Alexis Senge JohnsonMany of us are trying our best to keep travel expenses down and I’m no exception to that. Working in the world of nonprofits, I see first hand what saved pennies go towards when you manage to keep the travel budget in check. Like many others, that means I generally end up booking flights with the most cost efficient ticket and therefore don’t get to check a bag without paying extra. This is where the conundrum comes into play. To check or not to check? That is always the question.
22″ x 14″ x 9″ is the generally approved carry-on size for most major airlines in the U.S. that allow you one bag plus personal item. Despite that fact, there’s a slew of companies offering bags that are 24″ tall once you calculate the wheels into them. Why are there so many travel bags that are disgusting themselves a “cabin size” when in all actuality they wouldn’t actually fit in an overhead bin? They are marketing to consumers as if they are a viable option to walk onto the plane with because an occasional airline or two might have a bin that can accommodate that extra two inches. Well I don’t like surprises or being told at the gate to check my bag and pay the extra fee so how about we get honest with our marketing, eh?
It’s become a wild goose chase finding the best carry-on option, with the needed features, for the right price and it all just seems like too much of a headache to save an extra $35 bucks at times unless you’re going to be using it often. I’m lucky that my friend has bit the bullet and is testing out one I’ve had my eye on for our upcoming travel but, even after she’s promised to let me get handsy with it to check it out myself, it pains me to think that I have to take on the price tag it comes with to achieve a viable option. Is that the best investment in the long run? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Many of you are jet setting without checking luggage nowadays. What are you secrets, favorite brands and must haves? So far this year I’ve broken two bags that were deceivingly not actually cabin sized and have been left with a rolling duffle that’s branded for my organization but not very functional for major travel. I’ve got my eyes open to find the right solution that will last for many trips in the future, but I haven’t found it just yet so I’m open to suggestions. After all, you sharing what you’ve vetting after functional use is way better than me ogling strangers’ luggage in airport terminals.
