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-   -   Failsafe methods for packing liquids - any tips? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/failsafe-methods-for-packing-liquids-any-tips-645748/)

gail Sep 11th, 2006 03:21 PM

I always wondered about pressured mousse-stuff but have never had a problem.

Perfume - any chance you could get sample size or whatever you wear - I had a bottle of perfume rupture in luggage years ago and despite being double zip-lock bagged, the stench was everywhere (and if it is a whole bottle it is not fragrance but stench). The odor of that specific scent to this day makes me gag.

cantstayhome Sep 14th, 2006 11:44 AM

Had a new thought.

gail - went off to get some samples on Tuesday. They don't give you a little tiny bottle anymore! Just a little tiny plastic bubble that you can't reseal. And they didn't have one of my usual favorites. Did get some good lotion samples though!

Anyway, did come up with another idea about transporting perfume. Can't believe I hadn't thought of this before, but I don't usually buy my own perfume. Get a metal or hard plastic atomizer rather than a glass bottle. Should be much less likely to break.

suze Sep 14th, 2006 11:48 AM

I simply put small bottles (sample size or hotel shampoo bottles that I refill with various lotions and potions) into normal ziplock baggies, snack or sandwich size, then drop them into a normal pouch type cosmetics case and lay it flat in my suitcase. For perfume I make up one small sample size (those little glass viles/tubes) which is enough for a several week trip, and pop it into its own snack size baggie. Never had a problem.

Lolo12 Sep 14th, 2006 11:54 AM

Do you folks really think that aerosol cans of shaving cream and mousse would explode? I usually bring these items in my carryon, but the world has changed. As for perfume, lotions etc, I might forget these things altogether. Hotel rooms frequently have them as freebies or they can be bought.

escargot Sep 14th, 2006 11:54 AM

I save the plastic zip bags pillowcases/sheets come in and put my cosmetics, liquids, etc in there and putit in the middle of my suitcase wrapped in my robe or sweatshirt or something like that to cushion it, so far no leaks -

schmerl Sep 14th, 2006 12:30 PM

"Get a metal or hard plastic atomizer rather than a glass bottle."

I actually found some small metal spray bottles at our local Dollar store. I just ppured some perfume in there. I always put some plastic (Saran) wrap over the top of all lequids and then screw on the lids. Then they go in a zip lock bag.

pollyvw Sep 14th, 2006 12:35 PM

I travel with my pillow in the outside zipper part of my suitcase. Wrapping all those things as others have suggested; then putting them in that compartment with pillow on outside makes them pretty secure.

wow Sep 14th, 2006 12:47 PM

Good idea, schmerl! Saran wrap, then cap, then ziploc! Do you tape the cap also? I am laughing my head off here. I cannot believe that I do all of this...but I do.
pollyvw, you must have a really small pillow or a really large suitcase! :)

suvgal Sep 15th, 2006 03:50 PM

Just got back from Alaska and had no problems. I used 2 freezer zip lock bags for my liquids and also toothpaste, shave cream etc. I had some small plastic bottles which I put plastic wrap over the opening and then put on the top and then into the zip lock bags.We put them in the middle of the suitcase to have some padding.Had no problems at all.
I also packed my clothes in the large zip lock bags as I don't like anyone pawing thru my clothes. That way the clothes were protected too.

enjoylife Sep 15th, 2006 03:53 PM

I tape lids shut on containers and then put them in zip lock bags.

suze Sep 15th, 2006 04:19 PM

Seems like saran wrap under the cap might mess up the seal? I always use refilled hotel shampoo type bottles and have never had a leak.

toedtoes Sep 15th, 2006 04:24 PM

Most perfume comes packaged in a cardboard box. Don't throw it away - then when you are travelling, put the bottle back into the box and go. The box is meant to protect the bottle from breakage during transport, so you can't ask for much better than that. And, it doesn't cost anything.

I've done this for years now and I haven't had any break - even when I've checked it.

TxTravelPro Sep 15th, 2006 04:40 PM

I carry LOADS of liquids when I travel.
There is a specific brand of flavored water I like and I carry a few bottles and then I take 2 or 3 qrange sodas PLUS all the typical liquids.
Yes, yes, yes... I could possibly buy similar stuff upon my arrival BUT I am just so busy when I travel on business that I find I want my water and orange soda when there is no time, or no place to stop. It just works for me.
So, I have produce bags. The kind that are on a roll in the produce department. EVERYTHING gets placed in a bag and tied off in a single knot. Takes just a few minutes. I always take a 6 or so bags in the exterior compartment of my suitcase that would typically go unused.
Ikea bags are PERFECT for my clothes.
I always place my clothes in an Ikea bag, smoosh all the air out, twist the top and lay it in the suitcase. I stick a dryer sheet in the bag and my clothes smell really good while I travel and then leave the sheet in the case during storage upon my return.
All my shoes go into produce bags, individually.
I have had a couple of leaks in my million miles of travel but it has always stayed contained within those REALLY cheap bags that I toss as I go.

wsoxrebel Sep 15th, 2006 05:30 PM

TXTravel, great idea on the disposable produce bags. Did you have your grocer order a roll for you?

TxTravelPro Sep 15th, 2006 06:05 PM

A local grocer sold me a roll of 500 bags (I think) for 5.00!
I sinply asked Ikea if I could take a few extra bags and they said sure!
I have been doing this for 3 years and have a hundred or so bags left on that roll. I just kinda spin the bag, make a loop and tie a really tight knot. It'll hold liquid unless something rips the bag open, no problem.

Gretchen Sep 16th, 2006 03:15 AM

There is so little chance of a perfume bottle breaking. I don't think I could do it by dropping it on concrete. Think about it. Just put it in a baggie of your choice for leaking

virginia Sep 16th, 2006 05:33 AM

csh- yes a seal-a-meal or food saver vacuum sealer. bags come in 2 sizes. machine should run $45-$100. has 2 functions: just seals the bag or sucks out air and seals the bags. wonderful for food storage as well as travel as air is the enemy of all food.

pollyvw Sep 16th, 2006 09:58 AM

Re: Bags on rolls

I buy them for my 'non-critical' refrigerator storage and use them for multiple purposes around the house including packing.

I'm sure you can get them from various places (do a web search 'plastic bags on rolls') but I buy from http://www.garb-o-liner.com/

happytourist Sep 16th, 2006 04:54 PM

On America's Test Kitchen show today on PBS, they recommended the Glad freezer weight bags with the locking top (not the slide, the other kind of zipper). They tested the seals on all the major bags, and this was the only one that didn't break open with dropped onto the floor. The slide tops were all failures.


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