Packing for a 1 week trip with current airline restrictions

[Rudebob]

Looking for suggestions on how to pack for a one week trip limiting myself to one checked bag at 50 lb max and a carry on.

I did a prepack this weekend to see how close I am. I am able to get most of my gear, clothes and personal items to 49 lbs in one bag. I still have my regs/computer, dive lights, camera, and one set of clothes I plan to carry on in a backpack. I also plan onwearing my heaviest clothes in terms of weight (blue jeans, shoes, etc.).

Although going over I think I will be O.K. I am a little more concerned about the return trip. Mainly with the added weight of a few souvenirs and damp clothing/gear that may not have yet completely dried. I figure I can ditch items such as batteries and possibly towels or items of clothing I am least fond of.

Any other thoughts or ideas I should try?

Thanks,

 

[sasscuba]

Less clothes. It is vacation after all.

 

[Byte Me]

Who are you flying and where are you going?

We're going to Playa in < two weeks on AA. Since it's in the Carribean and with the dates we're flying we're still allowed to check two under weight bags per person. I'm a gold member on AA as well so that helps too, but we'd be allowed 2 checked bags each anyway. Between my wife and I we'll check three, my scuba bag, a medium bag and a garment bag. I'll also have my camera backpack and my regs/computer in a carry on sized suitcase.

All this scuba stuff sure adds to the packing stuff!!

 

[deborahdelamar]

Much depends on where you're going, which airline you're using and how restrictive their carry-on policies are. I've seen a lot of big carry ons lately!
The rule of thumb is to leave 1/3-1/2 of your clothing selections at home. Best bet for a big weight savings is to use a bag without wheels -- you can save 7-8 lbs. on the bag alone switching from a wheeled case to a duffel bag. The other alternative is to toss toothpaste, shampoo, "gift" t-shirts, etc. before your return to make up the weight difference for wet things & gifts that you're bringing home.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

The restriction for the larger jets just mean that it will cost more (typically $30-$50, each way) if you bring an extra or over weight bag. That may not be much in the context of the overall cost for the vacation. Although nice to avoid if you can. But really the airlines are just looking for an other revenue source. Smaller aircraft like inter-island puddle jumpers may have more restrictive weight limits.

 

[JRScuba]

Looking for suggestions on how to pack for a one week trip limiting myself to one checked bag at 50 lb max and a carry on.

I did a prepack this weekend to see how close I am. I am able to get most of my gear, clothes and personal items to 49 lbs in one bag. I still have my regs/computer, dive lights, camera, and one set of clothes I plan to carry on in a backpack. I also plan onwearing my heaviest clothes in terms of weight (blue jeans, shoes, etc.).

Although going over I think I will be O.K. I am a little more concerned about the return trip. Mainly with the added weight of a few souvenirs and damp clothing/gear that may not have yet completely dried. I figure I can ditch items such as batteries and possibly towels or items of clothing I am least fond of.

Any other thoughts or ideas I should try?

Thanks,

You should call the airlines you are going on and ask them what their weight limits are.

 

[almitywife]

wear the jeans and shoes on the plane, pack all your dive gear, take 2 tees, a pair of cosies and 2 reg-grundys, a toothbrush and leave everything else at home - you can buy another tee (or anything else you need) when you get there

and

even if you are over and there is a fee, just pay it - its only $20 or $50 so as long as your gear get there its worth it

cheers

 

[novicediver]

I second that. Are you going to dive or to impress someone? Leave the superfluous crap at home, especially those of you who feel compelled to take multiple pairs of shoes!

 

[pickens_46929]

Assuming you're going to warmer climates, wear the heavy stuff and pack 1/2 of what you think you will need. Souvenir-wise, ship them home rather than hassle with them on the plane.

Carry anything that's valuable, breakable or life support (eg. regulators, dive computer, medicine, camera) on the plane with you -- use a small wheel aboard if you must. Everything that is easily replaced (eg. fins, mask unless is prescription, t-shirts), goes in the checked bag.

Join the airline's frequent flyer club before you travel and make sure it's on your profile. Call the airline to see if they offer any special deals for frequent flyer club members or if it's just their elite (eg. Silver level) that get the 2nd bag for free.

 

[Belmont]

FWIW, I was in Cancun in march and they did not bother checking the weight.
They have a different perspective, most airline companies use local contractors and the last thing local people want is aggravating their source of livelihood and delay departure.

In Jamaica, last January, they were checking the carry-on weight just before boarding, but only for the locals flying on the regional airlines.