Don't those of you who brag about just taking a carry-on take any "stuff" other than clothes?
Jun 22nd, 2007, 08:27 AM
#241
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Everytime I hear about someone bathing in a tub in a hotel room, etc., I think about the summer of 1968 (!) when I was staying in Wildwood NJ for the summer in a "hotel."
One night I went into the "shower room" and much to my surpise and her embarrassment, I found the mother of the owner urinating into the tub! She was old and the toilets were on another floor....
Just something I never forgot!
One night I went into the "shower room" and much to my surpise and her embarrassment, I found the mother of the owner urinating into the tub! She was old and the toilets were on another floor....
Just something I never forgot!
Jun 23rd, 2007, 06:30 AM
#244
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This whole thread is very amusing. I admidt that we take 24 inch bags, but, because of all the hype about carry-ons, I've struggled with perhaps trying to go smaller. It doens't work for us, for lots of the reasons listed above. Luckily, the airlines have never lost our luggage. If they do, then we'll shop.
So, if I understand the thread correctly, you have those people who don't want to spend time getting lugguage after the flight, but then, they SHOP or DO LAUNDARY. You have folks who put their toiletries in small carry-on bottles, and then, they too shop. Or they shop for clothes if the weather is different than expected. If it's sunny, they stop for sunscreen. Now, I love European shops and pharmacies. But, it's lousy when you get a cold or a stomach bug to have to run out and get what you need. Same with a blister or cut. We like to be prepared, and my husband really hates shopping. If he can speak the language, it's better, but really, I have to gage our shopping time. ( not the open markets- we love them!)
Last week we went to Washington DC. We did not have any carry-onspocketbook. We realized that it was nice not schlepping carry-ons thorugh the endless corridors of the airport. I remember once walking what seemed to be miles at Heathrow dragging a carry- on. It was nice shopping and having a bite to eat at the airport without any bags.
So, maybe some of us have it all wrong. Check everything- hope for the best- and fly comfortably.
-Margret
PS- we're heading to France for a month this fall, and I know I'll pack a 24 inch bag!
So, if I understand the thread correctly, you have those people who don't want to spend time getting lugguage after the flight, but then, they SHOP or DO LAUNDARY. You have folks who put their toiletries in small carry-on bottles, and then, they too shop. Or they shop for clothes if the weather is different than expected. If it's sunny, they stop for sunscreen. Now, I love European shops and pharmacies. But, it's lousy when you get a cold or a stomach bug to have to run out and get what you need. Same with a blister or cut. We like to be prepared, and my husband really hates shopping. If he can speak the language, it's better, but really, I have to gage our shopping time. ( not the open markets- we love them!)
Last week we went to Washington DC. We did not have any carry-onspocketbook. We realized that it was nice not schlepping carry-ons thorugh the endless corridors of the airport. I remember once walking what seemed to be miles at Heathrow dragging a carry- on. It was nice shopping and having a bite to eat at the airport without any bags.
So, maybe some of us have it all wrong. Check everything- hope for the best- and fly comfortably.
-Margret
PS- we're heading to France for a month this fall, and I know I'll pack a 24 inch bag!
Jun 23rd, 2007, 06:40 AM
#245
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Packing light is extremely important to me for reasons mentioned above. I will not fall prey to the controversy but have a hint to add. To help things smell fresh in your luggage place fabric softener sheets between your clothes.
Jun 23rd, 2007, 06:44 AM
#246
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Marget, I agree completely about the "stuff" -- who wants to run around looking for drugstore items in a strange city.
For my almost-4 week trip this fall, I will pack my 22" and nice-size carryon on, but we will have a washer and dryer in one of our apartments. So, I can do laundry and not in a sink!
For my almost-4 week trip this fall, I will pack my 22" and nice-size carryon on, but we will have a washer and dryer in one of our apartments. So, I can do laundry and not in a sink!
Jun 23rd, 2007, 07:18 AM
#248
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In the DH's 2nd carryon, he carries our drug bag. It has every medication we might ever (and hope never) need. He also had the toiletries, my jewelry & makeup and a couple of books.
I'll admit, it pushed the limits of what the airlines allow as a second "personal item", but luckily no one stopped us.
I'll admit, it pushed the limits of what the airlines allow as a second "personal item", but luckily no one stopped us.
Jun 23rd, 2007, 08:34 AM
#249
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Every time I read about women packing carryons only I wonder if they lift them in (and out of) the bins themselves or rely on another passenger or the flight attendant to do it. If I can't lift my carryon over my head, I take the 24" and check it.
On a flight from CDG to Atlanta two women came strolling down the aisle wheeling their carryons. They stopped at their seats and turned to the male flight attendant and asked him to put the bags into the bins. He said "Why do you pack so much you can't lift your suitcase?" He put one bag in and then the other woman asked him to lift hers too.
<<Back to packing: I'm glad tomassocroccante mentioned big shoes;big feet. My son's pair of "extra" shoes - size 13 - truly takes up half a 22" suitcase>>
My shoes aren't that large (11.5) but take up a lot of space in a 22" carryon. I marvel at how much some women can squeeze into a carryon. I think they must wear about size 5 shoes and a 2 or 4 dress or pants. Obviously, larger sizes -- even a 10 or 12 require more folding and take more space.
On a flight from CDG to Atlanta two women came strolling down the aisle wheeling their carryons. They stopped at their seats and turned to the male flight attendant and asked him to put the bags into the bins. He said "Why do you pack so much you can't lift your suitcase?" He put one bag in and then the other woman asked him to lift hers too.
<<Back to packing: I'm glad tomassocroccante mentioned big shoes;big feet. My son's pair of "extra" shoes - size 13 - truly takes up half a 22" suitcase>>
My shoes aren't that large (11.5) but take up a lot of space in a 22" carryon. I marvel at how much some women can squeeze into a carryon. I think they must wear about size 5 shoes and a 2 or 4 dress or pants. Obviously, larger sizes -- even a 10 or 12 require more folding and take more space.
Jun 23rd, 2007, 10:07 AM
#250
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Yes, I can lift my carry-on suitcase over my head. I'm female, small frame, with less than amazing upper body strength, but have no problem whatsoever lifting my luggage over my head, or with lifting my children's and husband's luggage over my head. I also carry it up and down stairs (with CDG being the ultimate test, though navigating public buses in the suburbs of Athens comes a close second).
Jun 23rd, 2007, 10:59 AM
#251
yup - I'm 5' tall and no power lifter but can lift my carry on over my head no prob . . .
My only problem is being too short to be able to reach the overheads in some of the jumbo jets. But I step up on my aisle seat and can reach it w/o plunking anyone in the head. I never ask anyone to lift my bag - but something about seeing a little person standing on her seat to stow a carry on brings 6 or 8 gentlemen to help
My only problem is being too short to be able to reach the overheads in some of the jumbo jets. But I step up on my aisle seat and can reach it w/o plunking anyone in the head. I never ask anyone to lift my bag - but something about seeing a little person standing on her seat to stow a carry on brings 6 or 8 gentlemen to help
Jun 23rd, 2007, 11:43 AM
#252
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Number of women have asked for my husbands help in getting their carry ons on the plain or taking their large suitcases off the train.( he is 6'3)
We alway travel with carry ons only; if I traveled alone, I would not have a problem asking for help.
We alway travel with carry ons only; if I traveled alone, I would not have a problem asking for help.
Jun 23rd, 2007, 03:45 PM
#254
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As a frequent bag-checker I have to admit that I try not to do it if there is a change of airlines (or planes if the layover looks too short - and who likes long layovers?) Changing carriers opens that door to misdirected bags ...
RE: the traveling pharmacy - I normally have one bottle containing some ibuprofen, antihistamine, maybe some aspirin as well. Whatever looks like a reasonable amount for the trip. Then packets of alkaseltzer and individual hand-wipes go all through the bag in cracks and crevices. A few of the latter go along in a pocket or bag every day, as being able to "wash up" for street food or just to get the grime off is always welcome.
Anytime I can slip something into the little crevice between, say, shoes and the side of the bag, I try to do it: charger cord, batteries, etc. But then I assume most of you do the same!
RE: the traveling pharmacy - I normally have one bottle containing some ibuprofen, antihistamine, maybe some aspirin as well. Whatever looks like a reasonable amount for the trip. Then packets of alkaseltzer and individual hand-wipes go all through the bag in cracks and crevices. A few of the latter go along in a pocket or bag every day, as being able to "wash up" for street food or just to get the grime off is always welcome.
Anytime I can slip something into the little crevice between, say, shoes and the side of the bag, I try to do it: charger cord, batteries, etc. But then I assume most of you do the same!
Jun 27th, 2007, 01:46 AM
#255
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tomassocroccante:
I used to do as you do (carry a bottle with miscellaneous painkillers, antihistamines etc) but stopped doing so a year or so ago because I'm concerned about the application of drug laws in various countries. I've decided it's less risky to carry blister packs of drugs because the back of the pack clearly indicates what they are (e.g. ibuprofen etc). Some countries have very strict drug laws and prohibit drugs that we can buy over the counter in Canada, e.g. tylenol with codeine. I want to ensure that it's very clear what I'm carrying - and that I'm not taking codeine into a country that prohibits it. Also, I find that the blister packs don't take up much space and protect the pills better.
I used to do as you do (carry a bottle with miscellaneous painkillers, antihistamines etc) but stopped doing so a year or so ago because I'm concerned about the application of drug laws in various countries. I've decided it's less risky to carry blister packs of drugs because the back of the pack clearly indicates what they are (e.g. ibuprofen etc). Some countries have very strict drug laws and prohibit drugs that we can buy over the counter in Canada, e.g. tylenol with codeine. I want to ensure that it's very clear what I'm carrying - and that I'm not taking codeine into a country that prohibits it. Also, I find that the blister packs don't take up much space and protect the pills better.
Jun 27th, 2007, 04:54 AM
#257
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I thought this tread had expired and gone away!
I check for long hauls. We tend not to travel any more in the summer, so our clothing is "bigger". I also enjoy not schlepping the bags around an airport; going into a restaurant and having to move it everytime someone else comes in...its freeing. Its my vacation!
On the other hand, a weekend to see my Mother or some such, yep, then I carry-on.
Does anyone else remember George Carlin's spiel on "Stuff"?
I check for long hauls. We tend not to travel any more in the summer, so our clothing is "bigger". I also enjoy not schlepping the bags around an airport; going into a restaurant and having to move it everytime someone else comes in...its freeing. Its my vacation!
On the other hand, a weekend to see my Mother or some such, yep, then I carry-on.
Does anyone else remember George Carlin's spiel on "Stuff"?
Jun 27th, 2007, 07:02 AM
#260
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<<the rewards of getting out of the airport without waiting for your bags ( and not having them lost) make up for it big time.>>
I think this works well for people who fly from major airports but I fly from a small regional airport on a small aircraft and connect at a hub.
A recent flight was delayed for two hours so I missed my connection and would have missed the second one if I'd done just carryon. The bins aren't large enough for 19 - 22 inch carryons so they are stored below and passengers pick them up when they get off the plane.
I checked my suitcase and had just a small nylon carryon so could race right by the folks waiting for their carryons to be offloaded and just made my connection -- I was the last to board and the doors closed.
Of course my checked bag didn't make it but was delivered to me that night so not a problem.
But even when there is time there is the walk across the tarmac and up the stairs to the terminal and the long, long walk to the connecting flight. I'd rather not be dragging a packed 22-inch.
I think this works well for people who fly from major airports but I fly from a small regional airport on a small aircraft and connect at a hub.
A recent flight was delayed for two hours so I missed my connection and would have missed the second one if I'd done just carryon. The bins aren't large enough for 19 - 22 inch carryons so they are stored below and passengers pick them up when they get off the plane.
I checked my suitcase and had just a small nylon carryon so could race right by the folks waiting for their carryons to be offloaded and just made my connection -- I was the last to board and the doors closed.
Of course my checked bag didn't make it but was delivered to me that night so not a problem.
But even when there is time there is the walk across the tarmac and up the stairs to the terminal and the long, long walk to the connecting flight. I'd rather not be dragging a packed 22-inch.
