'Soft bags' for safari flight (Federal Air)
 

My wife and I are going to be flying on Federal Air from JNB to Ulusaba to our safari next month, and don't know what to make of the 'soft bags' requirement. We usually travel with two Travelpro 'rollaboard' cases. They're not exactly 'hard', but they're not exactly 'soft' either...

Are these types of bags acceptable? Or do we need to purchase new luggage?

If we have to buy something, what size would we need, to hold the required amount of stuff to get in at the weight limit?

Thanks

Don't think the pilot will be happy with you bringing a roller board bag. If it says soft sided, they mean duffle bag type of bag. On some of the smaller planes they really squish the bags into the small cargo hold.

I'm guessing a soft-sided roller would be ok, but why listen to me or anyone else when you can write directly to Fed Air and have them tell you straight from the horse's mouth? [email protected]

Even a soft-sided/duffle-type bag with wheels/handle will have to be squished into the very small luggage compartment of these planes. Besides, of course, any bags - TravelPro* or others - with metal, can weight 5-7/lbs before you pack anything inside.

I'm I can attest for most us that we do NOT need another piece of luggage, but soft-sided/duffle-type without wheels can be found for as little as $25, are easy to pack, will fit in the plane and without the metal, you can pack the cloths you need and stay within the weight limit for such flights.

Check ebags, Target, TJMaxx, Home Goods, etc. who always have something at really good prices, even if it comes in an odd color. My ebags duffles has served me now over 7/years and looks as good as new. Once in-country there are always porters at camps and at airports, luggage carts are available annd usually for free.

Best thing about these bags, once home you can fold them up, put a band around and store inside one of your other bags... thus take up no extra room.
*I use my TravelPro to store my soft-bags, so it still comes in handy even if not for travel :)

Happy travels.

DH and I each take a duffle bag (carry on sized is all that is required. Really.) and one of us packs a folding travel cart for the airports, etc:

http://www.brookstone.com/compact-luggage-cart-folding

Works perfectly, and no issues with rolly or no rolly. Handles two duffles no problem. There are less expensive ones that I'm sure would do just as well. This one is very lightweight and has traveled a lot.