Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I Refuse To Pay For Checked Luggage

The airline that I am travelling with charges $15 for the first checked bag, EACH WAY! That is ridiculous.

How many clothes do I NEED for one week? If I don't spill anything on myself and refrain from games of tackle football, I could get a way with very few clothes. I can wear the same pair of jeans for a week and I will be wearing them on the plane so they don't even require luggage space. I will carry on my winter coat so that won't count either.

I am allowed one carry on bag and the challenge is to fill it with as many multi-use items as possible. My luggage is a small duffle bag not one of those oversized monster pieces that have to be gate checked or crammed in to the overhead compartment with a crowbar. I will have laundry facilities available too so, really, I only need 4 days worth of shirts, socks and underwear. I'll be wearing a sweatshirt on the plane (layers are good). Shampoo and toothpaste are usually available. Conditioner is not always around. If I choose to bring it I will have to put it in a plastic baggie and take it out for security to look at. That's annoying but I need conditioner and it can double as shave gel. If I am going to have a baggie anyway I might as well bring a mini-toothpaste. And yes, I am one of those people who re-fills their mini-toothpaste tube. It can be done!

What I have so far:
One baggie for liquids
4 pairs of socks and underwear
4 shirts
Swimsuit
Sweatpants
Small makeup bag, hairbrush, toothbrush
Cell phone and charger
Camera and batteries (Last time I forgot my camera AND socks)
Snacks for plane and a book


I also need one Sunday outfit and shoes. I could cram in a dress, nylons, slip and shoes, or borrow something from my sister or buy an outfit at the thrift store when I am there and re-donate it when I leave. I'll see how much space I actually have left. I just hope I don't forget anything this time.

7 comments:

Over the Cubicle Wall said...

You could leave out the clothes, and when you get there, buy some from a thrift store to keep there for future trips. Of course when you look back on family photos you would always be dressed in the same outfits. I kind of like the crowbar idea though.

Daizy said...

I was thinking about bringing only socks and underwear but I do have enough room for some shirts. Now, if I was only allowed a backpack, I wouldn't have room for other clothes.

What I don't have room for is my favorite fluffy clothes. The sweaters, hoodies, jackets, slippers. If I find something cool at the thrift store I will get it but I don't want to spend that much time there. Afterall, I spent $400 on the ticket so I could spend time with family, not at the thrift store.

I'm always dressed in the same clothes anyway. Seriously, my sister just posted a photo from 4 years ago and I was wearing the SAME shirt that I have in my closet and was planning to bring!

Sharon S said...

Hi there-good luck cramming it all in, I'm sure you'll give it a good go. Airlines are charging for everything, it seems.

Daizy said...

Hi sharon rose, they are charging for everything now aren't they! I wonder if the soda is still free. Probably not!

msjeenee said...

Nope. Soda, water, and anything else you want to consume is NOT free on the plane! I decided to check a bag, but am now finding that I haven't worn nearly half of my clothes!! Now I have to haul them back and pay for it again!!

I should have read your blog post first!!

Hope you are having a great time!

Daizy said...

Well Jeanie Marie, I guess you could have donated them to our wardrobe challenged sis. She was told her clothes make her look like a nun :)

Anonymous said...

I'm with you! Over the Xmas holidays, I'm going to Key Largo, FL; Detroit AND Toronto! I may have to wear all my summer clothes at once to stay warm (hahaha). But I hear ya -- I am so annoyed how much the airlines are gouging us with fees -- it's getting more and more ridiculous. And I feel like we're being held hostage by this. I'm going with the put-luggage-in-overhead-with-crowbar move... let's see how "efficient" the airlines will be with everyone doing the same thing! Can't the CEOs take a pay-cut in their multi-million $$ salaries?