The lighter the better when it comes to luggage
Weighing your carry-on luggage
With eight days worth of stuff packed into my carry-on luggage and laptop bag, I'm feeling rather good about myself but I know there's one more test to pass. How much does the carry-on weigh?
I set the bag on my bathroom scale and watch in disappointment as the pointer goes past 20 lbs. and stops at 28 lbs. I consider removing some items from the bag but I know I can't remove 10 lbs. of stuff to meet Austrian Airline's carry-on weight restriction of 18 lbs. so I admit defeat. I'll have to check my carry-on baggage at my stopover.
Even though I had to check my carry-on a couple of times, travelling with less was well worth the effort. I bypassed two out of four baggage carousels on my trip and I found that I had still packed more than I needed.Ready to ditch baggage claims? Here are some things to consider when packing and travelling with carry-on luggage only.
Tips for travelling with a carry-on only
-Check your airline's website or call for information on carry-on regulations. If you're travelling with more than one carrier, check each airline's carry-on rules.
-Measure and weigh your carry-on luggage to ensure it meets airline restrictions.
-Keep your carry-on luggage light enough so you can safely pick it up and stow it in the overhead bin.
-Don't pack any restricted items, as defined by airline rules and national travel regulations.
-Keep liquids together and packed in a zip-top bag that's easily accessible; you'll need to present it at security checks. Check sizing restrictions on individual bottles and the clear zip-top bag.
-Don't leave your carry-on luggage unattended. That means you'll have to take it with you to airport washrooms, restaurants and duty-free shops.
- Before packing, write down what you intend to wear each day and night to simplify things and avoid adding items that would unnecessarily bulk up your bag.
-Exercise self-discipline. Do you really need each item you pack?
-Focus on your goal. One more item left behind is one less item you'll have to lug through the airport.
Even if I saved an hour of time waiting at baggage claims, it's an hour I could spend doing more worthwhile things... like duty-free shopping, eating a good meal in a restaurant between flights, setting out to explore a new city or, upon arrival, answering my pillow's call to rest my weary head at home sweet home.
Take a virtual trip to Austria and check out 10 must-see sights in Vienna.
Page 2 of 2
With eight days worth of stuff packed into my carry-on luggage and laptop bag, I'm feeling rather good about myself but I know there's one more test to pass. How much does the carry-on weigh?
I set the bag on my bathroom scale and watch in disappointment as the pointer goes past 20 lbs. and stops at 28 lbs. I consider removing some items from the bag but I know I can't remove 10 lbs. of stuff to meet Austrian Airline's carry-on weight restriction of 18 lbs. so I admit defeat. I'll have to check my carry-on baggage at my stopover.
Even though I had to check my carry-on a couple of times, travelling with less was well worth the effort. I bypassed two out of four baggage carousels on my trip and I found that I had still packed more than I needed.Ready to ditch baggage claims? Here are some things to consider when packing and travelling with carry-on luggage only.
Tips for travelling with a carry-on only
-Check your airline's website or call for information on carry-on regulations. If you're travelling with more than one carrier, check each airline's carry-on rules.
-Measure and weigh your carry-on luggage to ensure it meets airline restrictions.
-Keep your carry-on luggage light enough so you can safely pick it up and stow it in the overhead bin.
-Don't pack any restricted items, as defined by airline rules and national travel regulations.
-Keep liquids together and packed in a zip-top bag that's easily accessible; you'll need to present it at security checks. Check sizing restrictions on individual bottles and the clear zip-top bag.
-Don't leave your carry-on luggage unattended. That means you'll have to take it with you to airport washrooms, restaurants and duty-free shops.
- Before packing, write down what you intend to wear each day and night to simplify things and avoid adding items that would unnecessarily bulk up your bag.
-Exercise self-discipline. Do you really need each item you pack?
-Focus on your goal. One more item left behind is one less item you'll have to lug through the airport.
Even if I saved an hour of time waiting at baggage claims, it's an hour I could spend doing more worthwhile things... like duty-free shopping, eating a good meal in a restaurant between flights, setting out to explore a new city or, upon arrival, answering my pillow's call to rest my weary head at home sweet home.
Take a virtual trip to Austria and check out 10 must-see sights in Vienna.
Page 2 of 2
Advertisement
