Number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit.
47
votes
15answers
14k views
Why would you wrap your luggage in plastic?
At many airports you can wrap your luggage with sheets of sticky plastic. Why on earth would you do that? I only see disadvantages. I can imagine the mess when customs ask you to open your luggage. So ...
28
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I take this on a plane?
I'm travelling to the UK in a couple of weeks to attend a wedding. While I'm away, I have a university assignment due, and I'm concerned that I might not be able to get it finished before I leave, ...
23
votes
3answers
3k views
What do “Fragile” stickers on checked baggage do?
When traveling by air and checking bags, some airlines will let you declare an item as fragile and put stickers on the box or bag. How common is this policy? What do the fragile stickers do (i.e. how ...
23
votes
2answers
357 views
Forgot baggage at Dubai. How to get it to Los Angeles?
Last week, I travelled via Dubai to Los Angeles. During the security checking at Dubai Airport, I was asked to remove my laptop from my bag and after that I forgot to to take it back. i realised that ...
20
votes
4answers
2k views
What is the most efficient way to pack a bag?
On trips of four days or less, I try to travel with a shoulder bag containing my laptop, electronics, etc. and a rolling, carry-on bag for everything else.
What is the best technique for packing as ...
18
votes
7answers
913 views
Is there any trick to checking in more weight on planes?
I soon have to move from France to Spain, one way no coming back. And as with most of the airlines carriers in Europe I am allowed at 23Kg checked-in and 10Kg on board with me. Packing lifetime stuff ...
18
votes
7answers
590 views
How can you protect a fragile object like bottle of champagne in your baggage against breaking?
I tend to bring something quite fragile with me as cabin luggage. On my next journey I want to bring a special bottle of champagne (because of sentimental reasons). Unfortunately you can't bring a ...
18
votes
3answers
656 views
How can I protect camera equipment in checked baggage?
While I usually take my camera equipment in a carry-on when I fly (within the US), that's not always an option (small plane where no carry-on other than my purse is allowed, travelling with too much ...
17
votes
2answers
2k views
How bad is baggage theft at Johannesburg airport
South Africa's Johannesburg's airport has a reputation for stolen and rifled baggage and a quick Google search returns many travelers reporting similar stories. My question, is how bad is the ...
16
votes
5answers
3k views
What to do if drugs / a bomb are planted in your travel bag?
So the scene: You're flying from Bogota, Colombia to New York, USA. You arrive, pick up your bag from the carousel, and figure you'll stuff your netbook you used on the flight into your bag now ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
Benefits of checking in online when checking bags
What is the benefit of checking in online for a flight when you intend to check bags at the airport? I understand some airports have special lines for people that are already checked in but are ...
15
votes
2answers
416 views
Storing bags after checkout
My brother and I are going to be spending a few nights in Dubai. On the night before our flight leaves, we decided not to book the room in the hostel. Is there an alternative to carrying our bags ...
13
votes
7answers
856 views
What's the most comfortable way to travel with 2 backpacks or bags and a DSLR camera?
Do you have a particular technique for travelling with 2 bags:
1 backpack containing most of my stuff
a lighter backpack for visiting, hiking, camera...
The main problem is walking around with the ...
13
votes
6answers
898 views
Key vs. combo lock security for international travel
I leave on my trip next month, and I wanted to buy locks for my backpack since I'll certainly be passing through crowded areas of the city where it may be difficult for me to notice a pickpocket ...
13
votes
2answers
526 views
Is it possible to bring a bicycle on a plane?
I have often wanted to bring my own bicycle while traveling. Are there some international regulations regarding bringing my bicycle on a plane? What should I expect to pay?
13
votes
3answers
271 views
Dealing with smelly travel daypacks?
This came from an idea I saw on another website's thread that wasn't getting much love. When travelling, especially in hot, humid regions, you tend to sweat - especially in the back area where your ...
13
votes
3answers
176 views
Travel insurance with regards to luggage being stolen/lost
I am looking for answers to how people have recovered from having their luggage stolen/lost when arriving at their destination. And further to this, how they have ended up packing in the future to ...
12
votes
7answers
736 views
Additional cabin handbag on flights
It's quite common, that in addition to cabin size hand baggage you can take also smaller bag like handbag or small laptop case to the plane. I'm interested in knowing if someone hasn't been allowed to ...
12
votes
1answer
87 views
Taking large amounts of strong medications on holiday
Not quite narcotics, but not far off. I'm hoping to go on holiday soon with someone that suffers from major depression and anxiety. She's on a daily dose of a strong anti-psychotic (not quite ...
11
votes
4answers
826 views
Can I through check my bags on separate bookings?
I have two different bookings on British Airways and Emirates.
Booking 1 (British Airways):
Washington (IAD) -> London (LHR) -> Dubai
Booking 2 (Emirates):
Dubai -> Hyderabad
I have a 5 hour stop ...
11
votes
5answers
5k views
Suitcases: hard or soft? Canvas, polycarbonate or something else?
So I'm in the market for a suitcase. And let's start by making it clear that I do need a suitcase: point to point trip on a plane to a cold weather destination with lots of baby stuff, souvenirs and ...
11
votes
3answers
5k views
Why do you need to take out your laptop from your bag during airport security checks?
Why do you need to take your laptop from your bag during airport security checks? Why can't they just x-ray check the whole bag together with the laptop? I can't think of a reason.
11
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I fly with a guitar?
During my upcoming holiday to the USA I'm thinking about buying a new guitar as the exchange rate is extremely favorable. Excuse my naivety but I have never flown with a guitar before. What is a ...
11
votes
2answers
7k views
Packing a cardbox box as checked luggage
As mentioned in another question, I'm planning on traveling with a desktop computer as checked baggage. After considering the options, I've decided to take it in its original cardboard box (used for ...
10
votes
3answers
962 views
Are carry-on bags being weighed on long-haul flights?
It's been four years since our last international flights. We're flying with Air New Zealand from the US to Oz.
And we are seeing weight limits for carry-on baggage. Are the carriers actually ...
10
votes
4answers
394 views
What cheaper alternatives exist to transport luggage in Europe?
I will be flying from Portugal to the Netherlands but I will be only taking hand luggage. What is the cheapest ways of bringing more luggage (excluding the air plane)? (around 30kg).
This question ...
10
votes
4answers
433 views
Traveling to USA with tripod attached to my camera bag
I like to travel with my DSLR and I have nice slingshot bag for it which I can take with me on the plane along with my carry on. This picture shows what I want to do while boarding the plane. Would it ...
10
votes
3answers
427 views
Can I bring my desktop computer as check-in baggage on a flight?
I am moving from Malaysia to the US, and planning to bring my desktop computer with me. I plan to pack it in my checked-in luggage. Will the computer risk being damaged? Any precaution should I take ...
10
votes
1answer
108 views
On flying with a backpack with detachable shoulder and hip straps
This is the first time I'm traveling with a backpack with detachable straps. Some insight from anyone who has done this before will be appreciated :)
When do you take the straps off ? e.g after ...
10
votes
1answer
165 views
Inspection of over-packed bags
On the TSA website, their "tips for packing your checked baggage" twice emphasizes that you shouldn't over-pack your bags:
Avoid over packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily ...
9
votes
4answers
2k views
How to insure checked luggage?
I know that you are not supposed to put valuables into checked baggage, but in some cases it is necessary. For example if you have large valuable items that do not fit in carry-on or if you have ...
9
votes
3answers
162 views
Camping stove on a plane?
Can I bring a camping stove (without fuel) on a (domestic or international) jet, either in checked baggage, carry-on, or some other means?
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Electronics in sealed box as carry-on luggage: issues at security?
We are going to a conference and we are taking a new ipad with us to give away but we don't want to box to be opened. Will they just run it through the scanner or do they have to open it?
9
votes
2answers
461 views
Left Luggage facilitaties in train stations in France? or Sending luggage from France to Spain?
After some time in Nice, I'm doing the Camino 'Le Puy - Pamplona' track (5-6 week walk and was hoping to leave the rest of my luggage in a train station either in Lyon or Nice. Does anyone know if you ...
9
votes
1answer
157 views
Cheap places to store bags in London for a few hours?
Almost all of the main railway stations in London have left luggage facilities. However, unlike in some European countries, this is a privately run place that stores your bags, rather than lockers. ...
8
votes
4answers
286 views
How can I accurately estimate the weight of my luggage?
This is somewhat of a problem for me. Sometimes, when I'm packed up and getting ready to move, I find that I have no reliable way to weigh my own luggage.
Of course, most of us know that airlines ...
8
votes
5answers
365 views
Is it possible to buy a ticket where the luggage cannot be checked to the final destination?
My brother recently flew on a flight from the USA to Africa involving three flights on three different airlines. When he checked in, the agent told him that it was impossible to check the bag all the ...
8
votes
2answers
8k views
Flying with a desktop computer (as checked luggage)
On an upcoming trip, I will be taking a desktop computer and monitor as checked luggage (on a United/Continental flight). What should I be aware of when doing this? What needs to be done to properly ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
How rigorous are Amtrak in enforcing luggage rules?
Looking at Amtrak trains between NY and Boston, I found that all had "no checked luggage" save for a midnight train (less than ideal for a relaxing vacation).
Looking at this reference, it's not ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
Why does the TSA allow two 3-ounce containers but not one 6-ounce container?
If I understand the TSA's 3-1-1 policy in the US correctly, you are allowed to take two 3-ounce containers of a liquid on a plane, but not a single 6-ounce container of the same liquid. Is this really ...
8
votes
1answer
289 views
Metal flasks with baby food in a plane
Are you allowed to bring a metal flask (0.5l) with (warm) baby food inside through the security on the airport? I am flying internationally from London Luton and returning from Warsaw, Poland.
8
votes
2answers
155 views
What is more effective seeking luggage damage compensation from the aiport or airline?
We found air luggage to be damaged after a flight and reported the damage right at the airport. The airport then advised us to seek damage compensation from the airline as this would go more smoothly ...
8
votes
1answer
96 views
Electronics during airport security process in South Africa
I'm travelling to South Africa for 3 months on an internship for school, and recently someone told me that they might take my laptop at airport security.
Can anyone tell me how this works? And does ...
8
votes
1answer
85 views
Are there any flight price search engines with baggage allowance included?
I am looking for a flight search engine that includes a luggage calculator in the price. I recently booked a trip and had the choice between two carriers at the time, and not feeling very stupid I ...
8
votes
1answer
150 views
How are customs duties handled by the Fedex “Baggage Free” service?
Fedex offers a baggage free traveler's service. It purports to ship your belongings to your destination rather than taking them on your person.
This raises a question:
How are customs ...
7
votes
4answers
449 views
Why do airports sometimes detect traces of explosives in bags?
So there's a (usually spot check) inspection point at airports sometimes, and they do a check for traces of explosives/gunpowder residue.
I've never had any problems, but a couple of friends have had ...
7
votes
4answers
1k views
Is there luggage storage at train stations in Japan?
We will travel around Japan by train and will make a few shorter stops with only a nights stay so it would be handy to be able to drop the bags at the station while doing some sightseeing before ...
7
votes
2answers
118 views
Checking-in bags to different destinations when flying with a layover
I am flying with an overnight layover with Swiss tomorrow. I am wondering, is it possible to check in one bag to Zurich only (so I have stuff for the night), and check another bag to the target ...
7
votes
2answers
167 views
From SFO to San Jose with lots of luggage
We are two travellers, moving from San Franscisco airport to San Jose with 6 big bags. How would you recommend doing that?
I think we would need a taxi that the size of a Volkswagen Transporter:
Are ...
7
votes
2answers
91 views
How to send baggage from US to Australia?
We are planning a trip to Australia. We are going to spend some months there and we would like to take with us more than the current baggage limit. One option would be carrying in the plane just what ...
