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Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Airline Travel

We could call it ridiculous, outrageous, irritating, or an industry imposed efficiency course in packing. Whatever we call it or whatever our feelings about it are, it seems to be the way of the future - the immediate future at least - and that is the airline charge for checking baggage. First it started with a fee for the second checked bag - which Frieda will go along with - but now it's a fee for all checked luggage, which is ridiculous and extremely irritating. What's the difference to the airlines if we carry on the piece of luggage or check it? Carry-on luggage is getting to be a hassle for passengers to find space in the overhead compartments for their belongings - not to mention the clunks on the head, shoulders, and backs when passengers attempt to retrieve the possessions. If everyone on the plane decides to go the route of carry-on only, there just won't be enough room - what's the airline going to do then? Force passengers to check their luggage and to pay a fee they did not choose to pay. So, Frieda is hoping the airlines will realize the complications and inconveniences of this policy to their passengers and allow each traveler one checked piece of luggage at no extra charge - they can call it a courtesy to their customers and make us all feel so grateful we chose their airline.

Just in case this dream doesn't come true - here are some tips from the expert. It's time to think "inside the box" - or inside your luggage as the case may be. The key words are organization, function, and neat. The key size for a carry-on suitcase is 45 linear inches (a couple airlines allow 51 inches, check your airlines to be sure) - meaning height + length + width has to equal 45 inches or less. Clothes are less likely to wrinkle in a rectangular shaped suitcase on rollers, but a shoulder/duffle bag will hold more because there is no space taken up for the wheels. Which type to carry will depend on what kind of trip you are taking and what you need your luggage to do for you.

~ Roll your clothes for more economy of space.

~ Bags with a lot of inside compartments take up space and the extra zippers, flaps, etc add extra weight. Instead, use zip-top plastic bags if you want to separate items. This will be especially handy when going through security. A handy outside pocket can carry your computer, magazines, and other things for easy access.

~ Chose a wardrobe in the same color scheme so you can mix and match - usually blues, browns, black, and whites are very versatile. Wear your bulkiest items onto the plane.

~ Men should try to get by with 2 pair of shoes and women 3. Shoes are a great "open space" in which to pack smaller items - jewelry, underwear, anything that will fill up the space inside your shoe.

~ Toiletries seems to be a problem that can take up a lot of room. First decide the necessary basic items you will need. Then check again. Never take the full size container if at all possible - besides the airlines have the 3 oz. policy. Either go to the store and purchase the travel size of the products or purchase the travel size containers you can fill on you own. Combine as many items as possible - such as, instead of shampoo and conditioner try a shampoo with conditioner for the trip. You can also find some products in non liquid forms such as nail polish remover, colognes, etc - they won't have to be examined by security and they will weigh less & take up less room in your suitcase.

~ At this time you are also allowed to carry-on a smaller bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. This could be used for lap-tops, books, as well as your travel essentials like credit cards, boarding pass, etc. If you travel with a camera bag, there is usually enough room for these things in there.

Once the carry-on bag is packed and ready to go, someone is going to have to lift it up into the overhead compartment - keep this in mind as you're packing - make sure it is something you can handle. With a little thoughtful we can make it through this luggage crunch with the airlines.