Your guide to international carry-on luggage

When traveling in North America which carry-on you need is simple; a domestic carry-on (22’’-14’’-9’’) is accepted by all the major carriers. However, things get murkier when traveling overseas. While many luggage makers sell international carry-ons there are no set carry-on sizes that each airline takes and very few rules regulating sizes overseas.

If you are flying direct overseas or using connecting flights, things nowadays are fairly simple. IATA Resolution 302 states that whoever the marketing carrier is (the company that you booked your flight from) their baggage rules must apply to all legs of your trip. So if your ticket says United, American, or any other major US carrier then your domestic carry-on will suffice. If you are booked on a major international carrier, refer to their website and follow their guidelines.

Things get murkier if you have multiple legs of your trip booked separately, especially if you will be using overseas regional jets.  Each regional airline overseas has a different standard for what qualifies for a carry-on and most have weight restrictions that really limit what you can pack in your suitcase. Please make note of any weight restrictions before packing and I recommend always having a luggage scale.

So if you are going be using regional overseas carriers you might have to rethink how you pack. My best recommendation is to consider not using a carry-on at all. For example, if you are going for several weeks and using several regional carriers, then a 25’’-26’’ suitcase plus a backpack, tote, or wheeled tote might be a perfect solution for you. You will have to check a bag either way so a smaller personal bag might be all you need to keep emergency items in.

For student’s studying overseas I really like convertible backpacks, especially ones without wheels. They can be carried either like a backpack or a shoulder bag and have cinches that allow the bag to be adjusted to your specific needs and they usually weigh less then wheeled bags. My current favorite is the Lite-Gear Travel Pack. It can hold as much as a conventional carry-on and only weighs two pounds.

Finally, as always, less is more when it comes to packing for your overseas trip. Consider taking less then you usually pack, especially when it comes to shoes and accessories. You will be doing a lot of walking so plan on taking your most comfortable and easy to use clothing and shoes. The good news is planning for your trip in advance will help avoid nasty surprises on your trip, and that is something we all can appreciate.

 

Baggallini Baggs Are The Ultimate in Organization

Baggallini Dublin Crossbody Bagg

I lost weight — and I am still eating ice cream.  All l I did was buy a Baggallini Bagg from Irv’s Luggage.  My purse usually feels like an elephant around my neck.   I gave my old, heavy handbag away for the stylish, lightweight Baggallini Dublin Bagg.  The nylon, crinkle material is lightweight and easy to clean.  I love that I can wear the bag two different ways — depending on my mood and destination.  I can use the shoulder strap or wear the bag cross body. People are always stopping me on the street and complimenting me on my handbag.  It not only looks great, but it helps keep me organized.  The inside is roomy and there are slip pockets for small things.  The zippered pockets in the front and back help my organization even more. The handbag comes with a matching wallet with zipper enclosure.  This is a great travel accessory and bonus.

Baggallini Touring Tote Bagg

I am not worried if I get caught in a light rain shower.  The bag’s water-resistant nylon will keep my things dry.  I wish I could stay that dry.

The Baggallini collection also features a touring tote bag in nylon. This bag can also be worn over the shoulder or cross body. My favorite feature about this bag is the zippered cell phone pocket.  Now I won’t miss a phone call because I can’t seem to find my phone, which is usually on the bottom of my bag with my junk crammed on top.

Baggallini handbags and travel bags are about organization.  Each bag features pockets and zippers to keep everything neatly and safely in place.  Baggallini’s motto is order and beauty.  You should not have to sacrifice style for functionality.

Baggallini Sydney Bagg

For the ultimate in organization, check out the Baggallini Sydney Bagg. It contains a key fob, credit card slots, lipstick and pen holders and an easily visible ID window.  The bags zippers wide open so that you can get a bird’s eye view of the inside. Hard to believe, but this bag weighs a little more than .5 pound. It will not weight you down as you travel around.

I have ruined too many handbags because they get dirty and I can’t clean them. Now that I have a Baggallini with its incredible nylon material, my bag will stay looking brand new.  It is so easy to wipe it clean.