Luggage
May 11th, 2006, 04:38 AM
#1
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Luggage
Hi!! Kelley, in her wonderful report, mentioned that she and her husband took only two carry-ons to Italy. I wrote a reply to her report, but in case she didn't see it, maybe she'll see my question here, or maybe someone else can answer.
My husband and I were thinking of taking one suitcase between us to check in. Is it really possible to travel with such a small suitcase??!!! ie. is it enough for a week?
thanks,
Tamara
My husband and I were thinking of taking one suitcase between us to check in. Is it really possible to travel with such a small suitcase??!!! ie. is it enough for a week?
thanks,
Tamara
May 11th, 2006, 05:23 AM
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Ira, thank you for your response. I checked w/the airlines and there is an 8 kilo limit (17 pounds) on the carry-on. Are you speaking of that kind of limit? (I don't know if that's a universal limit or not- it's our airlines' limit though). That seems really minimal to me.
May 11th, 2006, 05:30 AM
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I have become a subject matter expert on this since we have been in Europe...
The best thing is to take 2 small carry ons. We flew from Atlanta and did not not have to check them in (Delta).
Once in Europe, flying from one country to another is a bit more difficult. You have to check you luggage in. It cannot be more than 6-7 kg.
We have been in Europe for 2 or 3 weeks at a time, and have always had 2 bags. Let me tell you, it is a whole lot easier to get on and off trains, taxis, etc with one. Plus, you will not break your back by.
If you are traveling during warm months, it is that much easier. Just bring T-shirts, and such. You can have them washed or simply wash them yourself in the sink. I have done that a few times, turned to be not a big deal. Most rooms have towel warmers so you can just hang your shirts, socks and such on it. Takes 10 minutes to dry..
Hope this helps. Dont bring too much! Just live with less (hard for us Americans to understand this concept), but still. Plus, you will have more room to bring stuff back home.
Oh, yeah, always bring an extra bag for stuff to take back home with you!
Hope this helps.
The best thing is to take 2 small carry ons. We flew from Atlanta and did not not have to check them in (Delta).
Once in Europe, flying from one country to another is a bit more difficult. You have to check you luggage in. It cannot be more than 6-7 kg.
We have been in Europe for 2 or 3 weeks at a time, and have always had 2 bags. Let me tell you, it is a whole lot easier to get on and off trains, taxis, etc with one. Plus, you will not break your back by.
If you are traveling during warm months, it is that much easier. Just bring T-shirts, and such. You can have them washed or simply wash them yourself in the sink. I have done that a few times, turned to be not a big deal. Most rooms have towel warmers so you can just hang your shirts, socks and such on it. Takes 10 minutes to dry..
Hope this helps. Dont bring too much! Just live with less (hard for us Americans to understand this concept), but still. Plus, you will have more room to bring stuff back home.
Oh, yeah, always bring an extra bag for stuff to take back home with you!
Hope this helps.
May 11th, 2006, 05:49 AM
#6
Even if you blow the carryon weight limit for your particular airline and have to check them - two small bags would be better than one larger one.
I pack light (I actually teach a packing class) but using a 21 inch bag for two adults would be really difficult. But two 19 or 21 inch bags would be VERY possible. If your airline lets you carry on about 20 lbs then carry them on. If you can't - then check the bags and carry on small day pack or totes just for the things you need on the flight. Some people mix their stuff - put some of each person's clothing in both bags - just in case one gets lost or delayed.
Two people working out of one larger suitcase is inconvenient, it weighs more and IF it were to get lost you'd have nothing.
I pack light (I actually teach a packing class) but using a 21 inch bag for two adults would be really difficult. But two 19 or 21 inch bags would be VERY possible. If your airline lets you carry on about 20 lbs then carry them on. If you can't - then check the bags and carry on small day pack or totes just for the things you need on the flight. Some people mix their stuff - put some of each person's clothing in both bags - just in case one gets lost or delayed.
Two people working out of one larger suitcase is inconvenient, it weighs more and IF it were to get lost you'd have nothing.
May 11th, 2006, 06:16 AM
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I learned just yesterday that SAS Air's weight limit is 44 lbs. and that the dimensions of the suitcase (add together, H+W+L)must not exceed 62 inches. As best I can determine, my empty suitcase weighs about 10 lbs. Does this sound right? (It feels heavier.) Also, a passenger can take a carry-on with an 18-lb. weight limit, although I'm told by my TA that "they don't weigh those." I have no concept of what 34 lbs. of clothing looks like, and I plan to put my shoes in the carry-on. I do like to have enough different things for a trip (in this case a 10-day cruise in the port-intensive Baltic region). I need that class in "packing"!
May 11th, 2006, 06:25 AM
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Two weeks ago .. I packed my 21-incher for a 1 week trip to Germany; and as soon as I did it..I realized I hadn't particularly packed lightly. Wasn't my clothing but it was the things our relatives wanted us to bring over...
It turned out it only weighted 13 k's.
But all that said, lets pretend emergencies and "stuff happens"...what if your 1 bag was "lost" in transit? Then you'd both be outta luck.
It turned out it only weighted 13 k's.
But all that said, lets pretend emergencies and "stuff happens"...what if your 1 bag was "lost" in transit? Then you'd both be outta luck.
May 11th, 2006, 06:36 AM
#9
Tamara, I think one large suitcase shared by two people would be extremely inconvenient. I suggest you each have one suitcase 21-24" with wheels. I always check my luggage going to Europe because of the limited weight for carry-on items. Some couples pack 1/2 of their clothes in each of the 2 bags so if one were lost you'd both at least have some items.
Strand, Your TA is incorrect. They most certainly do (sometimes) check weight of carry-on and checked-thru suitcases. You can get an approximate weight by packing your suitcase and standing on a bathroom scale holding it close to your body (subtract your own weight).
Strand, Your TA is incorrect. They most certainly do (sometimes) check weight of carry-on and checked-thru suitcases. You can get an approximate weight by packing your suitcase and standing on a bathroom scale holding it close to your body (subtract your own weight).
May 11th, 2006, 06:52 AM
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Thanks for your replies.
Janis, our airline is strict and only allows for a carry-on of 8 kilos which is 17 1/2 pounds. We are thinking of two of these, but still, it is really a limited amount isn't it, even for one week? I also, like some of the other writers, don't know how much clothes you can get in for 8 kilos when you take into account an extra pair of shoes, toiletries, camera, video camera and a travel book or two. It seems to me that there wouldn't be too much left for clothes, would there be?
Tamara
Janis, our airline is strict and only allows for a carry-on of 8 kilos which is 17 1/2 pounds. We are thinking of two of these, but still, it is really a limited amount isn't it, even for one week? I also, like some of the other writers, don't know how much clothes you can get in for 8 kilos when you take into account an extra pair of shoes, toiletries, camera, video camera and a travel book or two. It seems to me that there wouldn't be too much left for clothes, would there be?
Tamara
May 11th, 2006, 06:59 AM
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I am a bit surprised by the SAS weight limit of 20 Kg unless you are speaking of their intra-European limits. Generally airlines will allow the 50 pounds all the way through if you are flying INTO Europe with them (some airlines, depending on class of severice will allow more than 50 pounds).
Anyway, as to the carry-on weight limits...it sometimes depends on whether or not the airline insists on weighing your bags..some do and some don't.
And I have found the same inconsistencies with the definition of "small personal item" which can be even further complicated by the mood of the gate agent when you try to roll down the Jetway.
This past month I actually went to the UK for a week with only two carry-ons that had to include a pair of boots and heavy coveralls. Compression bags helped; flying in Business-First helped; staring them in the eye probably helped, too. And last, but not least, knowing I would be doing laundry at least once also helped.
Anyway, as to the carry-on weight limits...it sometimes depends on whether or not the airline insists on weighing your bags..some do and some don't.
And I have found the same inconsistencies with the definition of "small personal item" which can be even further complicated by the mood of the gate agent when you try to roll down the Jetway.
This past month I actually went to the UK for a week with only two carry-ons that had to include a pair of boots and heavy coveralls. Compression bags helped; flying in Business-First helped; staring them in the eye probably helped, too. And last, but not least, knowing I would be doing laundry at least once also helped.
May 11th, 2006, 07:16 AM
#12
Tamara, Don't forget a normal suitcase with wheels/frame weight about 7-8 lbs. empty. So really you are looking at about 10 lbs. of clothes. For me that would not be enough for a week in Europe.
As I mentioned above, you can get an idea of how much both your empty and packed suitcase weighs, by doing a test-pack and put it on the bathroom scale.
As I mentioned above, you can get an idea of how much both your empty and packed suitcase weighs, by doing a test-pack and put it on the bathroom scale.
May 11th, 2006, 03:24 PM
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Our family of 5 (3 kids) recently traveled in Europe for three weeks entirely with carry-ons. (including shirt/tie wear for "nice" dinners) It's much easier to maneuver around airports, trains, skinny old hallways and steep stairs with smaller luggae pieces.
There's lots of info. on the net about traveling light - Rick Steves has a packing list or search for others.
Every time I travel I say "I'm not taking as much next time"... and this was no execption even though my entire luggage fit in a Patagonia MLC carry-on (no wheels, but backpack straps option).
If you're afraid you'll NEED something in Italy - realize that you can probably buy it there if you don't have it. Way easier (and more fun) than lugging it around.
There's lots of info. on the net about traveling light - Rick Steves has a packing list or search for others.
Every time I travel I say "I'm not taking as much next time"... and this was no execption even though my entire luggage fit in a Patagonia MLC carry-on (no wheels, but backpack straps option).
If you're afraid you'll NEED something in Italy - realize that you can probably buy it there if you don't have it. Way easier (and more fun) than lugging it around.
