I suffer from “carry-on envy.” That is to say, I envy travelers who need nothing more than a carry-on. They never lose a bag. They by-pass the crowded luggage carousel and they never have to shell out money for a porter. Of course, they are usually the ones flying without children, but there’s a lot to be said about having a good carry-on bag.
You get what you pay for. It’s true, good value starts with quality. I have gone through my share of carry-ons, from the traditional wheeled carry-on to the modern tote and everything in between. Recently I invested in a sturdy carry-on with wheels made of an abrasion-and-stain-resistant Hybrix fabric. It wasn’t cheap, but it has survived more than a dozen trans-pacific flights and logged close to 100,000 miles… and can probably go another 100,000 more.
A good carry-on makes flying so much easier. Bags with outer pockets (I suggest ones with zippered pockets) allow you easy access to items and prevent you from wasting time digging through a handbag or tote. However, there is a danger in trying to squeeze too much into one carry-on. Overloading a carry-on can be a nuisance and could risk injury when you hoist it into an overhead luggage bin.
Which leads me to my next two points. First, size matters. Carry-on bags must fit into the aircraft’s overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of you. Meaning, your bag should measure roughly, 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches and must not weigh more than 40 pounds. These rules are strictly enforced on full flights and during the busy holiday season. If you have questions regarding carry-on bag restrictions call your airline or log onto the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.
My second point: Pack smart. Most people have their own method for packing but there are basics any traveler should be aware of. Always put your contact information and itinerary inside your bag. Travel experts debate whether it is a good idea to put this information on the outside of your bag as it advertises your personal information to the world. My suggestion, put it somewhere, so if your bag gets separated from you there is a chance you will be reunited with it. Also, keep your glasses, medications, water, and snacks for you and your kids in your bags’ outside pockets. I also like to put items in clear plastic bags. It’s an easy way to keep the items protected and they also keep your bag protected should a container holding, say, shampoo, break mid-flight.
Also, remember to watch your bags, especially carry-on bags. More bags are lost on the ground than in the air. Regardless if you are at the airport, in a hotel lobby or standing at the curb… keep a close eye on your luggage. A traveler’s bags are essential; they hold your personal items, your emergency items, and your clothes! Of course, on the flip side, there is little that you can’t buy abroad, so travel light, pack smart, and do it with a carry-on.