Using Carry on Bag Only
Oct 26th, 2009, 08:46 PM
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Using Carry on Bag Only
Yes, it can be done. There are some provisos and rules, but the advantages are wonderful:
1 convenience. Simpler check in, no carousal pick ups so that if you are short of time between flights, at least you will beat anyone else on the same in-bound flight.
2.first through customs at your Australian destination. I was first through Melbourne customs from a full Airasia flight – first to cabs etc. (Not such an advantage at many Asian airports where customs are less regimented)
3.avoid any checked bag fees on low cost carriers.
4.Delightful freedom when moving around your destination country – one bag to keep tabs on, one bag to carry on a mini bus or tuk tuk or the back of a motor scooter.
I managed easily on one check in sized bag for an 11 day trip from Canberra in Australia to northern Sumatra in Indonesia. The warm climate in Sumatra certainly made it easier, although I did need a light pullover for the cool Karo highlands.
Space in the bag is not really the problem, it is weight. Tiger and Airasia limit you to 7 kgs for your carry on. The smallest limit in dimensions was set by Virgin with 48cm long, 34 high, and 23 deep, so that the sum of the sides cannot exceed 105 cms. The bag I used 47 cm x 28 x 24 (= 99), and was not queried by Virgin, Tiger, or Airasia. I had room to spare, even coming home with a present.
Some planning and compromises are needed to get within 7 kgs, though. Both Tiger and Airasia are prone to weigh your carry on.
Firstly, only two pair of shoes/sandals. The rule is wear one pair, pack the other. If this isn't do-able for you, no point in reading on.
My bag weighs about 0.9 kg. I am considering going to a light nylon bag which has virtually no weight. (Can be purchased from the travel sections of Big W in Australia.). I haven't gone to this type as it would be less robust, and would really need a cardboard floor to give it some sort of shape, which would add a bit to the weight. I still might go that way, however. Beware the Kathmandu equivalent – a nice bag, but exceeds the dimension rules.
The 100 ml limit for fluids actually helps. Better still if you use 50 ml containers for shampoo, sun cream, mouthwash and the like.
If you get close to the 7 kg limit, transfer some stuff to your pockets. I did this for my camera at each check in, and wore my rain jacket, as it has big pockets..
I packed:
small wets bag, using mostly 50-60 ml containers (ones that don't leak, unlike my hair cream choice)
one pair hiking shorts
one swimming costume
one pair of (light weight) pants
five pairs of underpants
two singlets
three pairs socks
one pair surf/hiking sandals
one pajama bottom
one heavy tee (for day wear, and sleeping in cool climes)
one lightweight nylon rain jacket – also used a cool weather coat over my pullover (I came out of a Canberra winter)
two short sleeve collared shirts – wash and wear type
one novel (changed over in Sumatra at an exchange)
some Indonesian language notes, but not my full Indonesain dictionary, as it it too heavy. I bought a new English/Indonesian dictionary on the streets of Berastagi for 30 cents.
A hand towel
Total weight: 5.8 kgs.
I wore on the plane:
slacks good enough for four star hotel bars
long sleeve shirt
light wool pullover
casual tan shoes, good enough for a bar or a dining room.
Compromises include not being able to buy souvenirs or presents, or if you do, having to send them home in a post office bag. The hand towel had to serve as a full towel at airport showers – not ideal, but can be done of you take a little more time drying.
What would I do differently next time? I would add a lightweight microfibre blanket – also sold as children's throw rugs. These do not weigh more than 0.4 kg, and are great when sleeping at an airport, or in flight.
Go on, you can do it! For travel to a cooler climate, I guess more thought would be needed. Perhaps by jeans at the holiday destination, and leave it there.
Everybody, let's know how you go.
Jackact
1 convenience. Simpler check in, no carousal pick ups so that if you are short of time between flights, at least you will beat anyone else on the same in-bound flight.
2.first through customs at your Australian destination. I was first through Melbourne customs from a full Airasia flight – first to cabs etc. (Not such an advantage at many Asian airports where customs are less regimented)
3.avoid any checked bag fees on low cost carriers.
4.Delightful freedom when moving around your destination country – one bag to keep tabs on, one bag to carry on a mini bus or tuk tuk or the back of a motor scooter.
I managed easily on one check in sized bag for an 11 day trip from Canberra in Australia to northern Sumatra in Indonesia. The warm climate in Sumatra certainly made it easier, although I did need a light pullover for the cool Karo highlands.
Space in the bag is not really the problem, it is weight. Tiger and Airasia limit you to 7 kgs for your carry on. The smallest limit in dimensions was set by Virgin with 48cm long, 34 high, and 23 deep, so that the sum of the sides cannot exceed 105 cms. The bag I used 47 cm x 28 x 24 (= 99), and was not queried by Virgin, Tiger, or Airasia. I had room to spare, even coming home with a present.
Some planning and compromises are needed to get within 7 kgs, though. Both Tiger and Airasia are prone to weigh your carry on.
Firstly, only two pair of shoes/sandals. The rule is wear one pair, pack the other. If this isn't do-able for you, no point in reading on.
My bag weighs about 0.9 kg. I am considering going to a light nylon bag which has virtually no weight. (Can be purchased from the travel sections of Big W in Australia.). I haven't gone to this type as it would be less robust, and would really need a cardboard floor to give it some sort of shape, which would add a bit to the weight. I still might go that way, however. Beware the Kathmandu equivalent – a nice bag, but exceeds the dimension rules.
The 100 ml limit for fluids actually helps. Better still if you use 50 ml containers for shampoo, sun cream, mouthwash and the like.
If you get close to the 7 kg limit, transfer some stuff to your pockets. I did this for my camera at each check in, and wore my rain jacket, as it has big pockets..
I packed:
small wets bag, using mostly 50-60 ml containers (ones that don't leak, unlike my hair cream choice)
one pair hiking shorts
one swimming costume
one pair of (light weight) pants
five pairs of underpants
two singlets
three pairs socks
one pair surf/hiking sandals
one pajama bottom
one heavy tee (for day wear, and sleeping in cool climes)
one lightweight nylon rain jacket – also used a cool weather coat over my pullover (I came out of a Canberra winter)
two short sleeve collared shirts – wash and wear type
one novel (changed over in Sumatra at an exchange)
some Indonesian language notes, but not my full Indonesain dictionary, as it it too heavy. I bought a new English/Indonesian dictionary on the streets of Berastagi for 30 cents.
A hand towel
Total weight: 5.8 kgs.
I wore on the plane:
slacks good enough for four star hotel bars
long sleeve shirt
light wool pullover
casual tan shoes, good enough for a bar or a dining room.
Compromises include not being able to buy souvenirs or presents, or if you do, having to send them home in a post office bag. The hand towel had to serve as a full towel at airport showers – not ideal, but can be done of you take a little more time drying.
What would I do differently next time? I would add a lightweight microfibre blanket – also sold as children's throw rugs. These do not weigh more than 0.4 kg, and are great when sleeping at an airport, or in flight.
Go on, you can do it! For travel to a cooler climate, I guess more thought would be needed. Perhaps by jeans at the holiday destination, and leave it there.
Everybody, let's know how you go.
Jackact
Oct 27th, 2009, 08:21 AM
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I agree. This year I started bringing only a carry on bag, even to Europe. It makes life so much easier in terms of getting into and out of the airport.
Also, if you have to make a last minute change at the airport (maybe because of a canceled/delayed flight or you want to change to a better flight), bringing only a carry on makes it much easier to get on a new plane.
Also, if you have to make a last minute change at the airport (maybe because of a canceled/delayed flight or you want to change to a better flight), bringing only a carry on makes it much easier to get on a new plane.
Oct 27th, 2009, 05:00 PM
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I managed this for the first time earlier this year. DH and I went to Maui for a week and managed it with no checked luggage. It took planning, as I always tend to overpack, but it was worth it.
As sfmb pointed out, we ended up getting an earlier connection on the way there and wouldn't have done that with checked bags. And when you land in Kahului, you can save a LOT of time getting to the rental car counter by not waiting for checked bags - they take forever to show up there!
As sfmb pointed out, we ended up getting an earlier connection on the way there and wouldn't have done that with checked bags. And when you land in Kahului, you can save a LOT of time getting to the rental car counter by not waiting for checked bags - they take forever to show up there!
Oct 27th, 2009, 09:29 PM
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Well, I disagree.
For one thing, you have to drag your bag through security and all about the airport and attend to it in restaurants, shops, rest rooms, along with while waiting to board your plane. You hold up, block, otherwise annoy, all others along the way, particularly on the plane.
As for "no carousel pickups", at most airports, you have to walk the same distance and go through the same areas, just not have to wait (if necessary, often not) for your bag.
Just a few extra inches in a bag renders you able to pack some more essential items such as another (different weight) sweater, a raincoat, another pair of shoes, and sufficient clothing so as not to have to do washing/laundry during your travels.
For me, anyway, it's better to have what you want/need along and travel far more comfortably than "carry on only".
For one thing, you have to drag your bag through security and all about the airport and attend to it in restaurants, shops, rest rooms, along with while waiting to board your plane. You hold up, block, otherwise annoy, all others along the way, particularly on the plane.
As for "no carousel pickups", at most airports, you have to walk the same distance and go through the same areas, just not have to wait (if necessary, often not) for your bag.
Just a few extra inches in a bag renders you able to pack some more essential items such as another (different weight) sweater, a raincoat, another pair of shoes, and sufficient clothing so as not to have to do washing/laundry during your travels.
For me, anyway, it's better to have what you want/need along and travel far more comfortably than "carry on only".
Oct 29th, 2009, 08:48 AM
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I agree djk. I would much rather have freedom to roam the airport pre-flight without the hassle of my bags.
It sounds like jackact has a "me first" complex. It is great to not have to wait, but last I checked, standing in line won't kill you. Patience is a virtue- and essential when traveling.
It sounds like jackact has a "me first" complex. It is great to not have to wait, but last I checked, standing in line won't kill you. Patience is a virtue- and essential when traveling.
Oct 29th, 2009, 08:53 PM
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I've done both and I like to check my bag and I still travel very light.
I think people who carryon should get seats in the back of the plane so those of us who check can get off the plane sooner.
It doesn't matter whether you carry on or check. Air travel is a practice in waiting.
I think people who carryon should get seats in the back of the plane so those of us who check can get off the plane sooner.
It doesn't matter whether you carry on or check. Air travel is a practice in waiting.
Nov 1st, 2009, 06:08 AM
#7
The best part is the freedom you have once you arrive at your destination, checking into hotels, using public transportation. I always carry-on and it has made traveling a much easier experience.
Nov 1st, 2009, 11:17 AM
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I always pack for carry on and make my decision based on my lay over time. If it's a short layover I carry on and run to my gate. If it's long, I'd rather be free to take a walk, go into shops etc without the hassel of my bag (small as it may be)
Nov 1st, 2009, 11:52 AM
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The appeal of going the carry-on only route for me would depend on the nature of my trip.
1. Am I going somewhere relatively cold? Then it probably isn't practical.
2. Is my flight direct or am I changing planes (or worse, airlines) along the way? Anything that increase the risk of my luggage not arriving with me makes me nervous. Lost luggage is a complication that I would rather avoid if I can.
3. Am I going to stay in one place, or am I moving around the country?
Earlier this year, I went to London. Direct flight, stayed in the same hotel for the entire 2 weeks. Never even considered going the carry-on route.
Next year on the other hand, I have plans for for 2 to 2.5 weeks in Europe (mostly Italy). At least 3 different cities, and based on my searches so far, at least one plane change, possibly two getting to Europe. The carry-on option looks pretty appealing.
Some of the criticisms I don't get honestly. I have stood waiting for luggage enough to know that the majority of people who check baggage ALSO have carry-ons, so it is not as if the carry-on only folks are somehow solely responsible for any delays is disembarking from the plane.
1. Am I going somewhere relatively cold? Then it probably isn't practical.
2. Is my flight direct or am I changing planes (or worse, airlines) along the way? Anything that increase the risk of my luggage not arriving with me makes me nervous. Lost luggage is a complication that I would rather avoid if I can.
3. Am I going to stay in one place, or am I moving around the country?
Earlier this year, I went to London. Direct flight, stayed in the same hotel for the entire 2 weeks. Never even considered going the carry-on route.
Next year on the other hand, I have plans for for 2 to 2.5 weeks in Europe (mostly Italy). At least 3 different cities, and based on my searches so far, at least one plane change, possibly two getting to Europe. The carry-on option looks pretty appealing.
Some of the criticisms I don't get honestly. I have stood waiting for luggage enough to know that the majority of people who check baggage ALSO have carry-ons, so it is not as if the carry-on only folks are somehow solely responsible for any delays is disembarking from the plane.
Nov 1st, 2009, 01:16 PM
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Good points, glenmd. Any more than a few days in a genuine winter may not be practicable with carry on only. And yes, if you are staying put at one location for the entire trip, then why not take more stuff?
Nov 4th, 2009, 10:31 AM
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We spent two weeks traveling through Spain by train, bus and plane and the carryons we wheeled everywhere made the travel fast, easy, and convenient. It feels really good to know that all my luggage will arrive with me when I land ( which was not always the case with our checked luggage). Unless I am traveling by car in the US, in which case I pack eveything I can into the trunk....just in case) packing light really improves travel. It is such fun to breeze through passport control with the flight crew!
Nov 8th, 2009, 07:52 AM
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We travel carryon only, even in the winter. We did a 3 week trip to Europe in mid Feb. once and still managed with each of us having just one carryon. Layering and fabrics are key. For that trip, we did have laundry done once in the middle. We can easily do 10 days though without needing to do laundry and without needing to wear things more than once.
After one trip where we all checked in together, yet only the females bags were broken into (pre 9/11), it annoyed me enough to not want to hassle with it again.
DH sometimes has to check bags when he travels for work because of the items he has to carry with him, and he usually complains about it as he is packing, lol.
After one trip where we all checked in together, yet only the females bags were broken into (pre 9/11), it annoyed me enough to not want to hassle with it again.
DH sometimes has to check bags when he travels for work because of the items he has to carry with him, and he usually complains about it as he is packing, lol.
Nov 9th, 2009, 08:56 PM
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So many trips I've left items out I dearly wish I'd packed. And, there's nothing worse than having to shop for any pay more for something less absolutely perfect than what you have at home (sandals, heavier sweater, jacket...).
For me, there is absolutely no point in packing light enough to take public transportation from/to the airport. The extra expense can be budgeted easily. If necessary, I'd just cut one day off the trip.
I've have been quite fortunate over the years. No lost bags. But, then, I stick to non-stop flights whenever possible.
For me, there is absolutely no point in packing light enough to take public transportation from/to the airport. The extra expense can be budgeted easily. If necessary, I'd just cut one day off the trip.
I've have been quite fortunate over the years. No lost bags. But, then, I stick to non-stop flights whenever possible.
Nov 15th, 2009, 06:06 AM
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Thankfully we have the freedom to decide which type of travel style works for each of us!
My minimalist packing would never appeal to someone who needs the right shoes for each outfit; and more luggage than a 22 inch carryon would drive me crazy.
As Glenmd said, often those with checked luggage have carry-on also. And I've seen plenty of shopping bags fully packed stuffed into overhead bins, leaving no room for my one 21 inch bag.Just as there are two opinions for what works best for any individual regarding luggage, there are two types of travelors - considerate and inconsiderate. And luggage style is not a determining factor.
I think rather than "has a "me first" complex" slamming, we should helpfully use this board to let freedom of choice make travel easier for all of us.
My minimalist packing would never appeal to someone who needs the right shoes for each outfit; and more luggage than a 22 inch carryon would drive me crazy.
As Glenmd said, often those with checked luggage have carry-on also. And I've seen plenty of shopping bags fully packed stuffed into overhead bins, leaving no room for my one 21 inch bag.Just as there are two opinions for what works best for any individual regarding luggage, there are two types of travelors - considerate and inconsiderate. And luggage style is not a determining factor.
I think rather than "has a "me first" complex" slamming, we should helpfully use this board to let freedom of choice make travel easier for all of us.
Nov 15th, 2009, 11:12 AM
#15
For me it depends what I'll be doing once I reach my destination. If I'm going to be taking trains around Europe, then packing carry-on only style is worth it. If I'm going to a beach destination and staying in one place the entire time, it's worth it to me to check a slightly larger piece of luggage thru.
Nov 15th, 2009, 02:51 PM
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Just did a trip that involved 7 flights. It was unbelievable the stuff people were trying to cram into the overhead compartments. All flights were full but one and it's aggravating to have your small bag or jacket completely crumpled and smashed by unreasonable efforts to jam stuff up there.
Nov 16th, 2009, 06:14 AM
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I think the airlines should have a small charge for carryons and allow the first checked bag to go free! I bet that would help with the crap people carry on board versus checking it - keep it to the bare minimum. Maybe even charge by weight for carryons - or perhaps "free carry-on, until a certain weight is reached".
I have a Samsonite Black Label ultralight 19 inch spinner which works perfectly as a carryon and even fits in CRJ bins not to mention under the seat very well. I have another Samsonite Spinner 19 inch that is a little bulkier (thicker) and not quite as light. Those two together are great for trips (one carryon, one checked) because they are both spinners and both compact. You can get a surprising amount of stuff in them too.
I have a Samsonite Black Label ultralight 19 inch spinner which works perfectly as a carryon and even fits in CRJ bins not to mention under the seat very well. I have another Samsonite Spinner 19 inch that is a little bulkier (thicker) and not quite as light. Those two together are great for trips (one carryon, one checked) because they are both spinners and both compact. You can get a surprising amount of stuff in them too.
Nov 18th, 2009, 04:06 AM
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flygirl I agree! As a photographer I have to carry my camera gear onboard. I make sure it fits in a carry on legal bag. I check my other luggage (and would do even if I didn't have the camera gear). Very often I cannot store my valuable gear in a locker because it is stuffed full of other peoples oversized and multiple carry-ons. I have even had the flight attendants saying I will have to gate check my bag as the overheads are full. Sorry but unless they are willing to accept liability for a couple of thousand Euro worth of equipment it is going on board with me - let them check someone's fifteen carrier bags or the oversized rolling bag of the guy in front of me.
Start charging for carry on instead of for checked bags.
I can't see the advantage of carrying on. If people took less on board we could all get off (and on!) the plane a lot faster, be more comfortable and not have to fall over peoples carry on bags in the queue for immigration. So you may have to wait five minutes for you bags at the carousel, but that is nothing to the queue to get off the damn plane while you wait for everyone to get their bags down and organised, or the queue for immigration.
Start charging for carry on instead of for checked bags.
I can't see the advantage of carrying on. If people took less on board we could all get off (and on!) the plane a lot faster, be more comfortable and not have to fall over peoples carry on bags in the queue for immigration. So you may have to wait five minutes for you bags at the carousel, but that is nothing to the queue to get off the damn plane while you wait for everyone to get their bags down and organised, or the queue for immigration.
Nov 18th, 2009, 05:27 AM
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Sorry I can't agree with checking bags being the faster/ better option. For a period of about 2 years 90% of the time my checked bags NEVER were on the same plane as me! This involved many different airlines & destinations. Even to the point of seeing my bags lying on the tarmac as we took off (small international airport. On one trip I was traveling with a person that rarely travels & told her not to expect her bag when we landed. She said that never happens to her... it did with me.
Guess I may be the rareity but now I never check a bag unless it is scuba gear.
I am really in favor of a better control of carry-on bags, many are larger than my dive bag!
I travel for several weeks on end with a carry-on that never weighs more than 20 lbs. Wish I coukld get it down less than that but it all fits into a backpack.
Guess I may be the rareity but now I never check a bag unless it is scuba gear.
I am really in favor of a better control of carry-on bags, many are larger than my dive bag!
I travel for several weeks on end with a carry-on that never weighs more than 20 lbs. Wish I coukld get it down less than that but it all fits into a backpack.
Nov 18th, 2009, 11:55 AM
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I wish all of the airlines measured your carryon items before allowing you on the plane and then enforcing their size rules. I also wish they would enforce the rule about one bag in the overhead and one under the seat in front of you. A roller bag and 6 store bags is not following the rules. Put your bag in the bin over your seat and sit your butt down. Putting your bag in the bin at the front of the aisle and then walking back 20 rows to your seat is just obnoxious, quit it. 
Also, put your own carry on bag up in the bin. If you have a legit reason (i.e. too short to reach easily, elderly, visibly injured, holding a baby, etc) I'm happy to help you put your bag up above. However, don't pull the ditzy college girl thing and expect someone to lift your 40 pound roller bag up above for you.
One of my main pet peeves with putting anything in the overhead bins... quit crushing my stuff! I don't know how many times I've put seen people swing a bag up and then try to cram it in on top of someone elses stuff, just shoving until they can think the lid will close. Clear an area before you put your bag in and then push things aside, gently please, until you have room for your bag. I generally take my fragile purchases as carryon on the trip home and hate to see someone just slam around with a bag worse than the checked baggage handlers.
As for going carry on only, it depends on the trip and the length. For 1 week or less, oh yeah definitely carry on only. For longer, I haven't wanted to bother. The liquid limit is one of my main problems. Until very recently I had hair well past my waist and it's still most of the way down my back. I use a lot of conditioner and while I can use the hotels shampoo, that doesn't work for the conditioner. Add in shampoo, soap, toothpaste, contact solution, sunblock, lotion and face wash and my little quart sized bag is beyond full. If I had short hair I think I'd be fine with the liquid limits, but I go through a 3 oz travel bottle of conditioner in a week or less. Travel for 3 weeks, and the bag is full for my hair alone.
I've never found a 24-25" roller bag to be any real hassle, especially as I never pack it so full I can't lift it easily. However, I also haven't traveled where I'm on and off of trains and whatnot with all of my stuff. I take a fold up duffle as carry on with essentials for a few days incase they lose my bag (knock on wood, hasn't happened to me yet). The duffle comes out again on the way home for my fragile and/or expensive new purchases.
I'm just glad that there isn't a specific packing/traveling method that everyone has to follow. I can do carry on only in some instances but have problems with the liquid limits so I check a mid sized bag. Many people are happiest checking a huge bag and packing a ton. Many people are happiest with packing as little as possible and going carry on only. It's not what is good and what is bad, it's what works best for you and your trip.
Also, put your own carry on bag up in the bin. If you have a legit reason (i.e. too short to reach easily, elderly, visibly injured, holding a baby, etc) I'm happy to help you put your bag up above. However, don't pull the ditzy college girl thing and expect someone to lift your 40 pound roller bag up above for you. One of my main pet peeves with putting anything in the overhead bins... quit crushing my stuff! I don't know how many times I've put seen people swing a bag up and then try to cram it in on top of someone elses stuff, just shoving until they can think the lid will close. Clear an area before you put your bag in and then push things aside, gently please, until you have room for your bag. I generally take my fragile purchases as carryon on the trip home and hate to see someone just slam around with a bag worse than the checked baggage handlers.
As for going carry on only, it depends on the trip and the length. For 1 week or less, oh yeah definitely carry on only. For longer, I haven't wanted to bother. The liquid limit is one of my main problems. Until very recently I had hair well past my waist and it's still most of the way down my back. I use a lot of conditioner and while I can use the hotels shampoo, that doesn't work for the conditioner. Add in shampoo, soap, toothpaste, contact solution, sunblock, lotion and face wash and my little quart sized bag is beyond full. If I had short hair I think I'd be fine with the liquid limits, but I go through a 3 oz travel bottle of conditioner in a week or less. Travel for 3 weeks, and the bag is full for my hair alone.
I've never found a 24-25" roller bag to be any real hassle, especially as I never pack it so full I can't lift it easily. However, I also haven't traveled where I'm on and off of trains and whatnot with all of my stuff. I take a fold up duffle as carry on with essentials for a few days incase they lose my bag (knock on wood, hasn't happened to me yet). The duffle comes out again on the way home for my fragile and/or expensive new purchases.
I'm just glad that there isn't a specific packing/traveling method that everyone has to follow. I can do carry on only in some instances but have problems with the liquid limits so I check a mid sized bag. Many people are happiest checking a huge bag and packing a ton. Many people are happiest with packing as little as possible and going carry on only. It's not what is good and what is bad, it's what works best for you and your trip.
