I agree that the allowance should be more than enough but.... We just did a cruise with two dress nights and I think between walking shoes, gym shoes, dress shoes, pool thongs, etc for two, I had about half a ton. Then add a large hair dryer and changes of dress clothing, etc and it was hernia time.

For China I am hoping that no dress jacket, tie or dress shoes are needed. My guess is that two 26" bags will do fine for the checked luggage and packed they will weigh less than 44 pounds each.

Doing laundry will be cheaper than paying for excess weigh I would think and we will have laundry options several times over the 17 night trip. My thought is to carry about 5 days worth of clothing and no more. The weather in October except for perhaps Hong Kong should be cool enough that clothing will stay relatively fresh (hope my wife doesn't read this).

For carry on I was hoping that my 22" (actually 21.5x13x9) bag would work. However 20 cm (under 8") wide seems the max as you suggested and not the 9" size my tour operator mentioned. Besides, it weighs almost 7 lbs empty. Guess I need to rethink that one. The back pack is likely how I will go for one carry on. As far as the CPAP unit goes, it is used for sleep apnea and weighs in at about 10 lbs with its case and accessories. I will assume that unlike the US it will serve as my sole carry on.

A site to virtually pack your bag is at http://www.20kilos.com/20kilos/index.php. It gives you an idea what your packed bag will weigh. Neat site. It estimated that I would have about 21.5 Kg bag included. It includes some items I can live without or carry on my person.

Am I correct in assuming that a multi-pocketed travel vest will not count against me and that I can wear my medium weight jacket as I board? My vest fully loaded is almost a carry on and I use it for toiletries, camera and assessories, prescription drugs, sun glasses, etc.

Thanks for taking the time to educate me. Tour operators advice varies and is rarely 100% correct.