What do you pack for an epic adventure abroad? For Charlie Grosso, our Mongol Rally correspondent, it’s all about packing for the unexpected. After all, you never know what or who you will come across on a 10,000 mile road rally in some of the most remote terrain on the earth.
With most airlines charging $25 for the first checked bag, many travelers are looking to carryon bags for their travels. To both make the most of your overhead space and sail through security, follow these tips for packing a carryon like a pro:
Dear Editors,
OK, so I’m fine with packing fewer clothes, making pieces do double-duty, etc. How in the world do I pare down my toiletries? For a short trip, I can skip my shampoo/conditioner, maybe even body lotion. But what about sunscreen, day lotion, night lotion, hair products, etc. I’ve managed to downsize before, but I’ve had to do without certain things I like and usually come home with fried hair and rebellious skin. Any tips, please?
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I’ve been hopping on and off of planes on a regular basis for years, and guess what? I still haven’t mastered this one yet! I, too, have products galore and struggle when I’m forced to choose which ones I must leave behind when I travel. Over the years, I’ve managed to develop a few toiletry strategies that I follow…all works in progress. Here they are:
Dear Editors,
What are the size limits of a carry-on suitcase?
Rosanne
Dear Rosanne,
I’m glad you asked this question. Many casual travelers believe that as long as they limit their carry-on baggage to one suitcase, they’re good to go. Not true. Every ticketed passenger on every domestic airline (with the exception of Spirit, which charges for carry-on bags) is entitled to one piece of luggage and one personal item (such a a purse, diaper bag or laptop bag). However, that piece of luggage must be regulation size. And while there is no industry-wide standard, your carrier will have on its web site the exact dimensions your bag must adhere to in order to avoid being sent back to the check-in counter to pay for a too-big bag.
Dear Rosanne,
I’m glad you asked this question. Many casual travelers believe that as long as they limit their carry-on baggage to one suitcase, they’re good to go. Not true. Every ticketed passenger on every domestic airline (with the exception of Spirit, which charges for carry-on bags) is entitled to one piece of luggage and on personal item (such a a purse, diaper bag or laptop bag). However, that piece of luggage must be regulation size. And while there is no industry-wide standard, your carrier will have on its web site the exact dimensions your bag must adhere to in order to avoid being sent back to the check-in counter to pay for a too-big bag.
Helpful hint: In general, if you add the width + length + height of your carry-on luggage and the total number is less than 45 inches, you’re probably good to go.
Here’s a list of links to the carry-on policies for most major airlines: