Hi all,

For the first time ever, we are going to attempt our vacation with nothing but carry-on luggage so we can avoid the whole baggage claim routine, jump in a taxi, and be on our way.

I have a couple questions...
What is the real deal these days as far as what they will let you carry on with you? I know it (supposed) to be 1 bag per person, but what about my normal carry-on, and a small snorkel bag? Or a regular carry-on + my girlfriend's purse?

Last question is what is the biggest carry-on they will allow? I see so many different sizes at the store. When I checked a suitcase in the past, my carry-on bag was tiny, and it wasn't an issue. If they won't let me carry my snorkel bag (in addition) then my carry-on needs to fit my fins.

Thanks for any and all help.

Your best bet is to check your AIRLINE for the dimensions of the approved carry on that they allow.

The rule is: One carry on and one personal item (such as a purse, computer, briefcase).

You may have to leave behind your fins, unless they are shorties and fit in you carryon case.

ALL items must conform to the dimensions of the approved carry on.

You can usually get by with a 21-inch wheeled suitcase on American or another major carrier, and few people will question you. If your snorkel bag fits under the seat, then no problem at all. But there's no guarantee they will not require you to gate-check the wheeled bag. A non-wheeled bag (not a huge duffel) will better guarantee your ability to carry on your luggage.

Airline requirements do differ, and it also depends on how full your flight is and how many other people carry on.

Another alternative is to forget the fins and just take your snorkel and mask. If you go on a snorkel cruise, then you'll be able to use the ones from the boat; if you stay at a larger hotel, they probably have them to loan or (at worst) rent.

Check out the LLBean medium size rolling duffle bag, it's a great lightweight bag, I carry it on with no problem, fits in the overheads and I can go for a week with that and a large totebag that I carry on as my "purse - personal item." And I am not a light packer. I put a smaller purse inside the totebag. And you can probably fit fins etc. inside the duffle. Make your your second carry some type of briefcase (a soft one works well) and put more clothes in there. I think you might have an issue if you take on a suitcase and a large snorkel bag. But men with briefcases and one carry on suitcase and women with a large totebag as a purse and suitcase carry on do not have problems.

I don't know where you are going on your trip, but one way I've found to really reduce your luggage is to go with just one pair of shoes -- the ones you're wearing. (You can only do this if you're taking the kind of trip where you don't need to dress up for anything.)

When I do this, it's usually a sailing trip, and a single pair of Keen sandals does the trick; Keens serve as boat shoes, walking shoes, water shoes -- and for women wearing the slide/mule kind, don't even look too ridiculous with a skirt or sundress. (You do have to be very careful -- I almost ran into serious trouble when one of my sandals fell in the water, and I'd have had nothing to wear to go home in, or at least to the nearest store. Luckily, Keens float, at least long enough for retrieval!)

I take a roller suitcase that meets the airlines specs and a back pack. I can fit my fins, wetsuit, mask, and snorkel in the suitcase. I wear my running shoes and then take 1 nice pair of shoes and a couple of pairs of flip flops. I am a small female so it is easy to pack little sundresses and such for evening. All your liquids have to fit in a quart size bag and each liquid has to be < or = to 3 oz. Just buy sunscreen when you get to your destination. My husband has no problems either with a suitcase and back pack. We can be gone for as long a 2 weeks with no problems having packed enough clothes.

I've done a 2 week trip to the Caribbean, including snorkel gear, in just carryon baggage. I don't take a ton of clothing, and of the stuff I do take I make sure it's interchangeable--3 tops, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 skirt and/or dress, 1 pair of capris, and at least three bathing suits. I pack one pair of sandals and wear my heavier shoes that I'll walk or do light hiking in. If we're also celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary and I know I'll want to dress up, I'll also take along a small pair of strappy sandals. I bought myself the shorter kind of fins, so they fit just fine in my regular small carryon along with the snorkel and mask.

My personal item is a backpack with computer, camera, books, journal, iPod, etc.

It's important for me to be able to do just carryon, but it's not at all important for me to wear a different set of clothes every day. So I take fewer clothes, I wash them, and wear them multiple times. It's easy to pack in just a carry-on IF you can prioritize what's important for your travel needs.

I once did 3 weeks in Europe with a regular sized backpack and a 21 inch rolling suitcase because I was traveling alone and I dind't want to have to bother with lots of luggage. Great decision since many of the places did not have elevators!

Carry only is especially doable in the Caribbean because most restaurants are informal.

The only question I have for you is where are you going? That will make a big difference as to what you need to bring. If you are going to a place like USVI or Puerto Rico, you can pack extreamly light. Your hotel will have shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc and you can easily stop at the grocery store and pick up sunscreen and other things. If you are going to a more developing country, you will have to think about things you may not be able to get easily. For those, pack in travel size containers.

I usually keep a packing list on my computer and type all the things I think I may need and then try to elimnate anything non -essential. The old saying is really true - take lots of cash and pack light.

We have traveled lighter and lighter each year. We now carry a lot of quick dry stuff that can easily be washed in the sink and will dry in a couple of hours.

We are at the point where we buy a lot of toiletries after we get there. It doesn't cost that much and can eliminate a lot of weight and space.

We like to check an ice-chest with a lot of specialty foods but AA's "box embargo" is eliminating that option even though many of the agents are confused by the wording.

Thank you all for your replies, they are much appreciated.

Our vacation plans have changed a couple times as far as destination goes. Our original trip was going to be Virgin Gorda, but unfortunately, Nail Bay had big increases in their 2009 pricing, and it was no longer doable. Our back up plan was St John, which we now have a beautiful villa with epic views, and a very private pool & jacuzzi.

Our game plan is to just keep it simple, hence the carry-on only plan. It looks as if I will be fine using a normal carry-on roller, along with a small snorkel bag over my shoulder as my personal item. I have since talked to many that assured me this will be fine.

No need to lots of clothes, as we will be cooking in for a lot of our meals, and the villa has laundry machines anyway.

Thank you all again for your help. All I have to do now is wait. By the way, AA flights from Boston to STT round trip for June were only $370.....Now just bring me to June!!

The biggest capacity bag that fits inside the official dimensions is not a wheeled bag, but a bag with shoulder straps... weekender convertible, I think it is called... from eBags for about $50... I own one and use it when travelling to the UK and trying to stay with carry on only

Our last trip to St. John we went without checking any luggage. The rule is: don't bring anything that you can purchase reasonably at your destination. Don't bring anything you think you "might" wear or need... we never end up using or needing it. And don't forget, you can carry on a really big "purse" which doesn't really count as a carry-on. I bring all the essential toiletries (4 oz. or less) in that, along with anything that'll fit into one of those big ol' diaper bag sized purses, and then the rest can go into the carry-on. I believe we were each allowed (2) carry-on's or bags so we hit our limit of 6 which was more than enough for a week's supply of stuff.

Good words of advice as usual from Tuxedocat, but I think she means 3 oz for gels & liquids.

Realistically, I don't see how it's possible to pack for 2 weeks with just carry-on. But I do see a heck of a lot of people trying to fake it and taking up way too much room on the plane.

Just last week, for my flight to Antigua, the airline (Air Canada) was weighing carry-on baggage (yes, even the so called "personal items" you are allowed). Alot of people were caught trying to do too much and had to pay extra.

Actually, it is not that difficult. This was mentioned above but I will elaborate
3 tops and 3 bottoms that are interchangeable make for 9 different outfits. Bring underwear, swimwear, a book or two and your essentials - voila! Packing in vacuum bags often helps. So what is someone sees me in the same outfit within a two week period - I will never see them again!

Well,

We are only going for 8 days, and plan on cooking most meals in, I'm thinking this should be a breeze. I must admit however my girlfriend seems a little more concerned about this carry-on only than I do!! LOL.

It seemes pretty easy to me as I can easily fit 3-4 pairs of shorts, 5-6 t-shirts, couple golf shirts, couple tank tops, couple bathing suits, underwear for the week, plus a couple pairs of shoes. I already did a trial run, and have room to spare.

My snorkelbag is small & thin, and will be my "personal" item. Piece of cake!! ;-)

Straight flights from Memphis to Jamaica there was not a charge for check in luggage. Carry on was no problem....check with your airlines. Have a great time, the Riu negril is great. The best of times is spent on the beach around the jerk chicken hut and the bar..