Carry On Luggage: Clearing the Confusion

After tonight's meeting there were several travelers who had questions for me regarding how much luggage is permissible on our trip. It seems there is considerable confusion about this topic, so I'm hoping to clear it up here. We will also be addressing this issue at length during our final meeting on May 31, including demonstrations and practice packing. Travelers will have the opportunity to measure and weigh their bags at that meeting to make sure they meet requirements, if needed.

(FYI: I had not intended to present this info tonight simply because, since our G1 travelers don't have airline info finalized yet, I didn't want to give out details that later prove inaccurate because of differing airline restrictions. So, please, bear in mind that although it's likely that G1 travelers will face very similar restrictions, I cannot say for sure what allowable dimensions are at this point. However, the dimensions listed below do apply to those on G2 (the extension).)

Regardless of what is permissible on other EF Tours or listed on the airline website, travelers on our tour will be allowed only carry-on luggage on the departure flights. There are numerous of reasons for this, which I believe I've outlined before, but here's a short review:

• The main reason for this is to force everyone to pack light. You will be carrying your own luggage everywhere, and if you bring extra stuff it will create discomfort for you AND others (especially on the overnight ferry, but also in terms of sheer space in elevators, rooms, etc.)
• This eliminates the chance that someone will lose luggage. In a group our size on an international flight, it is entirely likely that someone's baggage (if checked) would be lost. Not only would this create personal discomfort on the part of the individual affected (as your luggage may not even catch up to you by the time the tour is OVER), but it will waste all of our time as we try to troubleshoot at the airport (and you fill out paperwork and attempt to adjust).
• This eliminates an extra (and unnecessary) step at the airports. And, if you've looked at the flight schedules we've gotten so far, we go through several airports. On international flights you cannot check your bags all the way through to your destination anyway, since they must go through customs in each country. Fewer bags means less hassle for all of us.
• We will be crossing several international borders during travel - this reduces the sheer number of bags that will be checked at each checkpoint.

I am absolutely certain that, although it may take some extra planning on the front end, YOU WILL BE THANKING ME FOR THIS BY DAY 5 OF THE TOUR.

So, what am I allowed to bring in terms of carry-on luggage?

So far, all of the flight itineraries I have received include flights on American Airlines and British Airways. Since we have to meet the most restrictive requirements of the two (since your luggage won't magically shrink in Chicago when you switch airlines), here is what you can bring (this is based on American Airlines guidelines for carry-on luggage):

Passengers are allowed to carry on:

• One "personal item":examples include backpack, purse, briefcase, laptop OR a similar item such as book bag or tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and fits under the seat. It should not weigh more than 40 lbs.
• One "standard-sized bag": no more than 45 dimensional inches (length+width+height) and not exceeding 40 lbs of weight. Most luggage that you purchase marked as "carry on size" should meet this requirement, but double check to make sure. For example, I measured my own carry-on suitcase tonight and it was 21" x 13" x 6.5". Almost 5" under the maximum size, so I've got room to spare.
• You will also be allowed to carry on any outer wear (coat/jacket, hat, etc), a book or newspaper, and a small bag of food to eat on the plane (provided it meets requirments for liquids/gels).

Note: British Airways Restrictions are similar and viewable here. Though keep in mind you must plan for the most retrictive of the two.

Prior to our departure from Chi-Hi on June 15, the trip advisors will be checking all travelers' luggage to see that it meets these restrictions. If you bring additional bags or ones that do not meet the size requirements, THEY WILL NOT BE LOADED ON THE BUS. They will be stored at Chi-Hi until you return. Please, check to see that your items meet these requirements BEFORE the morning of departure.

If, after I receive the final flight information for those on G1 (the 11-day trip), I get different or additional information, I will post it here immediately. Otherwise, presume your luggage guidelines are similar to those above. I hope this clears up any confusion.

For those still wondering how you're going to fit it all...we will be demonstrating packing and going over packing lists at the May 31 meeting. You will likely find yourself shortening your list of "must have" items at that point. You CAN make this happen! (And you will.)

Also, it's important to keep in mind that you CAN check bags on the return flight (at your own expense), so folding a duffel bag inside your carry-on to check on the way home (and fill with souvenirs) is possible.