to Italy.
However, I need further advice. I have a Samsonite tri-fold bag (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/...rment-bag.html) that allows you to put clothes on hangers.
It's carry-on size and slips comfortable over my rolling luggage handle for easy carry. When folder, it's about the side of a laptop bag. Is there any reason I shouldn't bring such a bag.
It seems an easier and more worry-free option that a backpack. It'll keep my nicer clothes wrinkle free and provide an easy way to hang my clothes at each destination.
I understand a normal garment bag is long and unwieldy but I've tested rolling my luggage around with this bag attached and it seems quite easy.
Thoughts?
However, I need further advice. I have a Samsonite tri-fold bag (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/...rment-bag.html) that allows you to put clothes on hangers.
It's carry-on size and slips comfortable over my rolling luggage handle for easy carry. When folder, it's about the side of a laptop bag. Is there any reason I shouldn't bring such a bag.
It seems an easier and more worry-free option that a backpack. It'll keep my nicer clothes wrinkle free and provide an easy way to hang my clothes at each destination.
I understand a normal garment bag is long and unwieldy but I've tested rolling my luggage around with this bag attached and it seems quite easy.
Thoughts?
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:08 AM
#2
It seems to weigh four pounds. I think I would just put my stuff in the suitcase and forget lugging extra weight. If you are taking trains and only have a one minute stop to board or get off, I would rather have a backpack (on) and one piece of luggage.
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:15 AM
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It's not clear to me what you mean by "rolling luggage". Is that a wheelie carry-on? If so - then you are taking 2 carry-ons - which most airlines won't allow. If your wheeled luggage is checked the you should be able to take this as a carry-on. but every garment bag I have every seen is too wide to work for that - does it fold all of your clothes in half?
Depending on your airline your carry-on may be limited to 22: or to 19". Do check with your airline - since I have seen many americans have to gate-check their carry-on on the return to the US, since it doesn't fit regs for european planes and they can be more strict in those airports.)
Depending on your airline your carry-on may be limited to 22: or to 19". Do check with your airline - since I have seen many americans have to gate-check their carry-on on the return to the US, since it doesn't fit regs for european planes and they can be more strict in those airports.)
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:20 AM
#4
IMO -- If you are checking a bag you don't need a garment bag too . . . and if you are going carry-on only, a garment bag isn't the best use of your carry-on allotment.
So no, in either case I probably wouldn't take a garment bag.
So no, in either case I probably wouldn't take a garment bag.
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:36 AM
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My wife and I will each have a rolling carryon and one other carryon, which is allowed as we are flying business class.
I'll have a large backpack and we were going to use the garment bag as her second carry on. It fits the carry on size requirements and even with everything we put in it (15 pieces!), it weighs less than 11 pounds. As I said, it slides easily over the handle of our rolling bag.
I'm honestly baffled as to why everyone is against it. Makes me wonder if there is something I am missing.
We are going to the opera so a suit jacket and dress would really benefit from using a garment bag.
I'll have a large backpack and we were going to use the garment bag as her second carry on. It fits the carry on size requirements and even with everything we put in it (15 pieces!), it weighs less than 11 pounds. As I said, it slides easily over the handle of our rolling bag.
I'm honestly baffled as to why everyone is against it. Makes me wonder if there is something I am missing.
We are going to the opera so a suit jacket and dress would really benefit from using a garment bag.
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:43 AM
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My husband carries a lightweight oversized messenger bag, which is a lot like your garment bag. It is especially useful when we need to leave our luggage someplace (car trunk, hotel desk, etc) but want to take our laptop computers and other valuables with us.
When I fly conventional commercial airlines, I carry one rolling bag on board as carry on plus a reasonable sized backpack. My husband has his carry on plus the messenger bag -- so we are allowed two items to carry on.
The budget airlines will not allow that. They will make you check one bag. But then it is very much worth having something to carry on for your valuables.
If you plan to hang up your nice clothes in your hotel closet, the garment bag will come in handy for toting your guidebook, maps, sunglasses and roll-up hats, bandages for your blisters, etc.
When I fly conventional commercial airlines, I carry one rolling bag on board as carry on plus a reasonable sized backpack. My husband has his carry on plus the messenger bag -- so we are allowed two items to carry on.
The budget airlines will not allow that. They will make you check one bag. But then it is very much worth having something to carry on for your valuables.
If you plan to hang up your nice clothes in your hotel closet, the garment bag will come in handy for toting your guidebook, maps, sunglasses and roll-up hats, bandages for your blisters, etc.
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:46 AM
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There is no reason at all to object to it merely because it is a garment bag, as you said, if it serves some purpose better and it the same size and it works with your other luggage. I don't see why it would cause any more problems than some other carryon. Especially because you have some clothes you'd like to keep wrinkle-free. I carry garment bags sometimes as carryons when I do business travel if I want to put suitjackets or something in them, and mine are the length of a blazer or jacket.
Sep 16th, 2012, 10:31 AM
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<i>"I'm honestly baffled as to why everyone is against it. Makes me wonder if there is something I am missing."</i>
Well, to be fair, I'm not against it, per se. Just wondering if you understand what you're getting yourself into with the addition of another large bag to haul around. Have you travelled this way before? If you are travelling between cities in Italy by auto or taxi and not relying on public transportation, then I say go for it. But if you are intending to take trains, then you'll have your work cut out for you. Hopefully, in that case, you and your wife are both young and strong and quick.
<i>"I'll have a large backpack and we were going to use the garment bag as her second carry on. It fits the carry on size requirements..."</i>
I think you should look into this further, perhaps contact your airline. Most allow one piece of "carry-on" luggage and specify dimensions. The second allowed piece is generally referred to as a "personal item" such as handbag, computer bag, etc. A bag that measures 22 inches wide may be stretching things a bit, as that's the usual max for the "carry-on."
Your airline may give you some leeway as you are flying business. I travel in business (usually Club World with BA) frequently and I'd be surprised if BA would allow your wife to take two carry-ons on board.
Well, to be fair, I'm not against it, per se. Just wondering if you understand what you're getting yourself into with the addition of another large bag to haul around. Have you travelled this way before? If you are travelling between cities in Italy by auto or taxi and not relying on public transportation, then I say go for it. But if you are intending to take trains, then you'll have your work cut out for you. Hopefully, in that case, you and your wife are both young and strong and quick.
<i>"I'll have a large backpack and we were going to use the garment bag as her second carry on. It fits the carry on size requirements..."</i>
I think you should look into this further, perhaps contact your airline. Most allow one piece of "carry-on" luggage and specify dimensions. The second allowed piece is generally referred to as a "personal item" such as handbag, computer bag, etc. A bag that measures 22 inches wide may be stretching things a bit, as that's the usual max for the "carry-on."
Your airline may give you some leeway as you are flying business. I travel in business (usually Club World with BA) frequently and I'd be surprised if BA would allow your wife to take two carry-ons on board.
Sep 17th, 2012, 09:21 PM
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vespacurves: <i>"I don't see where taking a vaporetto matters..."</i>
Have you taken a vaporetto from the train station recently? It's not really a roll-on-roll-off situation. It can be very crowded. You step up and over, then down steps. Then look around for a place to perch yourself and your belongings out of the way of others also trying to board. No, it's not an insurmountable problem. Just good to be prepared. The OP has asked for advice, but appears committed to following the plan he has chosen.
I suggest however, if this is what the OP intends to do, he and his wife pack up and trundle their bags around their city for at least 30 minutes or so, going up and down curbs and steps, over a few small humped bridges, on and off a bus or two. And if it still seems quite easy, and you aren't exhausted, then go for it!
Have you taken a vaporetto from the train station recently? It's not really a roll-on-roll-off situation. It can be very crowded. You step up and over, then down steps. Then look around for a place to perch yourself and your belongings out of the way of others also trying to board. No, it's not an insurmountable problem. Just good to be prepared. The OP has asked for advice, but appears committed to following the plan he has chosen.
I suggest however, if this is what the OP intends to do, he and his wife pack up and trundle their bags around their city for at least 30 minutes or so, going up and down curbs and steps, over a few small humped bridges, on and off a bus or two. And if it still seems quite easy, and you aren't exhausted, then go for it!
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