With airlines charging a surcharge for each overweight piece of baggage, it might be time to rethink the luggage you're packing. Many of the popular brands have introduced lighter weight luggage and smaller sizes in keeping with these new regulations. Be sure to check with the airline you're using to be sure you are within their restrictions. Even if you have flown with the same airline recently, you may want to verify the regulations. The old sizes of 30" Pullman, 31" Pullman and the 32" Pullman will definitely be over the usual fifty pound limit imposed. Many of the airlines are also restricting the size of the cases you can take. They want nothing larger than 62" linear inches which is the height, plus the width plus the depth. And do we really want the burden of carrying around the old, overweight cases?
A new very popular travel accessory is the portable scale. This also has a handy tape measure, to make sure you haven't overstuffed your bag over the size limit. You can easily check the weight of your baggage, especially if you've bought a lot of souvenirs. My favorite scale has a locking feature so it isn't necessary to lift your packed case all of the way up to your eyes. You lift the case slightly, the scale locks in the amount, and you can comfortably check the pounds.
Before purchasing new luggage, be sure to lift the cases you're interested in. Do not accept the "lightweight" term without checking for yourself. Many cases say "lightweight" but are not as light as others in their class. If the case has a garment bag that you do not use, it's a good idea to remove it. Most of the will zip off, saving you a few pounds. You may also be able to use your current pieces, just downsize by packing smaller pieces. Remember, too, that clothing doesn't weigh all that much. Your bag increases in weight when you pack a lot of shoes, or cosmetics and toiletries.
We used to take all of our toiletries onto the airplane with us. Now, we are restricted to carrying on only a three-one-one case. This is a clear plastic, one quart size bag with containers or bottles and jars of three ounces or less. And this is meant for one per person only! All of the other toiletries need to be packed in your baggage. The best way is to buy the smallest sample sizes of the products you wish to bring along. You can also purchase smaller bottles and pour your cosmetics into these. Be sure to wrap securely, to prevent spillage. I generally plastic wrap each bottle before placing everything in a plastic lined packing cube.
Shoes will also increase the weight of your bag. Try to pack less! There's a new product on the market that lets women take one pair of shoes, with different interchangeable tops. This is a great idea. You can also try to stick one or two color schemes to cut down on the shoes you'll want to bring. Reversible jackets are another great idea for travel. These are extremely lightweight, comfortable, and virtually wrinkle free.
Heavier items can always be sent ahead to your destination. Be sure to check with your hotel, as many of them do have a surcharge for storing items shipped ahead. We never do seem to use everything we pack, so it's important now to be very organized. Plan exactly what you'll need, and don't bring a lot of extra clothing, or travel accessories.You are best off using the "mix and match" approach when packing. Additionally, now that we don't carry on our cosmetics, you may want to carry on your shoes instead. Also, if you bring a hair dryer or small iron, you may want to put those in your carry on luggage. These are items that weigh a little more than clothes, so by carrying them your case will be somewhat lighter.
Although it's not always comfortable, you may want to wear that heavy coat on the airplane. You can take it off and fold it under your seat. It certainly will make your luggage lighter if you don't have to pack heavier items. The same goes for boots or heavy sneakers. If you must have these items along on your trip, wear them on the plane. Think about layers, rather than a lot of bulky heavier items. We have to use a different mindset now when packing. If you want to avoid the surcharges on planes, you just need to lighten your load!
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