What Size Luggage Do I Need ?

When you first start to pack, it's hard to know how to figure out the size luggage you'll need. And of course, if you take too big a case the clothes will roll around inside and wrinkle. If you take too small a case, nothing will fit and luggage seams can burst open. To figure out the size luggage you'll need, first, determine exactly what you need to take with you. Business travel will require professional clothes, and maybe some casual clothing for the evenings. Resorts may require dressier clothing at night. Casual trips to warm climates mean you can usually bring less or lighter weight clothing. A wedding or dressier occasion may require day and evening clothes. Afte you've determined the type of trip and exactly what you'll need to take along, check with your airline. They may have restrictions on weight, size and/or the number of pieces you can take. If you want to avoid the surcharges, you'll need to comply with their rules. Try to avoid taking a lot of shoes or cosmetics and toiletries. These items weigh more than clothing and can push your luggage into the overweight status. The general rule is a 22" carry on luggage size for a long weekend, a 24" Pullman for five day trips, 26" Pullman for one week, and a 28" or 29" Pullman for two weeks. These estimates are also for only one person. Expandable luggage can be used for a little longer or little shorter trip because it's adjustable. You can also take along a tote, or carry on luggage with a smaller piece of luggage if you pack less. Take the extra pieces along or with the same or a bigger piece of luggage to give you more space. Additionally, business travel or dressier occasions may require a garment bag. Sometimes you need to mix and match the pieces of luggage you have to get the sizing right, along with adhering to the airline regulations. You need to be flexible these days with the airlines changing their rules often, and different airlines have different requirements. You may only take one piece of carry on luggage onto the plane, with one personal bag. The personal bag can be a briefcase, a laptop case, a handbag, or a tote. Most airlines allow a carry on bag of 45" linear inches. Be sure to verify first with your airline on their carry on requirements. Duffel bags on wheels are also available in different sizes. These are great for casual travel. They are lightweight and can hold a great deal of clothing and travel accessories. Wheeled duffels are available in 22" carry on luggage size, 25", 29", 30" 34" and 42" sizes. Some of these will go over the 62" linear inch restriction that many airlines now require. The linear size is determined by adding the length, width and depth of the luggage. To avoid these surcharges, be sure to check with your airline before arriving at the airport. There's a new handy travel accessory that will weigh your luggage and it also has a tape measure to determine linear inches. If you object to paying overage charges, it's a great way to insure that your are complient with the new regulations. Keep in mind that the only liquids and gels you can carry on to the airplane, have to be in containers of three ounces or less, in a one quart sized clear plastic bag. They also only allow one of these three-one-one cases per person. Your cosmetics and toiletries that need to go in your luggage now, will take up a lot of room and make your cases heavier. It may be easier to pack all of your shoes in your carry on luggage or in your tote bag, so you'll have more room in your luggage for packing clothing. Try to be organized, and limit the amount of clothes and travel accessories to a reasonable amount. Keep with a few color schemes to cut down on shoes. Mix and match, and you should have no problem packing correctly for any and all occasions.