Carry-On Luggage Part 1
People have traditionally complained about airlines: the long lines, bad food, you name it. Now we have even more reason to complain—they are charging for checked in baggage now, in addition to a whole host of other fees, including even charging for blankets and pillows!
One thing is for sure, travel is not what it used to be, and as fuel prices remain high, and they get into the habit of charging for these things, they are not going to suddenly start giving them away for free again.
So what can the budget conscious traveller do? Think carefully about their carry-on luggage, to be able to pack the most in the smallest space.
There are many different types of carry on luggage that you can buy. These include bags from well known luggage designers. The type of carry on bags that you select should be based on your travel needs and a realistic expectation of how much you should take with you if you go away on vacation or a business trip.
Speaking as a seasoned traveller, the more you carry, the more you are weighed down, literally as well as figuratively. If something goes wrong with your travel plans, at least all you have to worry about is your carry on, not three suitcases.
There is also another consideration that you should keep in mind when you are looking at the various carry-on bags. This consideration is the size of onboard bags that you are allowed to take with you. Do your research online and find out the permiitted dimensions.
Many times I have seen ridiculously large bags that people have got through security with due to self-service check in and no on looking at the bag, be taken from that person as they try to wheel it on the plane. It gets tagged and put in with the rest of the bags, and that person has been hauling it all over the airport for no reason.
The overhead storage lockers on a plane are very limited in size, and there are fewer of them than there are passengers, with one locker doing duty for six to nine passengers. By the time you then deduct lockers for the crew, blankets, pillows, emergency equipment, you may not get any space for your bag, especially if you board late.
Even if you do get a share of the overheard locker to put your carry on luggage in, it might not fit if you have not followed the guidelines.
There is the under the seat option, but again, most of the time it is only the middle area of the row that has any real room, and so if your bag is too big, it might not fit. Also, you will be compromising your leg room and perhaps even those of your row mates, with an oversized bag.
Tags: Luggage
