Keep Calm and Carry Your Bag On

Tired of paying hefty fees for checking your bag? With airlines charging anywhere from $20-$50 for your first checked bag, many travelers have made the switch to a carry-on bag, even for longer trips. Plus you can head out of the airport as soon as you disembark the plane, rather than trudging down to baggage claim to wait for your luggage.

Irv’s Luggage has been giving expert advice to travelers for over 72 years. Read on:

• While 4 wheel spinner cases are popular and convenient, 2 wheel cases give you more interior packing space. With a 4 wheel spinner, in order for the case to meet the overall allowable carry on dimensions, the case has to be smaller to allow for the 4 wheels. Takeaway: buy a 2 wheel carry on, gain more interior packing space and save BIG on baggage fees AND time.
• Softside vs. Hardside? Softside every time, for added space and flexibility in packing plus the convenience of having outside pockets. Most softside cases we sell have USB ports for charging your phone – you don’t need a hardside case for that!
• Packing cubes and packing folders have revolutionized the way we pack.
  • Save a substantial amount of space by organizing your items and packing everything in a packing cube or folder.
  • Packing folders are perfect for larger items like pants, or folded shirts. The wings fold in for maximum compression.
  • Buy cubes with compression zippers that further compress your clothes saving additional space in your case.
  • Using Ziploc bags in your luggage? Invest in packing cubes made of durable material and quality zippers because they will last forever, they stack better in your luggage, your clothes will be less creased and they’re easier to access.
• Bringing really bulky items, like sweaters and jackets? Check out Compression Bags – different than compression packing cubes.
  • Compression Bags are made of durable plastic. You load your bag, seal the top (usually these have Ziploc tops), and then roll the bag squeezing out all the air. Using your body weight and rolling the bag on the floor will give you the best results.
• Bring interchangeable wardrobe items that give you multiple outfits.
  • Choose basic pieces that work together and reduce the overall quantity of what you bring while still having options to change up your outfits.
  • Wear your bulkiest shoes or boots on the plane and pack the smaller pair in your carry on.
• Invest in a compact toiletry kit with multiple pockets for keeping things organized.
  • Use TSA compliant bottles or buy travel sized toiletry items.

So many carry ons to choose from – how do you choose?? I’m going to break it down and give you my top 3 favorite bags.

1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry On: at 22”, this carry on is the largest size you can take on the plane, giving you the most amount of space. The features and overall design of this bag are second to none; hanging section and a flat roomy interior. This is our best selling carry on, hands down.
2. Travelpro Crew VersaPack Max Carryon: This New collection from Travelpro is expandable, has garment bag features so you can hang items if you choose, and offers various zip in organizers to make this versatile bag perfectly suited to the way you travel.
3. Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler Convertible Carry On: This amazingly versatile carry on is perfect for the traveler that is moving around a lot and needs to have a roomy, lightweight bag along for the ride. This carry on converts easily to a backpack, with padded backpacks straps. Tuck the backpacks straps in and use the padded shoulder strap. Grab handles all around the bag make it easy to grab & go. Insanely great pockets everywhere.

With hundreds of travel accessories to help make your trip easier, more comfortable and more efficient, Irv’s Luggage is your 1 stop travel shop.

Heys America Luggage Meshes Pop Art and Travel

Heys America Luggage has become a global leader in luggage design with their innovative and original collections. They have created two Limited Edition luggage series, Britto and Fernando Volken Togni. Each collection combines a unique pop art design with the high standard features of all Heys America cases. These designs and patterns transform your luggage into a work of art.

The Heys America Fernando Volken Togni (FVT) Collection is unlike any other. It features three groups; FVT Cities, FVT World, and FVT USA. Togni is a Brazilian-born illustrator currently living in London. His art style is bold and unique. He uses vivid colors and sharp shapes to create a design of organized chaos. Each collection offers a three piece luggage set, such as the Heys America FVT USA 3 Piece Set, that includes 21”, 26”, and 30” uprights. All uprights are also available as single items to better suit your needs or allow you to mix and match. The Cities Collection highlights New York in the Heys America FVT Cities 30” Spinner.

The Britto by Heys America Collection, while also featuring a pop art style, is vastly different from FVT. It is designed by Romero Britto, a Brazilian-born Florida resident with a neo-pop style. Neo-pop combines pop art with graffiti. With this style, he created lively, fresh and happy designs shown on this Britto by Heys A New Day 26” Expandable Spinner. The bright colors stand out on the hardside cases. Like the FVT, this collection includes luggage sets and individual spinner suitcases, along with beauty cases and smaller travel duffels, totes and business pieces.

All Heys America collections are held to a high standard. Each suitcase, made from polycarbonate composite material, is both lightweight and durable, even the Britto by Heys Butterfly Love 30” Expandable Spinner. The impact-resistant and scratch-resistant printed exterior is protected by a layer of clear coat that provides a beautiful, glossy finish. Designed for easy maneuverability, each suitcase has four spinner wheels for an ultra-smooth and effortless 360 degree rolling. All pieces, including the Heys America FVT Cities 21” Spinner, feature a fully lined interior with built-in divider and mesh pocket. Heys included a built-in TSA lock for your safety and a zippered expansion system to provide you with 20% more packing capacity.

Pop art originated in the mid-1950s in Britain and late 1950s in America. The term was invented in 1955 by Lawrence Alloway, a British curator. Characterized by pop culture and consumerism, the concept of pop art refers to the attitude and not the art itself. It often uses images currently used in advertising, such as logos or product labels, comic books, and news. The style is bold, vibrant, and simple, and often features bright colors. Shop Irv’s Luggage for travel goods that are functional and durable as well as reflective of your style and personality.

Carry On Luggage and Thanksgiving Travel

Are you planning to travel and celebrate Thanksgiving? Traveling for Thanksgiving is a great way to spend the holiday, see family and friends, and take a rest.

Traveling means packing things that you want to bring. We all tend to want to bring more with us when we travel than we have room for. This is a common packing problem. The best solution to this packing dilemma are packing accessories. Brands like Eagle Creek and Travelon make packing cubes and packing folders that help keep your clothes organized and save tons of space in your luggage.

While packing accessories will change how your pack forever, it is essential that you consider the luggage that you take with you as well. Durability is important, as are wheels and weight. On a short trip, it is highly recommended that you use a carry on bag. This saves you time in the airport as well as baggage fees. Popular brands of carry on luggage that you can buy are listed below:

1. Samsonite Carryon Luggage
2. Travelpro Carryon Luggage
3. Delsey Carry On Luggage

These are three of the most trusted brands of carryon luggage. They are reliable, durable, lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles. Most cases come with spinner wheels, making travel easier. Rimowa is a luxury luggage brand that makes hardside polycarbonate cases that are very lightweight but extremely strong. They are a great investment for the serious world traveler. Travelpro made the first Rollaboard suitcase over 20 years ago. Designed to meet the travel needs of pilots and flight attendants, they are now meeting the needs of everyday travelers. Samsonite is the most globally recognized brand in the world, and for good reason. They make a case for every type of traveler; hardside, softside, spinner cases and more. Make your travel experience fun, memorable and hassle free while using carry on luggage from Irv’s Luggage.

Feel Like A Star With the Latest, Hottest Designer and Fashion Luggage

We all can feel like a Hollywood star. Check out the bright, bold and trendy designer and fashion luggage collections from Irv’s Luggage. These affordable luggage collections feature top name designers who have selected the latest colors and fabrics for suitcases of all sizes. Who said luggage has to be dark and blah? Spruce up your travel and let your true personality shine. Whether it’s the exotic leopard print bags from the Adrienne Vittadini Luggage collection or the bold striped luggage sets and bags from the Jenni Chan Luggage collection, everyone can be a fashionista. And everyone can be a luggage diva, regardless of your travel destinations.

Adrienne Vittadini has always been a popular name in fashion. It’s great news for travelers that she has now used her taste and style to design her own collection of luggage. The Adrienne Vittadini Matte Stingray 22″ Rolling Duffel lets you show your wild side, but still giving travelers the functionality they crave. This carry on luggage is the perfect size for short trips and weekend getaways. Your personal travel accessories will stay neatly organized in the bag’s many internal pockets.

 

Another excellent choice is the Kathy Van Zeeland Luggage collection. Kathy has gained a reputation in the fashion world for her eloquent designs and detailing. The Kathy Van Zeeland Bohemian 20″ Carry On Expandable Spinner is one of the sharpest carry-ons out there in the travel world. The glazed snakeskin-finished exterior is available in red or brown and it will continue to look glossy and sleek trip after trip. If you are looking for more bling, then you must take a look at the Kathy Van Zeeland Monte Carlo 28″ Expandable Spinner.

The silver luggage is embellished with silver studs and hardware on the front. This bag is so sharp you will look for an excuse to get away and use your bag.

Add some exoticism to your trip with the Kenneth Cole Reaction Savageur Collection. These pieces are available in 21” – 29” as well as a wheeled carry-on. The animal print exterior has been specially treated to provide protections from water and outdoor elements. While durable on the outside, the luggage is luxurious on the inside. The cases are all fully lined with plenty of zippered pockets to keep you organized. This bag certainly won’t blend in with the other luggage at baggage claim area. My favorite is the weekender.  Not too big.  Not too small, but just the right size for those fast and furious last minute getaways.

Still looking for more punch? Then the Jennie Chan Luggage is just for you. The vibrant, multi-colored luggage will boost your spirits even when travel fatigue sets in and you tire of airline food. You will never have to worry about having the right sized piece when you go to pack. These luggage sets include different sizes to give you the most packing options. The Jenni Chan Multi Stripes Collection 5 Piece Luggage Set even comes with a computer tote. You will wow your fellow travelers and become a trendsetter. Enjoy!

Traveling Is Light As A Breeze With Rimowa Luggage

If I want muscles, I’ll lift weights at the gym — not luggage at the airport.  My new Rimowa carry-on weighs only 5 lbs.   My dog weighs more.  All the Rimowa Luggage collections available at Irv’s Luggage are easy to travel with and lightweight.

You can feel like a celebrity traveling with the Rimowa Salsa Multiwheel Trolley.  Bradley Cooper was recently spotted with this ultra-cool, polycarbonate/hardside luggage. Jessica Alba has raved about Rimowa luggage calling the cases “indestructable, yet understated.” Luggage does get thrown around, but the glossy finish keeps this luggage looking brand-new.  It’s definitely a statement piece and feels more like a must-have travel accessory.

This lightweight luggage is much tougher than it looks. The polycarbonate material is virtually indestructible. Items will stay safe — and neat.  The netting on the inside keeps everything in its place.  Another cool feature on the Rimowa luggage is the recessed TSA locks.  No more searching for those little locks before you leave town. TSA regulations are strict with the types of locks used.

Airline regulations today are super strict with the weight of the luggage. It is silly to waste precious weight on the luggage body and even sillier to be charged fees for going over the luggage weight limit.  Better to pack more.  And better to have more money for souveneirs.

Carry-on luggage doesn’t get any easier to maneuver than with Rimowa’s spinner wheels and comfortable handle.  It’s a breeze making your way down the plane’s aisle.  I am already thinking of buying the Rimowa Salsa Air 26” Multiwheel Upright Suitcase and the Rimowa Salsa Air 26” Multiwheel Upright for my longer trips. The colors are fresh and vibrant.  Ultra Violet.  Inca Gold. Navy. Carrara White. Ice Blue.  It perks up any trip.

Heads will turn at the airport. Other passengers will be jealous when they see how easily you can lift the Rimowa luggage and stow it in the overhead area.  All Rimowa carry-on bags meet airline regulations for size (but to be safe, check with your airline prior to travel as these regulations can and do change).  The bags can also be placed under the seat.

Whichever piece you decide to purchase — the Rimowa Topas, Rimowa Salsa Air Cabin Deluxe or the Rimowa Limbo — have confidence in the quality of the piece.  Rimowa has been manufacturing luggage since 1898 and still remains a family owned and operated business, just like Irv’s Luggage.  Irv’s Luggage has been selling luggage for more than 65 years and is known as a leader in the luggage and travel bag industry. They have built up a reputation for service and selection that is well-known throughout the country.

 

How to Beat the Luggage Weight Limit

A vacation is a luxury that is getting more and more expensive. Airline tickets alone are quite costly and can put a large dent in an already pinched travel budget. So the last thing one needs when traveling by air is the additional cost associated with overweight luggage, luggage fees. Below are some tips to help keep your luggage within the airlines’ allowed weight limits and thus avoiding this additional expense on your next trip:

• The best way to reduce your luggage weight is to buy lightweight luggage.  I know sounds pretty obvious but many people do not realize how much the weights of various luggage brands can vary.  Some of the lightest luggage brands on the market (that do not sacrifice quality) include Antler Luggage, Eagle Creek Luggage and International Traveller Luggage.

• Pack lightweight, versatile, washable clothing including Ex-Officio Travel Wear.  Choosing lightweight black clothing is an especially great choice because it can easily be dressed up or down and is terrific at hiding the dirt.

• Everyone has their favorite toiletry brands but using only travel size bottles that easily fit in cosmetic bags and toiletry kits is a must!

• Limit the pairs of shoes you bring (make sure they are comfortable too). Wear a versatile pair of shoes on the plane and pack only one additional pair (if you have to).

• Wear or tie around your waste a versatile coat or sweater and do not pack any additional ones.

• Bring jewelry, scarves, and ties to mix-up your wardrobe; leave all that additional clothing at home. Travel jewelry cases and tie cases allow for easy packing.

• Never bring a blow dryer as almost all hotels now provide them on site.

• Lay what you want to bring out on your bed and then put half of it back (only bring your absolute necessities and  favorites, you will be happy to wear them several times anyways).

• Buy a luggage scale and do not leave home until you are under the limit and please do it the night before so you do not miss your flight!

• Finally, the best way to avoid luggage fees is to pack light enough to only need a carry-on bag! I am sure many of you ladies are rolling your eyes right now, like that will ever happen; but remember less is more……or at least less expensive!!!

The more money you save on this trip, the more money you will have for your next one!!!  Ahhh traveling truly is the spice of life!!!

Happy lightweight trails from Irv’s Luggage!

Airline Baggage Regulations – Is Carry On Luggage the Way to Go?

The Thanksgiving holiday just passed and thousands of people will be heading to airports, to fly around the country after spending quality time with their families or friends. With all of the hustle and bustle of airports during this very busy season, many of you may wonder how you will manage to keep your sanity. With longer waits and more airlines putting restrictions on the items that passengers can travel with, you have to ask yourself – is it really worth it to fly?

The answer is YES! As you plan to visit your family or friends this holiday season, the last thing you want to worry about is whether all of your belongings will fit in spinner suitcases or carry on luggage or backpacks and are within the airline size requirement allowed. This is where Irv’s Luggage (and brand new legislation comes in!)

The recent announcement of a new bill, The Airline Passenger BASICS – or Basic Airline Standards to Improve Customer Satisfaction – Act will start to change the flying experience for many travelers. This act will protect consumers from excessive baggage fees at airports and charge airlines that do not comply with these proposed standards. This act will not only benefit consumers in the short term (more money in your pocket) but in the long term (more pleasant travel experiences) as well.

According to new legislation proposed by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, “Many airlines consider checking a bag not to be a right, but a privilege – and one with a hefty fee attached. The Airline Passenger BASICS Act will guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on.”

Until this legislation is passed, as travelers you have to be aware of what luggage is available to you and how it will fare on your trip. Antler Luggage is a great European-based company that gives frequent travelers the ability to pack a lot in a compact space (and not have to worry about size restrictions); Delsey Luggage is not only lightweight luggage but comes in both hard sided and soft sided styles in a variety of colors; and Heys Luggage has something for the whole family from their Disney by Heys line for kids to their Crown Edition by Heys line for the frequent business traveler. Whether you are looking for luggage for long term travel or just a weekend getaway let Irv’s Luggage help you with all of your travel needs!

The Best Carry On Bags for International Travel

Ten years ago, a carry-on bag was a carry-on bag was a carry-on bag. You could use your “carry-on” bag on whichever airlines you chose and wherever you traveled throughout the world.  There also weren’t that many luggage brands to consider: Samsonite, Delsey or International Traveller Luggage. Today, things are a little different. What may be considered a “carry-on” by some airlines may not be considered a “carry-on” by others.  What most people do not realize is that many of the 21” and 22” bags being sold on the market today as “carry-on” bags cannot be “carried-on” all international flights.

If you want a carry-on that will get you through 70% of airports you need to go with a 20” bag; and not to complicate matters but not all 20” bags will work either. Unfortunately some of the newer 20” wide-body carry-on bags will not make it through all the smaller U.S. airports because of their width. The best 20” choice is the Travelpro Crew 8 20” Rollaboard. The Travelpro Crew 8 20” is a terrific piece of luggage; with 43 linear inches of packing space, 1050D nylon fabric with DuraGuard fabric protection and weighing in at 8.7 pounds this bag is extremely durable and well designed. With multiple organizational pockets and a computer sleeve in the full featured business organizer and the removable, sealed, waterproof ball-bearing inline skate wheels, this carry-on is smaller but has it all!!

However, if you want to make it through 90% of airports, you will have to go with something even smaller; with a piece of luggage measuring in at no greater than 17.7 x 13.4 x 7.9 inches.  What is your best choice here? The Briggs & Riley Baseline Wheeled Compact Tote;  with a front wet/dry section with multiple organizer pockets and a flat packing section with a garment securing panel to minimize wrinkling, this is the best bag to combine both your personal and business packing needs when doing extensive travel around the world.

In conclusion, for all you very serious globe trotters out there, who want a “carry-on” bag that works practically everywhere in the world, check out the Travelpro Crew 8 20” and the Briggs & Riley Baseline Wheeled Compact Tote at Irv’s Luggage today!

Take Advantage of Free Carry On Bags While you Can

“According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airlines collected $2.1 billion in fees during the third quarter of 2010 alone; that includes more than $900 million in baggage fees.”

Yikes, it is definitely time to simplify your wardrobe and travel light, with only a carry-on bag, as airlines find new ways to improve their bottom line!!!

However, the “no charge for carry-on bags” policy may soon be ending as well.  George Hobica of “airfarewatchdog’ recently posted his predictions on what may be coming in 2011:

1.    Pay a fee for that infant on your lap.
2.    Pay a fee if you use a live body to check-in at the airport
3.    Pay a small fee if paying with a credit card.
4.    Pay for checked bags by the pound.
5.    Name change fees, “ buy a non-refundable ticket you can’t use, so rather than throwing it out you’ll pay a fee to assign it to another passenger.”
6.     No more refunds if the fare goes down between the time you buy the ticket and the time you fly. (heck, I didn’t know this was available now).
7.    Carry-on bag fees.
8.    Fare lock-in fees – “Continental offered this for the first time in late 2010 (you pay a fee, which varies depending on the route, to lock in a fare for three or seven days), and as of this writing other airlines haven’t followed suit. But will they in 2011?”
9.    For the convenience of booking your flight through the internet, the airlines will charge you a fee.

Ok, some of these seem to be a bit of a stretch……… but the days of the “free” carry- on are surely coming to an end, so take advantage while you can…..choose one of the wonderful carry-on bags from Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, Travelpro or Delsey today!!!

Step 3: Everything is Set, So What do you Wear?

Your flight is next week. You’ve packed your new luggage set and called the hotel, hostel, B & B, or wherever you’re staying to confirm your visit. You have a good idea of which days you’ll be hitting up the museum, and what days you’ll spend exploring the city streets. Now, Rick Steves is going to help you with what to bring.

Airlines have put so many price and weight restrictions on luggage that it’s hard to keep track of it all. Here’s a good tip: don’t over pack. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done, but if you take some time to really think about it, it can make a huge difference. First you have to think about the climate and theme of your trip and destination. Are you going to be hiking and biking in the forest or desert? Are you going to be lounging poolside under the Bora Bora sun? Don’t pack for what you might be doing; pack for what you know you’re going to be doing.

You might also want to take some time to research the culture of your city and what they wear. This doesn’t mean you have to buy a new wardrobe to fit in, but just to work with what you have and be conscious of the already existing fashions. If you’re traveling in the Middle East, remember to be modest in your dressing. If you’re heading to Paris just be aware that it’s are the fashion capital of the world.

There are also some picks that you should always have with you no matter where you’re heading. For example, items such as raincoats, adapters/converters, cameras, and medicine. There’s bound to be that horrible rainstorm you get caught in, or that one vibrant street market you’ll want to show everyone back home.

Basically, do some research, be aware, keep it simple, and always aim for one bag. Your arms and wallet will thank you.