Chicago - Luggage Woes
 

Hello all,

I just finished reading an article regarding wheeled luggage (on a website called onebag I think) and I am having a bit of buyers remorse.
When traveling to Chicago in August I was planning to take my 25" to check and my 20" for a carry on, both have wheels. We were planning on taking the train into the city. Will the luggage be an issue for this type of travel?

Any tips on what/how to pack?

I don't understand why wheeled luggage will be an issue on the train. I mean, people bring all sorts of stuff on the train.

What did the article say?

A heavily loaded 25" can be difficult to wheel farther than short distances. Try loading both those bags and rolling them around!

I find that a medium rolling bag and small tote are much easier to manage. Especially if you encouter stairs or an escalator.

With those two bags, I'd be taking a taxi.

Agree with 2 rolling bags and a purse that is too much to handle on public transit. It's all too easy to lose control of one on an escalator or stairs - and then where are you?

If you have that much - just grab a cab - esp for more than one person.

I just returned from Chicago. I had one 24" bag that weighed 35 pounds and one rolling 'overnighter' briefcase. I took the train to Chicago Ave at 430pm (1.75) and a cab from the station to my hotel, at Michigan Ave & Superior (7.00).
There were 2 flights of 20-30 stairs at the Chicago Ave station. It was a hassle, but worth the savings IMO.
The train was a bit of a headache because it was PACKED like sardines.
VERY VERY difficult to manage 2 big bags!
I am very capable, an experienced traveler, so it was ok.
If you have the funds, just take a cab... if not, someone may offer to assist. Try to do it off peak, not during rush hour!
We took a private car back to ORD for 50.00, which was nice :)

Is that a 25" bag and a 20" bag for one person, or two people (you mentioned "I" and "my", but then you said "we")? If it's for two, it's doable, although as someone said, a full 25" bag is not that easy to pull for a long distance. Nevertheless, we have done it (all four of us, including kids) when we used to travel with more than we travel with now :) (now we hardly ever take anything larger than a 22" bag anywhere)

I was speaking about just for me, but I believe I've decided to take the 25" and the duffle bag that came with my 5 piece set. I just had it in my head that I'd need the extra space...I just need to make decisions about what I really need to pack and plan ahead. at least I can kind of set the duffle on top of the 25" to wheel around easier. I can now see how pulling two would be a hassle. The person I'm traveling with is take her large suitcase and a duffle for the same reason. I appreciate all your imput.