One bag carryon Travel Ninja tips (1 week business travel): Your time to brag (RULES)
Jul 31, 2013, 12:20 pm
#151
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: UK
Programs: IHG Rewards Platinum
Posts: 93
I'll admit to not being a flyer, rather a road-warrior. I keep to one small, light bag for the week, most likely a hang-over from light-weight backpacking (10kg bag, including tent, sleeping bag and food for 2/3 days).
Jul 31, 2013, 12:44 pm
#152
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 239
I would pick up blades at the destination. You can pick them up in Tesco/Asda etc here in the UK.
I'll admit to not being a flyer, rather a road-warrior. I keep to one small, light bag for the week, most likely a hang-over from light-weight backpacking (10kg bag, including tent, sleeping bag and food for 2/3 days).
I'll admit to not being a flyer, rather a road-warrior. I keep to one small, light bag for the week, most likely a hang-over from light-weight backpacking (10kg bag, including tent, sleeping bag and food for 2/3 days).
My recent trip to India was 2.5 weeks so I did check a bag and packed razors. In fact because my next few trips wont be for as long and I don't want to check a bag I took extra and left some in the office there.
Some members of Badger and Blade will post them to their destination. I don't like having to go look for them - even in London where I'm sure every shop sells them.
Jul 31, 2013, 3:59 pm
#153
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
For all those who are maniacal about carrying only 1 bag, and need to travel on business often for a week (or maybe more), how about a thread with your tips on how you do it? (And of course, implicit bragging opportunity here).
2) No two bag systems, no matter how small the 2nd bag is. If you are carrying a laptop bag or a tote and another carryon, then its a 2 bag system.
3) This is a NINJA thread, which means your one bag MUST be a carry on, and must be able to accomodate your 1 week needs. (Overnight one baggers are trivial and doesn't qualify for the elite Ninja status
)
So lets have some fun... My post will follow soon.
2) No two bag systems, no matter how small the 2nd bag is. If you are carrying a laptop bag or a tote and another carryon, then its a 2 bag system.
3) This is a NINJA thread, which means your one bag MUST be a carry on, and must be able to accomodate your 1 week needs. (Overnight one baggers are trivial and doesn't qualify for the elite Ninja status
)So lets have some fun... My post will follow soon.
I don't get the one-bag thing. Carry-on only I get. Backpack only I get...... But once you've gone as a big as airlines allow for carry-on and put wheels on the thing, why not load an extra bag on top. Is there actually any advantage in having just one bag.
And BTW - if you need the full airline carry-on size even for one bag for a mere one week trip, that makes you a cub scout ...not a ninja. (Gauntlet thrown
)
Last edited by 5khours; Jul 31, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Jul 31, 2013, 5:44 pm
#154
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: WN A-List
Posts: 1,020
With the incredibly shrinking legroom in domestic coach class a second bag stowed "under the seat in front of you" takes up valuable space that can be used to stretch your feet out.
Jul 31, 2013, 6:05 pm
#155
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
With the incredibly shrinking legroom in domestic coach class a second bag stowed "under the seat in front of you" takes up valuable space that can be used to stretch your feet out.
Last edited by 5khours; Jul 31, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Aug 1, 2013, 8:32 am
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
Programs: AA LT Gold 1.9 MM flying my way to LT PLAT
Posts: 11,074
One of my co-workers finished a trip with only a large shopping bag after her carry on bag was stolen. A very well made shopping bag.
She upped the challenge for the rest of us!
Why not start a 2 bag thread? I do 2 bags when I have things that need to be in a checked bag. The obsession may be expanded to fit our needs!
Last edited by oldpenny16; Aug 1, 2013 at 8:39 am
Aug 1, 2013, 9:14 am
#161
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 117
One bag carryon Travel Ninja tips (1 week business travel): Your time to brag (RULES)
I can't speak for everyone else, but here's why I one-bag it (for the record, I use a backpack):
- All of my stuff is on my back, keeping my hands empty; one less thing to juggle amongst the potential items: rolly bag handle, ticket, bottle of water, etc.
- It's easier to walk through a busy airport while not pulling a rolly bag, or carrying a second bag -- especially if your layover just became unexpectedly short
- one less thing to worry about going through security, the restroom, etc. -- just one less thing to deal with
- I like my leg room, and a second bag will cut into that, sometimes significantly
- I hate checking a bag because: I'm cheap, and I hate waiting for it to pop out at baggage claim (I want to start my vacation/trip ASAP)
- Even on most smaller planes, I can at least put my bag underneath the seat if necessary rather than gate check
- In the previous scenario, I probably would have had to gate check the second bag, now I don't with one bag
- In that same scenario, I don't have anyone else handling my bag, so the chances of theft, damage, or disappearance into a black hole decline to almost 0%
- I don't play the 'what if' game and pack things I won't use since I only have so much space to work with (Rick Steves said pack what you need, if something changes and you need something you don't have, buy it -- I hate wasting money, but I rarely have to react and buy something)
- I probably spend less time packing than the average person because I've got one bag to pack
- it limits the amount of (my opinion) useless trinkets/souvenirs you can buy at your destination -- if you need to bring more home, 'Rick Steves' it and mail it back (this has never happened to me, but I tend to buy shirts as souvenirs)
Frankly, I started one-bagging it in 2006 and I've enjoyed travel more since then.
- All of my stuff is on my back, keeping my hands empty; one less thing to juggle amongst the potential items: rolly bag handle, ticket, bottle of water, etc.
- It's easier to walk through a busy airport while not pulling a rolly bag, or carrying a second bag -- especially if your layover just became unexpectedly short
- one less thing to worry about going through security, the restroom, etc. -- just one less thing to deal with
- I like my leg room, and a second bag will cut into that, sometimes significantly
- I hate checking a bag because: I'm cheap, and I hate waiting for it to pop out at baggage claim (I want to start my vacation/trip ASAP)
- Even on most smaller planes, I can at least put my bag underneath the seat if necessary rather than gate check
- In the previous scenario, I probably would have had to gate check the second bag, now I don't with one bag
- In that same scenario, I don't have anyone else handling my bag, so the chances of theft, damage, or disappearance into a black hole decline to almost 0%
- I don't play the 'what if' game and pack things I won't use since I only have so much space to work with (Rick Steves said pack what you need, if something changes and you need something you don't have, buy it -- I hate wasting money, but I rarely have to react and buy something)
- I probably spend less time packing than the average person because I've got one bag to pack
- it limits the amount of (my opinion) useless trinkets/souvenirs you can buy at your destination -- if you need to bring more home, 'Rick Steves' it and mail it back (this has never happened to me, but I tend to buy shirts as souvenirs)
Frankly, I started one-bagging it in 2006 and I've enjoyed travel more since then.
Aug 1, 2013, 9:33 am
#162
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: The City of Angels, CA
Programs: Nothing current
Posts: 392
I can't speak for everyone else, but here's why I one-bag it (for the record, I use a backpack):
- All of my stuff is on my back, keeping my hands empty; one less thing to juggle amongst the potential items: rolly bag handle, ticket, bottle of water, etc.
- It's easier to walk through a busy airport while not pulling a rolly bag, or carrying a second bag -- especially if your layover just became unexpectedly short
- one less thing to worry about going through security, the restroom, etc. -- just one less thing to deal with
- I like my leg room, and a second bag will cut into that, sometimes significantly
- I hate checking a bag because: I'm cheap, and I hate waiting for it to pop out at baggage claim (I want to start my vacation/trip ASAP)
- Even on most smaller planes, I can at least put my bag underneath the seat if necessary rather than gate check
- In the previous scenario, I probably would have had to gate check the second bag, now I don't with one bag
- In that same scenario, I don't have anyone else handling my bag, so the chances of theft, damage, or disappearance into a black hole decline to almost 0%
- I don't play the 'what if' game and pack things I won't use since I only have so much space to work with (Rick Steves said pack what you need, if something changes and you need something you don't have, buy it -- I hate wasting money, but I rarely have to react and buy something)
- I probably spend less time packing than the average person because I've got one bag to pack
- it limits the amount of (my opinion) useless trinkets/souvenirs you can buy at your destination -- if you need to bring more home, 'Rick Steves' it and mail it back (this has never happened to me, but I tend to buy shirts as souvenirs)
Frankly, I started one-bagging it in 2006 and I've enjoyed travel more since then.
- All of my stuff is on my back, keeping my hands empty; one less thing to juggle amongst the potential items: rolly bag handle, ticket, bottle of water, etc.
- It's easier to walk through a busy airport while not pulling a rolly bag, or carrying a second bag -- especially if your layover just became unexpectedly short
- one less thing to worry about going through security, the restroom, etc. -- just one less thing to deal with
- I like my leg room, and a second bag will cut into that, sometimes significantly
- I hate checking a bag because: I'm cheap, and I hate waiting for it to pop out at baggage claim (I want to start my vacation/trip ASAP)
- Even on most smaller planes, I can at least put my bag underneath the seat if necessary rather than gate check
- In the previous scenario, I probably would have had to gate check the second bag, now I don't with one bag
- In that same scenario, I don't have anyone else handling my bag, so the chances of theft, damage, or disappearance into a black hole decline to almost 0%
- I don't play the 'what if' game and pack things I won't use since I only have so much space to work with (Rick Steves said pack what you need, if something changes and you need something you don't have, buy it -- I hate wasting money, but I rarely have to react and buy something)
- I probably spend less time packing than the average person because I've got one bag to pack
- it limits the amount of (my opinion) useless trinkets/souvenirs you can buy at your destination -- if you need to bring more home, 'Rick Steves' it and mail it back (this has never happened to me, but I tend to buy shirts as souvenirs)
Frankly, I started one-bagging it in 2006 and I've enjoyed travel more since then.
I'll admit that I also get a kind of smug satisfaction when I look around the airport and think that I've been able to pack more efficiently than probably 90+% of the people around me. It's probably not the most flattering thing to admit, but it's true.
Obviously, compared to the convenience of not having to worry about lost/damaged/stolen luggage and of having everything you need at your fingertips (really helpful during IRROPS), the above two points are minor, but, for me, they add a little to the joy of traveling.
-S
Aug 1, 2013, 11:22 am
#163
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
The problem with one-bagging, especially in Europe, where I do most of my travel, is that the airlines often weigh your one bag with an 8Kg limit, while they don't weigh the second bag. I usually put my liquids and other dense stuff in my briefcase to save some weight in my roller bag (Although I recently got caught by air france with a 12Kg combined limit for the two bags). I'm still searching for an expandable international size roller bag that weighs close to 4 lbs - any suggestions are welcome, otherwise I may have to make it myself. I currently use a rolling duffel that's pretty light along with a standard briefcase/laptop bag but even though my rolling duffel is compressible to meet the size limits, I'm going to have to sew on some velcro or straps to make it seem smaller to the eye.
Aug 1, 2013, 11:45 am
#164
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 464
My experience with EU is a little different - I often fly Ryan/Easy etc - the el-cheapo ones. I've so far not been stopped or asked to weigh my carry on. I think it depends on how 'bulky' the bag looks (or if we are unlucky enough, an agent who just happens to be having a bad day).
The bag I use now, Gate8 looks very lean for the amount of stuff it can carry - maybe thats why. The other thing is many flights there charge you for the 2nd carry on - even if its a laptop bag! The problem of a one bag with a laptop is if I ever have to check it in then I have to take the laptop out without protection. This happened to me a few times with the Tumi I used to carry - to avoid that I would always put it in a neoprene sleeve and then put it in. But with the Gate8, since the laptop bag zips to the main compartment on the outside, it doesn't take up clothes space, and I can zip it out if ever I encounter an agent who has an issue with my bag.
The bag I use now, Gate8 looks very lean for the amount of stuff it can carry - maybe thats why. The other thing is many flights there charge you for the 2nd carry on - even if its a laptop bag! The problem of a one bag with a laptop is if I ever have to check it in then I have to take the laptop out without protection. This happened to me a few times with the Tumi I used to carry - to avoid that I would always put it in a neoprene sleeve and then put it in. But with the Gate8, since the laptop bag zips to the main compartment on the outside, it doesn't take up clothes space, and I can zip it out if ever I encounter an agent who has an issue with my bag.
The problem with one-bagging, especially in Europe, where I do most of my travel, is that the airlines often weigh your one bag with an 8Kg limit, while they don't weigh the second bag. I usually put my liquids and other dense stuff in my briefcase to save some weight in my roller bag (Although I recently got caught by air france with a 12Kg combined limit for the two bags). I'm still searching for an expandable international size roller bag that weighs close to 4 lbs - any suggestions are welcome, otherwise I may have to make it myself. I currently use a rolling duffel that's pretty light along with a standard briefcase/laptop bag but even though my rolling duffel is compressible to meet the size limits, I'm going to have to sew on some velcro or straps to make it seem smaller to the eye.
Aug 1, 2013, 3:10 pm
#165
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
I flew Easyjet a couple of months ago from Berlin to London and they checked my bag in the sizer at three different points (beginning of the security line, end of the security line and at the gate - this was despite it having the "cabin baggage" sticker the third time). It fit every time, but it looks bulky (and I travel with a pillow which is compressible but bulky).
I'm thinking I may need to get some kind of vacuum bag kit and a smaller bag for flying those airlines. Also, I actually bought a "Bagket" but haven't had the chance to use it yet.
I'm thinking I may need to get some kind of vacuum bag kit and a smaller bag for flying those airlines. Also, I actually bought a "Bagket" but haven't had the chance to use it yet.