Baggage woes

Due to prohibitive fuel costs, airlines around the world are forced to lower the weight requirements for passenger baggage. Especially affected are economy travelers. 

Let’s just focus on long-haul travel, as this would require more things to bring. Philippine Airlines, for one, gave out notices that for tickets issued by July 2008, free baggage to US/Canada/Guam will be 2 pcs. at only 50 lbs. or 23 kg. per piece. This used to be 70 lbs. per bag! Then, for airlines like Cathay Pacific, they hold strict adherence to a one carry-on bag policy with a limit of 7 kg. 

It’s all right if you stay put at the city where you land in the U.S., but if you have to take domestic flights, only one bag is free. You will have to pay an additional $25.00 to $50.00 per bag. Hence, you have to deliberate on getting rid of the second bag in the US if you must bring two pcs. of luggage into the country. The better option is to put things into a box, like a “balikbayan” box, so you can just leave it after you have distributed the gifts to relatives & friends. However, the best option is to get yourself a soft case luggage to maximize weight requirement and not to be inconvenienced when you have to take public transportation after landing. There is no compromise to this: only the good, reliable brand will do. This will save you a lot of possible embarrassment and hassles in the long run.

I have diligently observed a one-bag option in all my recent long-haul trips, even during cold season when scarves and sweaters make the bulk of the luggage. Even if I were with a group, I still would have to carry my own luggage. More so, when I travel alone. This option made me able to take the train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to my hotel in the Montmarte area when I was in Paris last March. I had no carry-on bag, just one piece of luggage. I never regretted the experience. It made me realize how helpful and courteous Frenchmen really are, despite the prevalent snob stamp they have earned in the past. 

Count the number of traveling days, that’s my guide. Then, mix/match outfits. Add in possible “accidents,” so back-up clothing must be available. Washing clothes during travel is not for me. I have even learned the wisdom of disposable underwear. Have wrinkle-free, lightweight clothing always ready for travel. Invest in the best labels. A predominant color is appropriate, to easily match one pair of shoes, a bag & other accessories. Depending on the season and the itinerary, one pair of comfortable walking shoes or boots and another pair for more formal wear would suffice. A good overcoat will do. Layering underneath will demand your creative imagination…that’s the exciting aspect of cold weather travel. I insist on warm scarves for unexpected freezing situations. They make up the difference between snug and sniffling.

For sleepwear, long thick pants and pajama tops for cold nights, or lightweight two-pc. nighties for summer. Two sets will do for prolonged travel, after all you take a bath before you go to bed so the night gowns will not be soiled.

Then, one soft case will more than suffice even for a three-week trip to anywhere. Trust me…I’ve been there and have done just that. 

Have a safe and enjoyable trip!