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Any Secrets To Carrying On One's Bags on an International Flight?

Any Secrets To Carrying On One's Bags on an International Flight?

Old Jul 26th, 2007, 05:57 AM
  #21  
 
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I just wanted to offer some encouragement about the overhead bins. On our recent trip with overseas flights I kept encouraging my husband to get in the front of the line because I was worried about bin space. On those huge planes, there was never a problem, there seemed more than enough space for everyone's bags.
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Old Jul 26th, 2007, 06:27 AM
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I need clarification on the "one bag" rule. Is this one carry on bag? You can still check two cases in the luggage compartment?
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Old Jul 26th, 2007, 06:34 AM
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The number of checked bags allowed depends on the airline. It's *usually* two checked bags of no more than 50 pounds on most trans-Atlantic flights. Some airlines limit you to 1 checked bag on trans-Atlantic routes, and almost all domestic European flights limit you to one checked bag.

British Airways, for example, allows 2 checked bags for passengers in coach on Trans-Atlantic flights; the weight limit is 50 pounds per bag (this is true almost universally throughout Europe now).
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Old Jul 26th, 2007, 12:20 PM
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My husband and I are non-revenue passengers, i.e., airline employees, and we usually take our bags with us, if we can. We just returned from a cruise in the Med and I took a roller bag and a large garment bag. My husband took a roller bag and a carry-on. It wasn't easy, but we did it. If the flights are full and you are one of the last ones to get on, you may have trouble storing the bags. If that happens, you can "gate" check the bag. Beware, however, when you return and want to take your bags carry-on - they confiscated my marmalade I brought back from Italy. I purposely chose something I thought was NOT liquid, but they took it anyway. Also, if you are traveling through London to Paris, they are very strict about one bag per person. That is why we went through Amsterdam to Barcelona. Good luck!
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Old Jul 26th, 2007, 01:15 PM
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I have had my luggage lost before, (I did eventually get it back, sweetie darling)and I still check ALL my luggage because I couldn't be bothered lugging things around with me. I just bring my Goyard St. Louis tote with me, which contains a novel, my wallet, my passport, and an extra pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Money, tickets, passport, sweetie, are all you really need.
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Old Jul 26th, 2007, 10:36 PM
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You're going to London and Paris. "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" as the book says. You can buy anything you need re toiletries etc once there.

If you're on British Airways I'd try very hard not to check any baggage at all, their whole situation at Heathrow is a disgrace, Gatwick should be OK tho'.

Other rule for carryon is that you can, if necessary, lift the thing into the overhead bin yourself !

Other than that, check BA's website and read the small print.

Have a great trip.
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 07:20 PM
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I'd be careful about the snacks you pack. If one of the dogs sniffing for agricultural products alerts on your bag, you could be in for a long delay while they search all your bags inside and out.
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 07:25 PM
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<<Should we try to be the first on the plane?>> Cindy~ You won't have any control over this.

If you are checking one bag, why not check more. Maybe get it down to just two carry-ons for the entire family with enough to keep everyone going for a day if bags are delayed.

I don't see the benefit or hassling with carry-on, if you are also going to have to go thru checking luggage, waiting at the carousel, etc. for that one bag of snacks & toiletries. It doesn't make sense to me.
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 07:26 PM
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I agree, though I'd keep everyone going for two days or so. Sometimes it takes them a little while to get the luggage to you.
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 09:41 PM
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I agree - either go carry-on only, or check bags and just use small personal carry-ons.

As I mentioned above - I really don't see any benefit to packing light and managing w/ carry-ons -- and then checking a small bag just for toiletries. Just defeats the whole purpose IMHO
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 09:59 PM
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Agree with suze, hills & janisj. Why spend extra hours waiting for just some of your luggage? Check it all or carry it on.

Flew BA to Rome recently w/just carry-on - one suitcase w/wheels, a backpack, and a small shoulder bag for travel documents. Plenty of room in overhead. Checked suitcase on the way back (along with a duffle full of new shoes).
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 10:26 PM
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<<< I agree - either go carry-on only, or check bags and just use small personal carry-ons. >>>

I always use the max carry on possible just so I do have more than one set of clothes to wear if the checked luggage doesn't turn up
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Old Jul 29th, 2007, 10:35 PM
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I usually use JUST carry on - w/ nothing checked. My point was why go to the bother of packing light so everything fits in a carry-on - and then turn around and choose to check a bag just for toiletries.



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