Patty, I fond a cylinder lasts about a month, used once a day. They are just great, heat up in a jiff, easy to use.
And lightweight! My husband thinks the regs. apply to those big butane canisters you can light with a flame. The tiny butane cartridges in a curling iron are completely self-contained, can't light them.

Hi everyone. I was thinking I could get away with carrying on my DayPack as my "purse" and my small duffel as my "carry on" when flying from Chicago to NBO - noting that it meets size and weight restrictions.

To start, I am flying from Chicago to Frankfurt on United - which allows a purse and 1 carry on. Then I change to Lufthansa Airlines which says "1 carry on" for those in Economy (me) and then on to Swiss Air in Zurich which also says 1 carry on. I wasn't sure about the purse versus the carry on. Does your purse count as your carry on? Any thoughts? Anyone tried taking a purse and carry on for these airlines?

The reason I wanted to carry everything on was because I have this tightly timed flight to Kenya - with little lay-over time and switching airlines, etc. I am sure my checked baggage would not make it with me (or really if I'll be able to make it). The flight was created by United using my frequent flier miles and I only have about 1 hour and half for each stop - Frankfurt and Zurich.

When I flew to Italy last year I had the same problem. We had a really short layover in London so we carried on all our luggage to London and then got our luggage snagged from us as we tried to board the flight to Italy in London. However, had we checked our bags in Chicago when we departed, I know they would not have made the flight. We literally were running to catch the plane in London - and the luggage was small so it just got plopped right on the plane at the gate.

On the way back I'll check my duffel as I don't care when it gets back to me.

I guess I am just sad that you've all pointed out my "plan" for carry on will probably not work.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

hi spsand, that "someone" lied. The limit for the total you have with you including checked or carry-on for internal flights is 15kg or 33 pounds. I'm not sure why it's such an issue for some folks or why folks have to beat up on the "soft-sided" bags only issue. It is what it is.
If you're lucky enough to be traveling and touring Africa isn't it worth thinking about what you'll see and do each day instead of bitching and moaning about not being able to bring your hairdryer etc?
Once you learn to travel light you'll never again travel like a pack mule.

I like the tips on handi-wipes, zip-on/off pants, eyedrops and the small give-aways.

Amanda,
When do you travel? It's possible that by May of this year, the current one carry on restriction that's in effect at UK airports will go into effect EU wide. I don't think it's definite yet, but if traveling May or beyond, I wouldn't count on being allowed a second personal item even if transitting through FRA or ZRH.

A 1.5 hour connection isn't that short and I bet the chances of your checked luggage making it are higher than you think. But make sure you pack all of the necessities for your first 2 days on the ground in your carry on just in case. The only time my luggage has been delayed was when I didn't follow my own carry on packing advice.

Thanks, Patty. I am not traveling until August 2007. I think you are correct. I should just check my duffel and carry my one bag.

I should be happy because I do have over 24 hours in NBO before my group leaves, so a lost duffel could probably catch up with me while I am at the Fairview Hotel for two nights.

My luggage got lost last month flying directly from Ohare in Chicago to New Orleans. It's a short flight and I checked in well in adavnce. When I got to New Orleans they said my luggage had not even been scanned into the system yet. :)

You never know... but sounds like only one carry on is the rule. I will just risk it and throw caution to the wind (very hard for an extremely anal planner).

Cheers!
-Amanda

London measures are draconian now, one carry on means just that, no purse and carry on like in the US. In addition the one carry has to be relatively small. On Tuesday they were enforcing this rigidly, much more than the previous Saturday. IMO the one carry on, is to try and limit the security lines, so they don't have to get more screening equipment.

it's awful that travelling is getting more inconvenient than ever before and airports are more like awful bus terminals with a little mallish feel....they like to sell the good stuff, yet, it's a bus terminal experience........

Hari

Hello,

I agree with you, Matt -- I think the security situation is an excuse for BAA to avoid investing in better equipment or more staff. Having two carry-ons in the US doesn't seem to slow things down significantly at airports like JFK and SFO. I've been able to have two carry-ons on flights from the US to the UK if London is my final destination, but not if I plan to route through to somewhere else.

When I talked to some of the BA people at the ATTA event last night about whether this may be relaxed (at least for Club and First passengers) they said that it's not likely.

Ironically, this rule has actually increased the size of my carry on. Before I had a small laptop computer case and a small messenger bag. Now I use my Hartmann safari duffle and put the two aforementioned bags in it. The Hartmann is within the regulations but is substantially larger than the other two bags combined, but since it's 'one bag' it's allowed...ridiculous!

Cheers,
Julian

Julian: BA has been deteriorating for the past few years. I switched to Emirates......

Hi Hari,

Personally, I never fly BA long-haul -- I prefer Virgin. I've never tried Emirates yet because the idea of a long layover in Dubai isn't very appealing when I can get a direct flight from London, but I've heard that their service is excellent.

Cheers,
Julian

Julian: i agree. It would be tedious to stop in Dubai. Yes, good service. Their IFE the best i have seen from any airline. Service next best, only to Singapore airlines......

Hari

I'm considering using a 22" tote (squarish) for my one carry on, plus detachable wheels.

A wheeled bag that size is heavier and holds less.

I'm wondering how Healthrow staff are going to react - will the detached wheels count as a second piece or will the bag with wheels attached have to fit the sizer or ??? Anyone seen travelers doing this?

Sylvia

Hello,

In my experience with several recent trips in and out of London I suspect that the wheels would count as an extra item, and you'd need to check them.

The saddest thing I ever saw was when this little girl was told that she could either have her stuffed dog or her security blanket. Talk about mean! Her mum was furious, and finally ended up cramming the dog into her carryon. The tail ended up sticking out but they generously let that slide.

Cheers,
Julian

Hari..."it's a bus terminal experience..."

Ironically, it was a security-lacking bus terminal attitude which led to this in the first place. I'd prefer authorities to overdo rather than underdo the security, despite the inconvenience.

John