If you’ve been on an airplane recently, you may have noticed that the whole “your carry-on baggage can be no larger than X” policy has pretty much gone out the window. Just the other day on a flight back west from Louisiana, I watched with amusement while passenger after passenger tried to navigate their way down the exceedingly narrow aisle with their carry on (a full size suitcase on wheels) and their one personal item (usually a laptop bag of some sort AND a purse or messenger bag AND something from the Duty Free). Things got even more entertaining when these passengers attempted to jam their carry-ons (full sized luggage) into the overhead bins.
Now, I understand that many business men and women opt not to check their luggage for fear that (a) it will not arrive at their destination, forcing them to wear the same suit and underwear three days in a row, or (b) the time involved in waiting at the carousel for their bags will impede an already hectic schedule. Fine, I get it. I do the same thing when traveling for business.
But if you insist on not checking your bags, the least you can do is merge your other three or more carry-ons into one. Don’t try and be cool by toting your laptop in a funky neoprene sleeve with a graphic art motif...be practical people! Purchase something that will carry your laptop, power cord, note pad, cell phone charger, ear buds, pens, wallet, passport, and for the ladies among us, a compact and lipstick.
A great idea is to purchase a laptop or messenger bag that holds a laptop larger than the one you own. This way you have ample room for extras like wallets, power cords and so forth. Another idea is to purchase a canvas bag...canvas gives more than leather so can accommodate more. True, canvas may not be as aesthetically pleasing as leather (or faux-leather for you vegans out there), but it’s practical. Lastly, purchase one that has exterior and interior pockets. There’s nothing worse than having to empty the entire contents of your bag at 40,000 feet simply to find a pen.
What about you? Are you one of “those people” that brings a full sized suitcase on board? If so, what’s the reason behind doing so?
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