I recently traveled abroad with my brother and his wife and their suitcase handle was broken. Which means the broken suitcase had to be frequently carried. It was just one of those things that happens and it reminded me how nice a functioning rolling piece of luggage makes travel a delight.
Luggage Details
The air travel luggage restrictions appear to be similar across the board with the airlines. Such as luggage weight, size, carry-on, and check-in. While TSA are enforcers on security, airlines are enforcers on luggage size, etc. When traveling abroad, I use the following guidelines that I have created to accommodate these agencies and ensure my own luggage needs:
- Visit the airline website for luggage dimensions and requirements.
- Most airlines seem to allow one overhead stored carry-on and one extra bag for under the seat stowing .
- Avoid luggage check-in.
- Purchase new luggage if it makes sense to upgrade or the luggage won’t survive another trip.
- The extra bag should have pockets, easy access, and secured with a zipper.
- Don’t push the weight limit, especially if planning to bring purchased items home.
- Some hotels don’t have lifts (elevators) which could equate to stairs.
- A purse counts as an extra bag; I pack the empty purse in my carry-on.
- Consider taxis and car rentals, especially if there is a party of more than two and everyone has large suitcases. It determines the vehicle size.
- There is always walking involved, which means where I walk, my luggage walks with me.
- If someone offers to carry my luggage up a flight of stairs, I consider the individual as they may run off with my luggage.
- And lastly, I tag my luggage with contact identification on the outside and inside.
Having a reliable set of luggage will make all the difference in the success of my trip.
