use of space bags
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
use of space bags
Because of the extra fees for luggage, I was thinking of using the vacuum-type space-saving bags when packing our clothes. Does anyone know if this is acceptable? The risk would be if the bags were opened upon inspection, the decompressed items wouldn't fit back in the suitcase. Has anyone had an experience with this?
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The seal with Spacebags have lost their seal on a few trips, so I don't bother with them anymore.
As Suze said, just use regular really large ziplock bags and make sure the air is out of them.
I use them so that if my bag gets opened for TSA check, my clothes don't get touched by some agent. Ick.
Remember, the only thing space bags will do is get more clothes into bag. The <b>weight is the issue</b>, not the quantity and if anything, Space bags will up both.
Deb
As Suze said, just use regular really large ziplock bags and make sure the air is out of them.
I use them so that if my bag gets opened for TSA check, my clothes don't get touched by some agent. Ick.
Remember, the only thing space bags will do is get more clothes into bag. The <b>weight is the issue</b>, not the quantity and if anything, Space bags will up both.
Deb
#4
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I bought some of the space saving bags at Target (package of three for about $10 - 12), and they work great. They don't require a vacuum to seal. I agree with Suze that you definitely don't want the kind that require a vacuum, since that would be a problem on the return trip. Not only do these bags save space, but I think they also make it easier for TSA to inspect your stuff. They have never opened one of my sealed bags.
#6
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hefty makes some zip-lock 2-½ gallon bags that work great. They are large enough to fit 2 or 3 days of clothes. To get the air out I sit on the bag while zipping it. They work well and are pretty inexpensive compared to the larger ones.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The bags that are made for travel may or may not be a little tougher than regular
ziploc bags.
What they DO have is a one way valve... you roll the bag up once it's packed and sealed and just when you think it's bound to burst like an overinflated balloon... the valve lets the air out.
Mine also have double closures and a little tool
to run across the locks to made sure they're really tight.
I am totally sold on these things.
And yes, your bag will weigh more but my 22 inch roller carry on was still way below the weight limit.
Rob
#8
I use a Space Bag (or PackMate - the other major brand) on nearly every trip. But I take it empty on the trip over. For my return flight, I use the Space Bag to condense some clothes to make room for any new purchases. I almost never fill it on the outbound trip since I can get anything I need for any length trip into a 21 inch or smaller suitcase w/o having to squish in more. One exception is if I'm taking a down vest/jacket. A space bag is terrific w/ high-loft garments like that. Not heavy but full of air - that is the perfect garment to put in a Space bag.
They do work better than the large ziplok bags. But they don't last forever. Eventually the seams or the valve or the zipper start to give way. A bag normally lasts me about a year.
They do work better than the large ziplok bags. But they don't last forever. Eventually the seams or the valve or the zipper start to give way. A bag normally lasts me about a year.
#9
janisj~ I thought of your tip recently as I was packing to come home from 10 days in Mexico. I sure could have used a little more space in my suitcase fon the way home! also I like the idea of using a space bag during the trip as a way to keep dirty clothes separated.
#10
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Using a manual compression bag will enable you to re-compress the bag following inspection. Bags like Storage Kaddy space savers are high qulaity bags that can be compressed anywhere because you simply roll, or press, to compress. I bought mine at www.storagekaddy.com. and Amazon.