What's going on at airports today? It seems everyone is taking carry on luggage with him or her. With the weight restrictions on baggage, travelers are trying to carry on all of their shoes, sneakers, hair dryers, irons, etc. They want to carry the items that weigh more to keep the weight of their baggage within limits. This is making a problem in the overhead bins as not everything can fit. Some passengers bring two pieces on and do not put one under their seat. What can you do? One of the easiest remedies is using a rolling tote bag. These are smaller than the 22" size carry on luggage, and are usually about 17" in size. They will most likely fit in every overhead because they are smaller in size. They also will usually roll down the aisle of the plane, which means you will not have to carry them the length of the plane. Rolling totes can usually fit under the seat ahead of you if need be. Having the wheels is important because it means you won't have to carry the bag all over the airport. It's certainly easier to wheel wherever you're going. We all have items we can't afford to lose and these must be carried on to the plane with us. Medications, jewelry, cameras, eyeglasses, etc., must be carried with us to prevent potential loss.
Almost every luggage company is now making a wheeled tote. They are wonderful for tours. Tours will usually specify a size of 17" or 18" and the rolling tote fits that perfectly. Bus trips and train trips usually ask for the smaller size as carry on also. Their overhead compartments are smaller. Additionally, when flying internationally between two cities, the planes are generally smaller and the 22" carry on luggage that we use in the United States will not fit. You can still use the 22" size when flying from the U.S. to overseas destinations, but when flying overseas between countries they usually require the smaller size. This makes the carry on rolling tote the perfect size. Additionally, most of the rolling totes can be carried on top of your suitcases, or "piggybacked" to the front of your bags, making it easy to roll everything together.
There's a rolling tote to fit every taste. Some of them have a laptop sleeve inside to hold your computer with extra padding for traveling. Some of them come with a removable laptop sleeve also. Others have outside pockets to organize your boarding pass, passport and photo identification. Other models have room for all of your electronics and a special pocket for your cell phone. Remember if you wish to carry liquids onto the airplane, the liquids and gels must be in containers or bottles of three ounces or less. They also must be placed in a clear plastic one-quart sized bag. Only one of these 3-1-1 cases is permitted per person. Some of the rolling totes have fleece-lined pockets for glasses. Other have a wet pack to keep wet items separate. Some have a place for a small travel umbrella. All of them have room for that very important snack!
With overhead areas so crowded, remember it's important to identify your carry on luggage as "yours." You cannot always put the bag overhead where you're sitting. It may end up in a bin away from you. Be sure to have an identification tag on your bag. Be sure the tag has your name, address, and phone number including cell phone number. It's also a good idea to have your destination address and number inside the bag. Initials are another great way to identify your bag. Plan your trip and begin rolling along!
No comments:
Post a Comment