What are amenity kits (the containers) good for?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NYS
Programs: Days of Our Lives, General Hospital
Posts: 1,473
What are amenity kits (the containers) good for?
In the airline forums, there is some excitement whenever a new amenity kit is introduced. To be clear, I mean the bag, not the contents.
Because of the labels (Tumi, for example) I suppose that they're meant to be saved and reused, but for what? If I need a little pouch or bag that size for travel, the one from the amenity kit is bulkier and heavier than a mesh or light fabric bag, and if look and feel don't matter, there is something called a Ziploc bag. The only one I've ever found a good way to reuse was from SAS, in their version of PE, and it was meant to double as a shoe bag.
Because of the labels (Tumi, for example) I suppose that they're meant to be saved and reused, but for what? If I need a little pouch or bag that size for travel, the one from the amenity kit is bulkier and heavier than a mesh or light fabric bag, and if look and feel don't matter, there is something called a Ziploc bag. The only one I've ever found a good way to reuse was from SAS, in their version of PE, and it was meant to double as a shoe bag.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,295
In the airline forums, there is some excitement whenever a new amenity kit is introduced. To be clear, I mean the bag, not the contents.
Because of the labels (Tumi, for example) I suppose that they're meant to be saved and reused, but for what? If I need a little pouch or bag that size for travel, the one from the amenity kit is bulkier and heavier than a mesh or light fabric bag, and if look and feel don't matter, there is something called a Ziploc bag. The only one I've ever found a good way to reuse was from SAS, in their version of PE, and it was meant to double as a shoe bag.
Because of the labels (Tumi, for example) I suppose that they're meant to be saved and reused, but for what? If I need a little pouch or bag that size for travel, the one from the amenity kit is bulkier and heavier than a mesh or light fabric bag, and if look and feel don't matter, there is something called a Ziploc bag. The only one I've ever found a good way to reuse was from SAS, in their version of PE, and it was meant to double as a shoe bag.
Same as I go with pajamas, and the like. Get them for my wife, MIL or others. My MIL was wearing a stylish casual pullover recently, when I noticed the JAL logo on it. I forget even when I gave them out.
#4
#5
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: UK
Programs: A mere babe on: BAEC, AAdvantage, Virgin Flying Club. An adolescent with: Marriott Silver. Budget
Posts: 48
I use them for USB cables. Whilst not great quality the size is perfect for my travel collection.
My favourite is from the now defunct Thomas Cook. It was shaped like a round tube. Not very practical but unique!
My favourite is from the now defunct Thomas Cook. It was shaped like a round tube. Not very practical but unique!
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: AS Million Miler, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Nexus / Global Entry
Posts: 823
We have some LH ones that are perfect as a sunglasses case. I also use them for small electronics cable/charger/power bank storage/organization too.
The shaving kit style ones just get donated - no interest in those.
The shaving kit style ones just get donated - no interest in those.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, IHG Platinum, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 3,610
I think donating them, or even adding additional items to the kits and giving them to shelters are perfect ideas.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: RDU
Programs: Marriott Platinum. AA and UA as well, but I don't care about them anymore.
Posts: 303
I got a really great Rimowa one years ago from EVA that is built like a Rimowa suitcase. I used it for a long time to carry a Garmin GPS unit for use in rental cars when traveling. After GPA and mapping /nav on phones got so good I no longer need the Garmin I use it for things like cords and chargers and it still works great.

I generally give the others away to friends' kids who love them. Or my wife who uses them to keep things in like makeup and such.

I generally give the others away to friends' kids who love them. Or my wife who uses them to keep things in like makeup and such.
#12
My favorite is an LH F kit designed to be repurposed as a watch box for travel. I find it very handy and use it both at home and on the road.
Some smaller KLM kits have been repurposed as electronics (usb wall points, cables, travel mouse, earbuds, etc.) holders. Some of the long and thin kits (think pre-Away UA) are good for holding blister packs of drugs.
Some smaller KLM kits have been repurposed as electronics (usb wall points, cables, travel mouse, earbuds, etc.) holders. Some of the long and thin kits (think pre-Away UA) are good for holding blister packs of drugs.
#13

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: In a hotel somewhere trying to repack everything I brought (and bought) in to a carry-on smaller than my last one.
Programs: UA, Asia Miles, Southwest, IHG
Posts: 1,098
I love the LH Rimowa cases and had used them regularly for carrying things I didn't want crushed such as backup pair of glasses, travel watercolour kit, mini travel eating kit etc. Other pouches were given to the younger cousins for holding hair accessories, school and craft supplies. Extras at the end of the year were filled with selfcare products and donated to women's shelters. Sadly, it seems that the LH Rimowa cases are discontinued and my last one has been claimed for back-to-school items

#14
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,712
I use my BA amenity kits for a bag for non-liquid toiletry items, such as a toothbrush, hair brush, razor, blades, bandages, etc. I shave in the shower without shaving cream. I can get toothpaste wherever I go. Lots of dopp/shaving kits are quite large--I've found that using an amenity kit keeps me from taking too much space in my luggage for personal care items.
I know this solution does not work for everyone, but for me it's become something that fits my travel needs well.
I know this solution does not work for everyone, but for me it's become something that fits my travel needs well.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,067
I use one of my Rimowa's to hold: travel size toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, bandages -- and then there is usually extra space in the event I need to add in anything else.
I like it because it's very solidly built and has a footprint I can consistently rely on and I know exactly where to put it in both my carry-on or my checked baggage. I've tried to use other amenity kits (e.g., the soft side Delta ones) but those soft side ones aren't quite as big and the footprint isn't consistent.
I find the soft side ones can be great for cords as mentioned by others because they don't take up a full amenity kit so by using soft-side ones, you can compress them into smaller spaces but you don't have to use a plastic bag
I like it because it's very solidly built and has a footprint I can consistently rely on and I know exactly where to put it in both my carry-on or my checked baggage. I've tried to use other amenity kits (e.g., the soft side Delta ones) but those soft side ones aren't quite as big and the footprint isn't consistent.
I find the soft side ones can be great for cords as mentioned by others because they don't take up a full amenity kit so by using soft-side ones, you can compress them into smaller spaces but you don't have to use a plastic bag