Originally Posted by luv2flyJ
Try a 4 week trip to different climates, different office dress norms and throw in some non-work attire. Minimum 3-4 pairs of shoes plus any work stuff that doesn't fit in the laptop bag. Sorry, 1 small 50lb bag will never do. Either going to mean multiple trips between hotels/airports/cars or a lot more money in tips to cart it all around.
This summer I did a six week four country trip including summer and winter climates and many different dress enviroments.... what I needed:
laptop bag + carry-on + carry on sized checked peice. That is all I needed. Of course I did laundry every few days...but knowing how to pack helps. Most trips I use 100% of what I bring...If I did not use it, it probably will not come next time. Also, tightly but neatly rolling all clothing does wonders to amount of space required (but obviously does not affect weight.)
I am however greatly dissapointed by this change in airline policy as it will affect both me and especially my family significantly. My parents travel between Africa and the USA every few years for a years stay in the USA before returning to Africa for work....they need all the space they can get. They already pay for extra peices every few years they go and this reduction will really hurt them. People like them have VERY GOOD REASON to take a lot with them when they fly. There are many things (personal and work) that cannot be purchased in the country they work in and they will not be back to the USA for years at a time!
I also go to visit every year or two and need all the allowance I can get to bring things for them.