| There's a lot of grumbling at the airports | | | | job. If you're traveling outside of the |
| today over surcharges for overweight luggage. | | | | United States and need an electrical |
| We all need to rethink this "more is better" | | | | converter the newest versions are very |
| and plan our packing more efficiently. The | | | | lightweight. Instead of packing a heavy |
| old large suitcases, which came in 30" and | | | | coat, wear it on the airplane. You can |
| 31" sizes, are no longer practical. Because | | | | always take it off and put it overhead or |
| of the sheer volume you can carry in these | | | | under the seat ahead of you. |
| big cases you will be sure to go overweight. | | | | |
| Most of the airlines are allowing 50lbs per | | | | The new regulations for air travel require |
| case. The good news is you are usually | | | | you to pack your cosmetics in the luggage. |
| allowed to bring two cases as baggage, along | | | | You are only permitted to take a clear, one |
| with a carryon and a personal bag. Be sure | | | | quart sized bag on the plane with bottles of |
| to check with your particular airline to make | | | | 3 ounces or less. Many different companies |
| sure you are compliant with their regulations | | | | are offering these 3-1-1 bags for your |
| to avoid a surcharge. You can usually pack a | | | | convenience. There are also travel-sized |
| 27" or 26" and not be overweight. Two of | | | | bottles available. Try not to pack that |
| these cases will hold more than the 30" or | | | | gallon-sized bottle of shampoo and either buy |
| 31" size. Remember, as a rule, the older | | | | their travel version or pour some into these |
| luggage was much heavier than the new models | | | | travel bottles available. You can reduce the |
| today. The manufacturers have adjusted to | | | | weight you're carrying easily with smaller |
| the new regulations and are offering | | | | bottles of cosmetics and toiletries. Because |
| lightweight luggage with a better, lighter | | | | the baggage is not pressurized, you will need |
| frame on all of the newer models. You'll see | | | | to double bag your liquids to prevent |
| all of the advertisements read "lightweight" | | | | spilling and leaking. Plastic wrap bottles |
| but you'll need to actually lift the case and | | | | first, and then pack in a plastic lined cube |
| see for yourself, which is the lightest of | | | | or case for safety before packing your |
| the models. | | | | discount luggage. Accidents with these |
| | | | liquids and creams can be messy and expensive |
| You also want to continue to look for | | | | to fix. |
| ballistic nylon in the materials and a good | | | | |
| wheel system and locking push or pull handle. | | | | Pack a folding tote or duffel bag. These are |
| You do not have to give up the quality you | | | | handy for shopping and can be packed if your |
| want. When you are packing try to mix and | | | | luggage is going overweight. There are many |
| match your clothing. Shoes and sneakers will | | | | versions of these folding cases available. |
| add up quickly in weight, so limit your | | | | They are especially popular as corporate |
| footwear. For the women, there are now shoes | | | | gifts and can be monogrammed with individual |
| available with different tops. You can take | | | | initials or a company name or logo. A travel |
| one pair of shoes, and lots and lots of | | | | scale is available now for your luggage and |
| different colored tops. You'll want to take | | | | is a great idea to take along. They are easy |
| a lightweight folding travel umbrella and | | | | to use and will insure that you keep within |
| jacket along with your other travel | | | | the weight limits posted. Now you're ready |
| accessories. Pack a travel steamer instead | | | | to travel light! |
| of an iron; it's lighter and will do a good | | | | |