Hello all, bit of an odd and possibly silly question, but we always limit our travel to carry-on luggage to avoid having to heft too much around with us on our travels (or having to wait for our luggage at every airport). This time we've done a bit of shopping, as it's my daughter's birthday at this time of year too, and so may struggle to fit it all in to meet BA's strict requirements. I wonder if anyone had any smart packing ideas (with facilities available to us in Mexico), I was thinking maybe some sort of vacuum packing thing, but not sure if we can get anything like that here in Leon or in Mexico City. Any ideas would be welcome. We do not have enough extra luggage to make upping our luggage allowance (paying to check it in) worthwhile. Thanks

I'd take a look at a large supermarket like Chedraui; I imagine they would have those vacuum packing bags. (If those are still a "thing.")
If you are in a hotel you could borrow the vacuum cleaner; I've done that a couple of times.

You are worried about space, not weight, right?

Thanks, we'll take a look, good tip on borrowing the vacuum cleaner 😊. Yes, space not weight

Compression vacuum packing bags do not require a vacuum cleaner. They have a one-way valve -- you fill the bags with clothing/soft goods, seal them up and roll them, pressing the air out. Then turn them over and roll again - forcing yet more air out. Any Mexico City travel shop or department store with a travel section should carry them.

I was also going to suggest a Chedraui store, not for compression bags, but for another small suitcase. Maybe check one & carry on the other. As it happens I was at a Chedraui a few days ago for the same reason. I saw suitcases but didn’t see compression bags, but then I wasn’t looking for them. The luggage section was not particularly large so another suitcase might be the option available.

Be careful using compression bags. I was denied carry-on one time on British Air when my suitcase was legitimate carry-on dimensions but using compression bags I made it so heavy it was over-weight.

You don't need a vacuum cleaner or to buy anything special. Just get a box of gallon-sized Ziplock bags and sit on each one as you zip it.

But in your situation I'd buy a cheap suitcase and check that one item through. Just take on the plane what you need for the flight.

If you are flying BA don't worry about weight of cabin bags. They used yo have a fairly low weight limit for carryon's (I think it was 11 or 12kg) but now they allow up to 23kg -- there is no way in heck you'd have -- more than 50 lbs!? You'd get a hernia trying to heft that in the overhead

Regular gallon ziploks can work for really small stuff but the zips aren't as heavy duty as the compression travel bags and they often fail. For-purpose travel bags are thicker ply and have much stronger triple zips

BA no longer have a weight limit for cabin baggage - from their site (economy class):

"Handbag:

• 1 handbag
• Max dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in)
• Must easily fit under the seat in front of you
• May contain essentials like medication, mobile phones, other electronic devices and passports
• Guaranteed in the cabin

Cabin bag:

• 1 cabin bag
• Max dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) – including wheels and handles
• You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead compartment unassisted
• No valuables, electronics or essential medicines
• May need to go in the hold

I fly BA quite a lot and IME on short haul, they nearly always ask for volunteers to check cabin bags in exchange for priority boarding, sometimes they insist. I tend to ignore both types of request. On long haul it is much less likely inc the MEX -LHR route which I have done several times (though only in BC ). The baggage space on long haul is much les restrictive than short haul.

Not a fan of the vacuum type compression bags as I feel the plastic is too bulky. I use lightweight strap/zip compression bags from Osprey or Muji which should be available in Amazon mx (if you have the time to order.

The other point to consider is that the secondary "handbag" limit is quite generous and with a bit of repacking and a suitable sized bag may be a viable alternative

Thanks all for the suggestions. I may just need to reshuffle packing a bit more or buy a bigger "handbag" for under the seat in front of me. I think it's probably too late to order via Amazon as we leave on Saturday. We have purchased the tickets for hand luggage (plus additional handbag or similar) so don't really have the option to check another bag in without paying an additional fee (I think those are often quite substantial, especially when purchased after buying the ticket, but may be wrong). Really appreciate all the excellent tips/advice. Thanks again

You might consider sending some things by mail.

Reliable methods like UPS, FedEx & DHL are VERY expensive.

I'm not surprised, but wasn't sure.

so don't really have the option to check another bag in without paying an additional fee

I always pay for a checked bag. Sounds like you really don't know what that would cost. But I'm sure it would be less than trying to ship a box home (plus more reliable).

I've often done this, when starting out carry-on only or at least with a small suitcase checked, then because of shopping bought a cheap bag and checked it on the way home. Or you can even use a box. You see that all the time in Mexico.

BA Basic fares do not include a checked bag. Typically a checked bag costs an extra £50 if selected at the time of booking. If booked online post booking ,double that, even more at check in.
Having flown out of MEX on BA/Iberia a couple of times and checking in online, I recall being surprised that no one checked anything until we were at the gate for boarding (when it was frankly chaotic!)

I would just wing it at the airport - do let us know how it pans out.