What Everyone Gets Wrong About Carry-On Travel (Airlines WON’T Warn You!)

[@PortableProfessional]

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[@chutethemall8099]

Every numbered seat should have a corresponding numbered overhead bin, or partitioned section of a bin.

[@boomergames8094]

I agree. But... They won't do that because there are not enough bins for every seat. They should have a bin for every seat and each be numbered.

[@shinnam]

Yes, yes, yes that is the easy, equitable way to do it.

[@MrCho14]

@@boomergames8094 My little bit of research says there is enough space for every passenger. Of course, the type of plane may matter.

[@AzeenHowkins]

Thank you for doing this! Lots of good info.If you can, please list good websites or places to find *jklux* , you know, Hermes is so selective.Also, would love to see something about Lady Dior. I have to say, my heart broke a little when you said “Oh, Prada does these as well”, regarding the serial number. (I’m a nurse, so I probably shouldn’t even dream about owning a Birkin, but I bought my first Prada earlier this year and I was so proud of it. Now it feels a bit like Dollar General ).

[@johnp139]

No, a lot of people don’t bring bags that are put in the bins, and there obviously isn’t enough room to do this.

[@herschelmayo2727]

Why does overhead space run out? Here's why . People bring on a "personal item" which is a backpack as big as their carry-on bag. When they board, THEY PUT BOTH OF THEM in the overhead. Until airlines crack down on this, with size limits for carry-on, all these problems will persist.

[@Reed-2big]

Did you forget that some of the bins have first aid kits and other airline items in them making them inaccessible to everyone.

[@Sunshine-614]

Often I see people putting their coats/jackets and bags with airport purchases in the overhead bins too. The bins fill up fast. I don’t know why airlines allow this. If I have a jacket I just lay it over my shoulders or across my lap.

[@earthwormscrawl]

I saw a guy put an acoustic guitar in an overhead bin. It took up three rows or nine seats. When people started to pack things around the guitar he started demanding that no oen touch his property. The flight attendant made him check it even though it wasn't in a case. He should never been able to board with it.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Or build planes with bigger overhead bins, because people will NEVER change if they don't have to pay for the carry-on bags (why Spirit is going bankrupt).

[@PsychedelicChameleon]

@@earthwormscrawl Many airlines used to have an exception for long musical instruments, specifically allowing them to be put in overhead bins, because those are often damaged if baggage handlers handle them.

[@hushpuppy3]

My last flight was in April. I had a Comfort Plus ticket and was waiting to be called to board. First Class boarded and then they announced Comfort Plus. I got in line and a middle aged couple pushed in line right in front of me. I was a bit annoyed by their rudeness, but just thought "Let it go." They scanned their phone and they did not have Comfort Plus tickets. The gate agent told them they could not board yet and to go sit back down. No alarms went off, but it did leave a smile on my face as they stomped away mutter something unintelligible.

[@richardgarno6591]

Well done gate agent.

[@TuTuFox]

They usually have people in wheelchairs go in 1st

[@marthamcdonald7016]

We, my sister and I, traveled in June with my mother who uses a mobility cart. We each had a backpack, my mother had her purse, and I had a camera bag. We put 2 of the backpacks in the same space in the overhead bin and the other bags went under the seat. The only problem came when some woman with an oversized bag went to move our bags. I told her not to touch my bags again as they were taking up less space than a single regulation size carry-on. She got huffy about having to put her bag in a spot further back in the plane the kicker was that there was plenty of overhead space in the plane as Alaska Airlines gate checked the bags of anyone who was willing for free. Size restrictions need to be enforced.

[@johnsmith-xk2pz]

Let's talk about the worst travellers of all: the ones who pile their bags in the first empty bin they see at the front of the plane, even though their seats are further back, leaving no space for the passengers in that row who board later. These people need to be called out and forced to check their bags.

[@MariyaKirova-pl1ot]

It just happened to me. The lady in the front seat had put her bag in the space above my seat. I moved it above her seat and put my in. It was annoying but necessary. Idk why some people think they are more important than others?

[@utbelegs]

@@MariyaKirova-pl1ot People are intrinsically moronic. Only the bright one's are self-aware. Devil's advocate: She probably didn't even realize what she was doing, because it would've been far easier for her to just put in in her own overhead bin from the start.

[@karenrobertson1944]

I've seen a flight attendant walk back to the last couple rows and make a passenger come forward to get his carry-on and put it over his seat. Passengers were almost cheering because she put the entitled jerk in his place

[@davidbutton3500]

I do not recall carry on baggage issues prior to charging a fortune for checked in bags. This problem is one of the Airlines own making.

[@kariforgie457]

Every flight should include one free checked bag...period!

[@danalewis9240]

I’d rather have one free bag than a stupid soda and pretzels. And $40 plus per bag is ridiculous.

[@AzeenHowkins]

There was a very recent documentary and they were interviewing very well-off women. These women were speaking about how they no longer purchase authentic purses and have chosen to purchase really good *jklux* of the designer bags that they do like. They then take that saved money and invest their money into other things such as real estate, stocks etc.

[@breadroomghost8764]

It’s not a problem, the airlines are making huge amounts of money off of the whole thing

[@karenrobertson1944]

Not only charging a fortune but losing bags quite often.

[@charlesdavis1080]

If you are using a backpack, take it off before you board the plane and hold it in front of you. If you have it on your back inside a small space your bound to hit someone whenever you turn your body.

[@mariecurie7491]

Thank you for this! I am 71, and don't use backpacks. But if only I had a fiver for each time I have been hit by someone else's! The don't seem to have a sense of its dimensions

[@power4things]

I wish I could print this warning on every backpack! On Toronto Transit in Canada they do post "take it off!" signs in the trains ...

[@nataliejohnson-gj9ei]

They put it behind them on their back so maybe the agents won’t notice their personal items is too big to fit under the seat. People are just trying to save money and airlines are trying to make money. Unfortunately, the employees and passengers have to battle it out.

[@AzeenHowkins]

I work in the luxury industry and we had a customer with a mirror copy of a *jklux* come in. She said she paid $2200 USD, she ordered it from a factory who makes these. I thought it was crazy but like she said even though it was $2200 she saved $20,000 and she has the $ to buy Auth, in fact she owns several. She told us she would never buy real again because this factory makes the spot on to the og. Hers was so good our 2 authenticators couldn’t find a difference. And yes even the smell was spot on.

[@johnp139]

I don’t have this problem. I guess people just aren’t careful or are clueless about their surroundings.

[@letter203ify]

To be transparent, I just chill about whatever happens with delays, bin space, or luggage. Not gonna let that destroy my vacation vibe. I travel with no expectations and it usually works out well, or maybe because I didn't let stuff bother me.

[@Mina-hm2og]

This is I think the best approach, accepting that things will not always go my way, so I am letting go and just deal with them as they come.

[@Jsfrog]

"Just chill." Good words. Someone else said that along with your stuff, "pack your patience."

[@letter203ify]

@@Jsfrogit just happened to me, I missed my flight to Fort Lauderdale and instead of getting all worked up about it I just kindly asked the gate attendant “What should I do?” and he said wait for him and he will help me rebook the flight for the next day. I waited, he helped me, and I thanked him. problem solved. Sure it was a little annoying but had a good outcome

[@lawrenceseguin1865]

"What should I do?" can work magic. Back in the 90s I managed to board a flight to Switzerland without my passport, having left it in a coat pocket which I handed to friends who'd come to see me off at the airport (YYZ). When I discovered it I didn't have it, I informed the chief steward, who suggested I talk to the station manager in Zurich upon landing. Which is what I did. When he told me it was my problem, I said to him, "Yes, I know - what should I do?" It's like his countenance magically changed and he worked with me to solve the problem, knowing I'd do my part. (I finally got my passport on a flight coming to Zurich the next day.) Off course, since 9-11 getting on an international flight without showing your passport at boarding is impossible, but things were laxer 30 years ago

[@letter203ify]

@ great story, good lesson, ty

[@letter203ify]

I’m about to get on the plane in a few hours for my first time this year. Your video gives me some good points to be mindful of. Follow the boarding rules, don’t ask others to switch seats, and use the overhead cargo space appropriately. Ok wish me luck and Happy Holidays.

[@Patriotgrl01]

I traveled last week on a good airline and they were very diligent about overhead bin space. Some people were trying to sneak their personal items into that space instead of under the seat. Not cool. Thankfully there was someone from the airline who spotted this allowing more people to properly use the space.

[@herschelmayo2727]

I see this constantly on American. They do nothing about it.

[@randyhome1544]

If you fly bulkhead sets, everything goes in the bins. But I check my bags so I’m only using a small space in the overhead bins. Sorry.

[@gailwatson4485]

It is too hard to get stuff out of over head bins in flight so its better to have personal bag on the floor near you so can get at all the essentials needed in the flight!! Why do people put it all up top then not use it on the flight (Im in Autrailia so all flights tend to be long haul for me 😊

[@HelixCanada]

I had a Karen next to me whining about her overhead small bag having a pie in it lol what a B.

[@johnp139]

If I’m PAYING to check an item that could be put on the overhead bin, then DEFINITELY going to put my personal item in the bin so that I have room under the seat for my feet.

[@ajd8558]

The term gate lice is really a clear sign to me of what airlines actually think of their clients. I'm not one - I usually wait until the end to board because I hate being in the plane - but different people have different anxieties and reasons for what they do. The ever decreasing cabin baggage and bin space is CREATING this issue. People don't want to wait because they're scared they won't have anywhere for their bag or they'll be forced to check it because those who got in before them took the space. So the airlines create these problems, then have the gall to refer to people as gate lice, as if they're something dirty no one wants on their plane. It's actually despicable. And yet more of their "calculated misery" ethos, where they deliberately make things as uncomfortable as possible to force you to pay more for basic things you should be getting included anyway.

[@juliebarnett9812]

That was an excellent observation. Touché 👍🏼

[@debbylou5729]

This is what airlines call people trying to cheat. This means I don’t have to worry about being called out for it. My guess is that you do this

[@mickeytang440]

Or you can travel with a normal airline and not with budget air, problems solved

[@lilriceball]

@@mickeytang440that’s an incredibly classist comment.

[@clintfalk]

@@mickeytang440 Actually, some low-end airlines have been the best about regulating what you can take on with you, at the gate. Spirit is not my favorite and generally an airline I avoid. BUT, to be sure they are good about not letting people bring excessive or oversize luggage as "carry on". Thus, it's likely to be easier to find space in the overhead bin, because Spirit actually charges MORE for a carry-on bag than a full-size bag that is checked in at the gate! I believe Frontier ihas a similar policy. Both have smaller than average size set of dimensions for their carry-on luggage. But it does seem to be working.

[@cathykushner8903]

In my opinion, airlines would better serve their customers by allowing one FREE CHECKED bag and stop overbooking their flights. The airlines themselves caused their OWN problems. If they would do this the gate lice problem, gate checking bags problem, and no bin space problem would go away.

[@robinking6694]

I recently took a flight with my pet. When the airline asked for volunteers to gate check their carry on, I took advantage of the opportunity since I was in the last boarding group. After I handed off my bag, I realized I didn't have any identification on it, but a spare pet collar with a tracker was in the bag. It was great to see when I landed that my bag had also arrived. From now on, I'm going to throw a tracker in my carry on. Recently got the compression cubes and an excited to use them in my next trip.

[@domturneryoutube]

All these years I did not realize I can move my personal item under my legs for more leg room. I will definitely try this when I travel next year. Thank you!

[@peggywoods4327]

On long-haul flights I've used it as a footrest (take my shoes off first)

[@brettupton9154]

I regularly travel coast to coast to visit family. The built-to-United-standard personal item bag I bought from Walmart hold more than enough for a five day trip, particularly since I can count on having easy acccess to laundry. It's an squarish squat duffle thing, but it legit gives me every square inch of space I'm allowed and still slides nicely under the seat.

[@lpleme]

I travel a lot for work and have found that using a backpack that opens flat and then laying all your clothes flat is more efficient than rolling and also minimizes wrinkles. Items that can’t be laid flat are arranged in the spaces around the clothes.

[@mhtammi]

Agreed. I use to use packing cubes in my clam shell backpack until I found that laying my clothes flat (versus rolling) takes up less space.

[@zilam98]

i still find it easier to go through my bag if i pack my clothes in the lightest compression cubes i could find

[@cheerlin]

my personal hacks, i use zip lock bags extensively. Fold clothes flat, squeeze 2-3 pieces of clothing inside, then on my bed or sofa, literally seat on it to remove 99% of air, while closing the zip fully simultaneously, resulting in a almost air-tight bag and smallest volume at cheapest cost, plus it is 'waterproof', transparent. zip lock has to be replaces every 2 trip or as long as there is holes.

[@ruthbowman5928]

Ziplock makes 'big bags,' 24x20 inches, bottom is at least 6 inches wide. Excellent for storage but could be used in a Pullman case.

[@MeiLee-t2v]

I really like the technique of giving a verbal and visual summary of the main points at the end of the video.

[@nogames8982]

I travel with a carry-on backpack. And I put it in the overhead bin. I do this because my guide dog goes on the floor in front of me and under the seat in front of me. So I have no choice but to do this. If I have a personal item at all, it’s usually a very small purse that I just keep slung over my shoulder or I just have a coat with pockets and call it good. I put my dog’s harness in the seat back pocket. Unless I have a window seat and then I put it between the seat and the window. I try to take up as little space as possible. and I did do the army roll plus compression bag thing and it worked pretty well.

[@madamenicoleNY]

God bless you for being so conscientious

[@MrCyclist]

I remember when travel/flying was fun. What happened? It is too stressful now and I plan on doing just the minimum. Too many people are flying/travelling causing destruction to what once were great places to visit.

[@lahermosajarifa7007]

So, agree. It has become more aggravating than fun.

[@juliebarnett9812]

Yep. 👍🏼 This is why I won't got any more.

[@boomergames8094]

Race to the bottom. Also known as "enshitification". Essentially, they all work to figure out how cheap they can do everything and people still pay for it. They are in the profit business, not customer satisfaction.

[@breadroomghost8764]

Everyone should definitely stay home so you can enjoy your vacation in peaceful solitude

[@joannharrington2279]

That is how I am taking my next trip. Carrying a backpack to see if I can live out of it for a week. It looks very liberating.

[@philradspinner8847]

Make sure you check the size restriction to make sure it is even possible. There is not a continuity of size allowed of personal items among the airlines.

[@Lukiel666]

Get some vacuum compression bags. Use vacuum to suck all the air out, shrink them right down. And you can buy socks, underwear etc. when you get there. Wear your jacket/boots.

[@philradspinner8847]

@@Lukiel666 I still have "Space Bags" from decades ago. They work great!

[@zilam98]

i can't, ever. i'd need to have two checked in bags with me for that hehehehe

[@pkswty]

This has been my goal for the last several years. It’s doable

[@deedsh6280]

I must be unusual, but I jump at the chance to gate check a carry on bag. I know it's going right from the gate to the belly of the plane and the minor wait as they bring it up as we deplane is far superior to going down to baggage claim. I fly out of a small city to a hub, so this happens nearly every time. One less stress to fighting over space in the overheads. Never lost a gate checked bag.

[@benjamindover4033]

The most recent time I gate-checked a bag, it was in the last group of bags to come out at baggage claim.

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Air Berlin........and Targeted Individual Thank You not my checked Bag anymore

[@kimp7160]

I have never gate-checked a bag but I would always gate-check our stroller when the kids were small. We never had it lost once and it was almost always waiting for us by the time we got off the plane. I only bring a personal item with things to entertain/feed my kids and myself plus meds so I don't want to check that.

[@angelaclements1244]

Me too

[@susie9893]

​@@benjamindover4033yes, this is becoming an increasingly frequent practice. I'm so not into it - just increases risk of theft/loss And I get that people say "that's what travel insurance is for" but that only compensates you for the items (if you're lucky), not the time wasted having to go out to replace those items. I repeat: not into it

[@marsgal42]

I just got back from a business trip and heard exasperated gate agents telling people to SIT DOWN!!!! until their group was called, and warning that if you're after Group 5 the overhead bins will be full so check your carry on bag now and avoid the rush. My recipe for short trips is a couple of mix-and-match tops and bottoms, clean underwear, toothbrush and a credit card.

[@AlbertusMagnus_44]

That last hack is something I never thought of! The personal item only needs to be under the seat for takeoff and landing and you can pull it back for leg room during the rest of the flight. I’ve been doing it wrong all these years with cramped feet around a PI that probably has too much in it. Thanks Megan! That’s a hack I can really use! Especially at 6’-3”! 😎✈️

[@shirleyn4677]

I heard that from a flight attendant when a woman wanted to keep her personal item on the floor. Attendant said she only needed to stow it on takeoff and landings. She never ask for it back until we landed. Another safety issue when I flew business class recently was that before a rough landing a woman failed to fully latch the lavatory door. When we landed hard it flew open. One of the attendants had to shove it closed.😮

[@marcynoona]

It's not a hack. Lots of people do it

[@coffee_qi_and_me]

A few years ago I started to travel wearing a small sling bag concealed underneath a SCOTTeVEST. I've never been called on this by a gate agent, probably because this just makes me look fat. Those two -- as well as the pockets in my comfy cargo pants -- hold all the small items I'll need during the flight. This frees up a lot of room in my small, personal item-sized backpack for a week's worth of clothes, toiletries, etc. Best of all, I don't stress over fighting for overhead bin space, letting me just kick back in the gate area and wait for last call before boarding.

[@MykkiOnTheCusp]

I usually wear a small sling bag under a hoodie that's got my phone and ID in it, but even when I haven't concealed it, no gate agent has ever called me out on it. I think if you're wearing it the whole time, it's part of your outfit and not really a "carry-on".

[@tammydunham9962]

I’ve always prided myself on not being a “gate lice” person until a couple of weeks ago. I was flying home with a layover in Charlotte NC. Generally, this airport is one of my favorites but they’re doing major renovations and there was absolutely no place to sit. No place. After a substantial delay, I was exhausted so I became a gl. I didn’t care at all. I was part of a crowd of about 50 lice. I won’t be shamed! 😂

[@HelixCanada]

Who cares if people want to stand. Alot of bad backs or leg issues, feet as well

[@kimp7160]

I don't think just standing is gate lice. There are never enough seats at the gate. I try to keep our family out of the way of the pre-boarding line but you have to be ready to go as well.

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. That wheelie case + personal item (in form of backpack) won't be accepted by most budget airlines in Asia. From experience, they usually only allow 7 kg (15.4 lbs) handcarry (whether wheelie case, backpack or duffel bag = yes they weight it), plus a small personal item (small tote/ shoulder bag or man bag). If the gate agent sees that your personal item is "quite large", they'll ask you to include the item during the weighing of your handcarry. If they exceed 7 kg, then you'll be asked to either check it in (and pay the fee) or decrease your load. That's if the gate agents are strict (but lately, they usually have been eagle eyed.).

[@zilam98]

exactly! domestic airlines in the philippines are very strict with carryon luggage. because of that, i've always considered the destination country's airline restrictions. international lights might allow for more (korean air, from my experience years ago, allows two carryons), but you'll hit a major snag with domestic airlines

[@shinnam]

My last trip with Air Asia, they only allowed 7 kg including my personal item. Went to the toilet and put on layers of clothes, pretty hot at KL but got everything on.

[@kitty_s23456]

@@shinnam in my last trip with Air Asia, they weighed my backpack (was less than 7 kg) but not my personal item (small shoulder bag). But yeah, she looked at my shoulder bag if it looked "small enough". I guess it depends on the country & the gate agents.

[@phillippalmejar9548]

Just did 2 weeks in Eastern Europe with only a carry on. I wash my clothes at my hostel every 3 days and boom, ready to go again. Rolling clothes and packing cubes are the keys. Especially when trying to get your bag into the check space when getting your boarding pass.

[@PortableProfessional]

*Halara's HUGE Black Friday Sale:* halara.link/s/12jchPrSDJ

[@nobodynothing00000]

I'm flying back to Japan next year March/April. I was just going to take a leather overnighter bag with 2 days worth of changing, wear a plain grey Macy's suit and no need to check anything in. If you do any shopping in Japan it's always easier to pick up another suitcase at the Donki store than it is to fly over with one.

[@rayp4008]

We just did our yearly, 6 month trip to the Philippines. Still trying to get the wife to use packing cubes. BUT the smaller compression cubes will be a game changer. Amazed after all of the research I do to improve our traveling experience, these appear to have slipped past me hidden among the normal packing cubes.

[@PortableProfessional]

Now that you know they are there, I hope they make for even easier packing on your next trip!

[@isabellamarino]

Recently was on a Boeing 757 economy seat and my small backpack did not fit under the seat in front of me there was barely any height. Plus I find more and more that the entertainment box is taking up quite a lot of room under the seats.

[@dontfencemein-rving7439]

My simple hack is, if I can buy it at my destination, don’t take it. I don’t bring soaps, deodorant, toothpaste, or shampoo. All of those items equals a rolled up pair of pants. Besides, as soon as you get to your destination all of those items together will only cost about $10 for small sizes. Also, since the airplanes are typically cold, I bought a fantastic Carhartt hoodie that has a rather large pouch. I wear that and this is where I carry my electronics like my tablet and cellphone. This way they are always on me and I don’t need to fumble around in my backpack or with my carry-on. Here’s another travel hack I’m sure you never thought of. I fly often with my dog. Some airlines have a flat fee for taking a dog. I take advantage of that and put clothing on the floor of his kennel. It’s nice and soft for him, it smells like me so it’s comforting, and I get extra items I can just throw in the washer when I get to my destination. I wouldn’t do this with a dog that pees or poops in his kennel.

[@rcc9677]

I don't know about this. I went to a few stores when I ran out of shampoo and all the stores I went to only sold full size bottles. And they weren't cheap either. If i had to buy everything I needed, it would probably cost $50. And the worst part is if I wanted to fly to another town, I wouldn't be able to bring it with me due to size restrictions

[@dontfencemein-rving7439]

@rcc9677 my travel is from Perú to the US. Walmart sells all the travel sizes. For me it's easier.

[@nataliejohnson-gj9ei]

Never had these issues until they started charging for checked bags. Now it’s so stressful to board a plane! What “zone” will I be in ? Half the passengers on every flight are special and get priority boarding. I’m a scrawny senior and God forbid I bring my purse and a tiny carry on.. they will measure my stuff and berate me but Miss Thang and Mr. Tough Guy can bring 100lb purse and a steamer trunk no problem. The airlines created this hell. Just charge everyone an extra $10 so we can all have a free checked bag and treat all the passengers fairly. If they advertise that you can bring a carry on and then don’t have space for it because Miss Thang brought her Giant carry-on and put it over your seat, then the airline shouldn’t penalize you by checking that back at the gate. The airlines made this mess. Flying is not fun at all anymore. While I’m crabbing about airlines: how the hell is it not CRUEL and in some way illegal to not have enough butt and leg room for an average size male? Can’t believe tall and large people don’t scream about being discriminated against! Thank you

[@johnp139]

People have demonstrated that they want to pay less rather than having more leg room. Most airlines now have economy plus that gives you more leg room.

[@StolenJoker84]

IMHO, This is a problem created by the airlines. They cram so many seats into the plane that there are more seats than overhead bin space. This is the same reason why there is so little leg room in most of the seats.

[@PortableProfessional]

So true! Thanks for watching!

[@chloel728]

Great tips on packing. I usually never check luggage. I've been rolling my clothes for years and just starting using packing cubes. I was able to go on 1 16 day trip with just those 2 items for each person in my family and my traveling companions were amazed at what I brought on the trip.

[@hitomiochiai8787]

My recent issue with traveling and space issue is, I had a small personal bag plus my pocketbook and If i needed to smush my pocketbook into my personal item, i had room. For a normal under the seat space. Except when there is a metal box under the seat in front of me. Now if the airline made note that particular seat had that particular restriction, I could have planned better. Flight attendants were not helpful....at all. My other issue is I have to bring my sleep machine and their is no smushing that equipment.

[@kimp7160]

We only ever use personal items vs carry-on but we still have one checked bag between the four of us. The army roll is necessary for even that--especially in winter with sweaters. Those compression cubes do seem interesting to have at least a back-up outfit in our bags. But yes, it's amazing what you can all fit into there. My kids use mini-backpacks and I can fit their security blankets, favourite stuffie, plus a small book, some snacks and crayons, etc. And you can cram a lot into an over-sized purse or into a backpack.

[@chrisanastasia4361]

My girlfriend and I had forced check-in last month when we went to the UK carry-on only. Our trip was Philadelphia to Boston to Edinburgh, but at the last minute in Philly, we had to check our bags since we were towards the back of the plane. Thankfully the suitcases made it

[@chanej2651]

I take my under seater and put my fanny pack in it with my flight essentials. That way I don't have to worry about overhead space. If I am going on a short trip that's how I pack. . For longer trips I just check a bag and bring a personal item on the plane.

[@jibrilamvs]

This wouldn’t be a problem if people would stop bringing three bags as “carry on” then taking up the entire overhead bin space. If you need that much for a trip bring a suitcase and pay for under carrier transport in the cargo hold. Sadly that’s too complicated for people so they bring everything onto the plane with them which annoys people who reach out to airlines who, eventually, change their rules.

[@russellbynum2414]

The airlines have 100% caused the "Gate lice" problem and then invented a derogatory term for the people who are just trying to exist. I'm about to be sitting down in a seat that was designed to be marginal AT BEST for a normal-sized human for several hours. I'm going to stand and stretch before I get on. Since there's nowhere else to do that without being in the way, I'm going to do that in the boarding area. But more than that: 1. Since they started charging for checked bags, losing bags (3 people had bags that showed up a day or two later on the last business trip that I took), and having lax security so stuff gets stolen from checked luggage (3 of the last 4 times I checked bags), and taking forever to deliver checked luggage (frequently more than 30 minutes), more and more people are trying to fly with only a carry-on...which is a problem because the planes don't have enough storage space for that (even if people weren't idiots who can't load their bags properly.) This means that being in an early boarding group is important, and being at the front of your boarding group makes a difference if you're in one of the later groups. 2. I've flown 6 times in the last 2 months. 1 of those times, the boarding announcement was so quiet that we couldn't hear it even though we were in the boarding lounge...and they didn't update the screen that says what boarding group is up. We were group 4 and wound up boarding with group 6. (Fortunately everyone but the "gate lice" was in the same boat since they didn't hear the announcements either.) Another time, they called for concierge key and then group 1 (American Airlines) and then called groups 2-5 at the same time...on a 100% full flight. So, I'm going to "Crowd the boarding area". Sorry, not sorry.

[@arlencarlson]

I have no shame in doing this either. This is an airline problem pure and simple. Less of a people problem.

[@RobinMajumdar]

Great content as always with extra kudos for the next-level edit quality on this one!

[@lesliereynolds4492]

One time when I got on I saw a man put his trench coat in the overhead lengthways and shut it. The stewardess came along looking for space, took out his coat, laid it on a seat then put in 3 cases, a small bag then put his coat on top. If you want to see what a narcissist looks like, it’s that guy.

[@mhtammi]

I have travelled with a bag that can be altered down to a personal item bag for the past three years. It’s been awesome. I challenge myself with each flight to see how little I can get away with. I have travelled so much that I have accumulated enough miles to board first as well as having free checked baggage. However, I still use just a personal item bag because it’s makes travel easier.

[@howcotube]

Thank you once again for enlightening us. From your previous video I learned that you can take that under seat bag and place it under the legs, and as practical as I am I did not even think of doing it although I thought the bag had to stay under seat through the entire flight. Always a feast for my eyes and tips for my travel as well and for that I thank you Megan. I never miss your videos ! Howard.... Also I will try next time to pack better -you gave me the incentive !

[@kittikats]

I've always travelled with a small carry-on suitcase and a personal item bag when going on holiday. Suitcase goes in the overhead and the bag goes under the seat in front. Clothes and shoes are in the carry on. My heaviest/bulkiest ones are worn. Personal item bag has laptops, chargers, needed hygiene items (headache pills, period stuff if needed) underwear, socks, personal / travel documents and wallet.

[@angelaclements1244]

When I last traveled I was overjoyed when they asked for volunteers at the gate to check in luggage. My friend payed for hers.

[@kroyal4296]

Me too as long as they give it to you when you get off the plane and not with the baggage

[@cherylhumphrey2251]

I pack my personal item for emergency first day in case my luggage is late. Then I hope for my carry on to get checked. I even go to the gate and ask if they want to check it. That way I don't have to hassle with it at connections.

[@scruffybackpacker]

Carry a 15L stuffsack as a personal item. Works for me. It'll always come under airline weight & size restrictions.

[@Lukiel666]

I carry an Arc'Teryx B40 backpack as carry on. Exact size for carry on, and non rigid so can squeeze into a smaller space. And vacuum compression bags, suck all the air out. You can buy jeans, t-shirts, underwear, socks etc. when you get there. Don't bother to pack more than one spare pair of clothing. If taking winter jacket, boots etc. wear them. My 'personal item' is my cane, polycarbonate tube, hollow and transparent. That space under the seat is now extra legroom for me. A one month trip is just my carry on.

[@ozgirl45]

I can do a month trip with just a carryon and a personal item and both are within the size limits. Admittedly I’m going to stay with family in the US so there’s laundry available and I leave toiletries there. Even so none of my traveller friends can believe that’s possible.

[@Lukiel666]

@@ozgirl45 Yes. I don't carry toiletries. Toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo etc. a few $ when I get there vs the hassle of packing them and worrying they might leak.

[@trumpetmom8924]

0:48 Your screen here is not for regular economy on United flights. I am flying United near the end of December and have a regular (not Basic) economy flight. I just looked it up on United’s website, and a single carry-on AND personal item are both free. What you show at this time stamp is for Basic Economy.

[@johndunn3492]

Thank you, that was very useful. Just one comment, as your personal item gets larger, your legroom gets smaller. You still have to put your feet somewhere. If the flight is a long one, this can be a problem. No issue if it’s an hour or so, but on a five or seven hour flight somewhere, that’s pretty uncomfortable if your knees are shoved up against your chest.

[@ChristineMC74]

Me, my husband and our 2 kids did backpacks for a 7day cruise (2wks ago). We did the 54321 packing method. Next year's cruise we are going lighter since we didn't wear all the clothes we brought .

[@JAM661]

Airline could avoid all of this by just allowing one free check in bag.

[@MrVenona]

Yes, airlines created the problem, then get angry when people come up with ways to manage that problem.

[@superwebsitehero7261]

ITS SUNDAY with My Fav Travel Guide!! Love You Megan!!!! 😍😍😍

[@jbowerdel]

as i have watched the huge amounts and size of luggage that people bring onto airplanes these days, and how long it takes to board while everyone stows all that luggage, that airlines would be more efficient if they allowed people to check bags for free and charged for carry-on luggage. think more people would then check their bags and risk it. I have to carry a CPAP machine with me in my carryon-hopefully medical equipment would not be charged-so travel with it in a backpack that can go in overhead bin or underseat if needed. Problem is some seats now have electrical boxes that hang into area and keep bags from fitting and you don't know this until are on plane-any way to find out this information when booking a seat. Thanks for another great video!

[@maletu]

I am getting rather weary of your (and other people's) smug comments about "gate lice." Maybe you travel in places where boarding groups are announced clearly, in English, over decent loudspeakers. In such a case, as you say, why get up before it is the turn of your group? ON THE OTHER HAND, what I am seeing is announcements over horrible quality sound systems, in, say, Bulgarian or Arabic. And after the first boarding group is announced, subsequent groups seem to be announced much more softly. Or maybe they are announcing something else? Or is it that passengers are supposed to intuit when the first boarding group is done and they are ready for the next group? WHAT I SEE is a lot of passengers standing around, looking at their own and each others' boarding passes, having halting conversations in a variety of third and fourth languages, trying to figure out WHAT ON EARTH the gate personnel are wanting them to do. This is who you wish to shame as "gate lice"?

[@HelixCanada]

Yep horrible announcements, Colombia is brutal for blah blah blah super loud in the airport

[@angelaclements1244]

I'm a bit deaf and can't hear what they say in a noisy environment

[@maletu]

@@angelaclements1244 Well, that too: lots of reasons people might be standing about anxious and uncertain at boarding time-besides being deplorable "gate lice," that is.

[@johnp139]

Right, either you can barely hear the announcements or you are blitzed with hearing very loud announcements from 20 different gates.

[@Jsfrog]

Your bonus hack at the end is very good. I especially appreciate it as I really need to stretch my legs out underneath the seat in front of me, and a bag under there would prevent that. I develop terrible knee pain from an old injury if I cannot stretch out. Stretching out after takeoff will be just fine. (Just have to move it if your seatmate needs to get out.) So thank you!

[@jillcnc]

I'm 4'9" and in my late 60s and I just check a carry-on if I have one, with a personal item containing anything with batteries, a travel water-pik, electronics and chargers, perhaps an actual book, and one change of clothes. I gave up on carry-ons because I cannot reach the overhead compartment and I got tired of enduring seeing seated businessmen laughing at me with my suitcase on my head trying to lift it into the overhead without hurting myself. Other passengers only rarely help, and flight attendants aren't even allowed to anymore due to risk of them being injured or having repetitive injuries from doing it

[@bearisland55]

I've been doing this for years, and not just for short trips. I recently took a 10 lb personal item bag for three weeks to Africa and a 7 lb personal item bag on a late fall trip to Chicago.

[@philradspinner8847]

BE CAREFUL! Many international airlines such as Swiss, Lufthansa and Austrian allow very small personal item bags - basically a purse or laptop case. And if you bought the ticket through one of their partners, such as United, you do not get the size allowance that United would give you. ALWAYS CHECK! Personal items are probably what they will crack down on next.

[@TheBooban]

I thought the EU just regulated all luggage specifications and requirements now. Airlines can’t make up the sizes for carry on.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Just for your information: Lufthansa personal item dimensions are 40 x 30 x 10 cm/ 15 x 11 x 4 inches. United Airlines personal item dimensions are 43 x 25 x 22 cm / 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Combined you could bring 40 x 25 x 10 cm / 15 x 10 x 4 inches And yes, in fact personal items are usually such items as laptop bags or purses, and not rucksacks or small suitcases. And yes, true, the next big thing after checking carry on luggage is surely checking personal item sizes. And weights. IMHO, the real expertise in travel is not about how to take as much as anyhow possible with you into the cabin, but about how to leave as much as possible behind. Not only in terms of cabin luggage but also in terms of luggage in general. But unluckily this is something none of these videos shows us because of course: you can not get sponsorships and cannot make advertisement for things you don't carry but only for stuff you are suggesting to purchase and take into the airplane ...

[@sgrant9814]

@@TheBoobanit is a proposal and not yet law

[@philradspinner8847]

@@TheBooban Yes, you are correct, for carry-on. Personal items are different and even vary more widely among airlines than carry-on.

[@philradspinner8847]

@@bangalorebobbel I have the same philosophy - take as little as possible. I have traveled multiple times with only carry-on and now that there are an increasing number of airlines charging a disproportionately high amount for that carry-on, relative to the ticket price, I will be looking more seriously at using the personal item allowance as my sole baggage.

[@8981USMC]

Nailed it. I travel a lot for work, the roller bags and subsequent competition for overhead space is out of control. I check my luggage and only have a backpack of just the things I need in the airport or during the flight; placing the bag under the seat in front of me as I know that is my guaranteed space even though I am in barding group 1.

[@HelixCanada]

Yes those silly roller bags, ban them tonight!!

[@timyamasaki8261]

I have a carry-on sized bag and a personal item. I always check-in my carry-on sized bag and put my personal item in the overhead compartment. If people think I should put my personal item under the seat in front of me, then I will start bringing my carry-on luggage with me to put in the overhead compartment. I thought I was being nice by checking-in my carry-on to put my smaller personal item overhead.

[@littlemom2070]

This just makes me want to check in bags.

[@DuangtipVichiansupawat]

Your doodle is so cute. Thank you for the tips!

[@auzzygirl8175]

As a plus size lady, my clothes are larger and so take up more room, so packing for a week in a personal item bag is not possible unless I wear only 2 outfits for the whole trip, including the outfit in travelling in.

[@letter203ify]

I missed my flight today and they taught me a lesson: please arrive there 2 hours before take off. Boarding gate closes 15 minutes before take off.

[@warlockcommandcenter]

It helps to be a handicapped person I move slow, I don’t do well with the cattle call boarding and long standing best option is wheelchair service. Every flight every time.

[@asphaltdancer61]

I just found out that ANZ changed the day of my flight without notifying me. I bought the ticket and selected my seat in February 2024 for travel in January 2025. Of course I had to accept a change in date of departure, or be put on a different carrier with a different cabin layout. I didn’t’ pay for that. So now they have me in a bulkhead seat with no place to stow my personal item under the seat in front of me because there is no seat in front of me. Normally my personal item carries all of my documentation, money, credit cards, but most importantly, my medications for the flight. I’m wondering if you know of a smaller backpack, or any bag that can be worn on my front side while I am seated or sleeping.

[@lizbecker1677]

I recently flew from Newark to Johannesburg and back. The duration of my trip was 10 days, and I used compression cubes and the roll method and will never travel any other way again. The cubes worked great, and I felt like I was finally "traveling light." The only downside is that you have to repack everything and fit it back into the cubes for your return home. Still, it's a great way to make the most of limited space.

[@kroyal4296]

love your videos. Are your suggested items sponsored? Some like the packing cubes are really expensive!

[@HariSeldon913]

2:30 - What airline is that? Even first class doesn't have that much legroom on any plane I've ever boarded.

[@PilarFrancisco-Saguil]

It only works when there is no weight limit on carry on

[@crazy4beatles]

The other hack? Because the airline starts making folks check their carry on BEFORE they actually run out of overhead space. By the time me in the last boarding group with my personal item get on the plane there's usually still a few spaces in the overhead compartment. And if not, then worst case scenario it'll always have a spot at my feet.

[@patti1044]

Love the backpack so large that it hits people in aisle seats as they walk down the aisle - then out that in overhead in addition to their luggage. And underseat bags need to fit under their seat, not spilling out into my foot space.

[@sexygeek8996]

Airline staff should just remove these items from the plane.

[@Learningthetruth7]

Personally, I like the beep system. It's about time.

[@davesaunders7080]

The army roll idea is really a great way to maximize space. Next I will try with compression bags as well. It can be worth it on booking tickets to prepay for seat assignments as close to the front as possible to make it more likely to have bin space. So far this has worked on all my trips.

[@marcietownsend3635]

In the past year, I've had airlines give me free check-in luggage since so many are doing carry-on. Not always however. If flying a budget airline like Norse or Spirit, I'd rather just pay the baggage fee and exit the plane as fast as possible like a bat out of hell. Remember: you can buy stuff when you get there and don't assume there are US-style laundromats.

[@artsvdo]

Great video! I love sharing your videos with my wife, who thinks she has airline travel down, after watching your it and hearing her say, "Oh yeah! Why didn't I think of that!" 😊👍

[@ginaschelleman9011]

There is never any mention of weight restrictions on any video that discusses ‘clever packing’. This disregard for weight restrictions must be an American thing, because there are definite weight restrictions when travelling in Europe and Australia.

[@jeanetteraichel8299]

I travel with so much electronics. I bring three cameras, two GoPro's (with a packing cube filled with mounts and accessories), tablet, phone, chargers, snorkel mask, and so on. My personal item is full and carry on is full. Never had a priblem with getting a overhead bin in Group 4

[@iancvisuals707]

The sad reality is that airlines created this problem because of charging for checked baggage. But it has become such a cash cow for them it opened the floodgates on their willingness to inflict hassle on the passengers for greater profit so it is not going to stop and will likely get worse. Already you have to pay for seat selection, snacks onboard, priority boarding. About the only thing the haven’t tried charging for yet is fees for disembarking priority or baggage collection.

[@angelaclements1244]

Air Transat now charge for headphones to listen to entertainment and on overnight flight had to pay if you wanted a blanket

[@kurtthecat3995]

The airlines need to reverse this policy. Allow check baggage to fly free and charge for carry-on bags. Overnight they will see so much empty bin space, they won't know what to do with it. Not to mention faster boarding and less delays.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I only travel for vacation and it could be for as long as three weeks. I always check one bag going down and a carry on with everything I can't get along without in the event the checked bag doesn't make it. Coming back, I don't care. If it takes an extra week or two to get to my house, it doesn't really matter. But I don't want any arguments going down. Also, I am mobility impaired, but not in a wheelchair. I'm supposed to have priority boarding and _always_ have to push my way through a crows of gate lice. It's _very_ irritating. No chance I can get three weeks worth of absolute necessities into a personal bag. Regarding compression cubes, I have been using large Zip-Lock bags for this for forty years.

[@1957DLT]

So many great tips! And thank you for the Halara site as well.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are very welcome! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@HR-wd6cw]

IDK why government regulations don't require all planes to have a bin slot for every seat sold on a plane (and for manufacturers to design planes so that it can be this way). I know that not every passenger will have a carry-on bag, particularly those who may fly daily for business (and therefore maybe don't need an overnight bag or can just get away with a backpack if it's a 2 or 3 day trip). But I almost feel that the overhead bin space thing is sort of the same philosophy as overselling/overbooking a flight and people having to get bumped to another flight. I can see where some people might appreciate this though since if they don't have a carry-on they aren't going to want to pay extra for one, but for those who do, it means the ticket price is slightly more. At least for now, Southwest still doesn't charge for bags which is a bonus, and my guess is that they will still keep carry-ons free with the ticket (although maybe raise ticket prices across the board so not quite free) but they may become more strict on the size of carry-on as to date, they have never checked mine, but I've always stayed within the 24 inch limit that their aircraft allow (which are 737's). For the trips where I don't want to use a carry-on, I've figured that if I bring 3 days worth of clothes (possibly wearing some of them onto the plane, as a hack for jackets and sweatshirts and other bigger items) and then packing a travel laundry detergent, I can avoid a carry-on for trips up to about 5-6 days providing they are domestic trips, as I can then do a quick load of laundry in the hotel bathroom which takes maybe 45 minutes. For longer trips, or ones overseas I may try this, but I would probably need to bring a carry-on at least since buying clothes (in an emergency) is not always as easy as doing that domestically (which is pretty easy since most airports are close to stores that carry some type of clothes and most major cities have a department store -- like a WalMart or Target nearby).

[@lisaphares2286]

You don’t need laundry detergent. Does body wash get your body clean? That’s what’s on your clothes, dirt and oil from your body. If you have a spot, used full strength body wash and rub, then wash in sink as usual.

[@TheBooban]

@@lisaphares2286just use the hotel soap. Btw, liquids have to be in bottles clearly labeled 100ml on the bottle.

[@henrietta9206]

because airline is a private business. Nothing to do with gov thats why. "race to the end" it is - game of "lets see how many people we can piss off before someone notices" examples? - overbooking. Asking people to leave when it is airline fault letting screamers on. 8hr flight with screamer when clearly no one paid THAT OBSCENE amount of money to endure 8hours of screaming unruly fees stamped on passengers. "race to the end". Game of "when will they find out" and 'how much cash can I grab' before passengers collectively band together.

[@bacul165]

Just out of curiosity - if you buy new clothes on a trip, do you wash them first? (personally I'm too lazy to do laundry on a trip, so I'll rather pack enough clothes)

[@TheBooban]

@@bacul165 I’m also too lazy but I know someone who worked in an underwear factory said I should definitely wash underwear. Underwear is often what you need to buy.

[@ronaldtipton6035]

As a guy who hates wrinkles & ironing clothes, I would rather pay the extra fee for bringing a carry on, than have to iron every piece of clothing I brought with me when I get to the hotel room. Army rolling wrinkles the hell out of any garment with a higher cotton content.

[@johnp139]

Not to mention spending 2 hours packing, an hour to unpack, another 2 hours to repack, and another hour to unpack.

[@robertwilliamson922]

What if the floor at your seat or under the seat in front of you is covered in sticky stuff from a previous passenger’s spilled drink or food? You don’t want to put your bag there.

[@reinhard8053]

Some airlines only allow 10cm(!) of thickness for personal item. That's barely enough for a laptop with accessories.

[@shaffehaffejee3657]

Sushmita: bought a carry-on which students use for High School... it's a game-changer 😊 Stands up-right and has many different compartments to find items when needed. Use as a "carry-on" 👍 Invest in one... you won't be sorry 👌

[@Jameschewingfoil]

I have a 38 liter Osprey Back Pack and it’s perfect for an overhead bin.That’s all I need.

[@Shippingnews]

Osprey bags and Eagle Creek packing cubes are superior to all others. I will die on this hill.

[@betsystockman1926]

Great tips-Thank you! Whenever I pack (checked or carry-on), I use the KonMari method and I get the same effect as the army roll without most of the wrinkles, sometimes all the wrinkles. I’m not used to packing cubes though. When I pack KonMari, I can see everything I packed all at once and there’s no lifting of clothes to remember what I packed on the bottom, because all clothes are on a single level (or plane) lol. I will definitely try to incorporate the compression cubes since I’ve never tried my method with a travel bag before.

[@YoSpiff]

I have to check my suitcase anyway because I travel with tools. I choose a seat in the back of the plane, where the seats and overheads don't fill up as fast. Since I am only carrying my large backpack, I am fine with putting it in the overhead bin. I think this is fair and reasonable. I've never been asked to move it under the seat. Since I have to wait for my checked bag anyway, waiting to deplane from the back doesn't consume any extra time.

[@karincope3019]

If the people who feel they are so entitled that they take up too much space with several more carry on more then they should there would be enough room and use the SPACE above YOUR seat . So many times we go to put our bags above our seats and the space is taken already from some one who sits elsewhere or they have 3 or 4 items .

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

I recently traveled and had just received my Foldie that I was anxious to use for the first time. Discovered I prefer a carry on that has enough structure so it will stay somewhat "together" like your Bento Bag. I put the Foldie under the seat and there was no room for my feet. Then when I had to carry it to go claim my checked bag, the handles are very rough and cut into the palms of your hands...so I will keep mine for like an overnight type bag only. Guess I'll be buying a Bento!!!

[@jimross7648]

The only issue is I'm sure that airlines are already figuring a way to shrink the dimensions of even personal item bags, just as they've done with every other luggage category. Eventually passengers will be restricted to a zip lock bag unless you pay them big fees. That being said some good tips.

[@nunuvyurbiz123]

In a way, they've already unintentionally did that what with so many underseats blocked by AV systems and the like, or seat posts not aligned to be in between seats.

[@RadiantTwilight]

Aye, thats the sad truth, the personal items my carriers allow are already half the volume of the example size in this video... heck they even shrunk allowed dimension of the regular hand carry luggage size so my very expensive carry on suitcases are too large in one dimension... thankfully I never had problems disregarding those dimensions, and the day I will have problems, they will probably have to detain me, because I will get very angry.

[@TruthinLove]

This inspires me to try to do Prague for a week with just my Aer Travel Backpack 3 Small. I leave in 8 days!

[@mkmariak]

Some great suggestions, and I'll definitely check out Halara. One thing, though. I can see how the army roll would be good if you're on a trip where you're in one or two places for the whole time. But if you're moving every 2-3 days as some tours do, it will get tedious very quickly.

[@Mina-hm2og]

Questions: is there an option to pay a bit more to board first? And what about the souvenirs you buy in your vacation? Shouldn't you leave some space for them too? I think it helps a bit in what season you are traveling, as winter clothing is a lot bulkier that summer clothing, and also if the place you are visiting has a laundry and clothes drier machine which you can use to wash and dry your clothes so you won't have to bring a lot of them.

[@lisaphares2286]

Bring merino wool base layer top and bottoms, then you don’t need bulky sweaters to keep you warm.

[@zilam98]

for both my carryon and checked in bags, i've found that using ziploc style bags (compostable ones or reusing from prior online purchases) helped immensely with organizing small items in my bags without adding so much weight. people could buy the fanciest toiletry bags only to have those bags eat up space and weight

[@ninah8266]

Wouldn't it be more efficient and orderly if planes were boarded from back to front?

[@ninah8266]

Passengers can easily see their corresponding overhead bins and the flight attendants can monitor them more efficiently.

[@alicedyment4219]

That way no one has to wait for passengers in front of them to get settled. Of course this makes sense, so of course they don't do it.

[@johnp139]

Or use the rear doors to board.

[@lokicooper4690]

Anything that is important, like medications, paperwork, and electronics, should always be put in your personal item, not your carry-on. It says right on your boarding pass the seats you are assigned to, and a lot of the times, the zone that you’re boarding with. The agents of the gate should’ve been calling out these people years ago for trying to get on board before their time. Why are they only starting now? Travelling with just a personal item can be done, but not everyone can do it. I have to use a CPAP, and that takes up half my backpack. If I take a larger backpack, it’s now a carry-on size and not a personal item, and I have to deal with it as a carry-on (paying the carry-on fee if there is one). I’m supposed to be allowed to bring medical equipment without being charged, but some agents will tell you it’s considered a personal item.