Why would you use that for travel?!

I spend a lot of time in airports and hotels.  I would LIKE to think I have this down to a science, I can pack 2 weeks worth of cold weather clothing into my carry on.  That said, I have to wonder sometimes where people get their packing advice or who thought things were a good idea?

Let's start with the trash bag.

 

REALLY?   What if you were in the very last boarding zone on the plane and this overhead space hadn't been available?  Do you really think the airline would've said "oh, it's a glad bag, we can't check that"?  Because they can, and would have and your underwear would have been scattered all over the baggage claim by the time you go there.

 

Next, my fave - the reusable grocery bag.

 

 

Clearly, there are height limits on what this bag can contain.  It doesn't close, and again - do you just think that they won't try to check this?  For the record, if you have more crap in your grocery bag than in your wee little carry on, upgrade your friggin carry on.  Save yourself the headache and hassle of arguing with a flight attendant on why this wont fit under your seat so it has to be checked along with your HeMan action figure carry case you've managed to cram some clothing in.

 

 

This one's always fun.  The seat saver.  Now, sometimes the airport isn't busy or there is ample seating so no big deal.  This was at LAX, at 10pm, crammed full of passengers.

 

I love how people will leave all their bags across an entire row of seating like this to "save" the seats for themselves while they waltz around the concourse like a Sunday stroll at the park.  See that purse?  What is to keep ANYONE from dipping into it and taking your ID, credit cards, etc?  Nothing.  Not a dang thing.  That open VS bag next to it?  My guess is there's some jewelry or other valuables just inside completely unsecured. You'd be surprised how many small children have approached my bags and played with the zippers - if my bags were open topped like this, who knows what they'd walk away with.  Hopefully nothing the parent would deem harmful, who knows how fast the lawsuit would come.

 

While I'm thinking of theft, give this some thought. Most airlines only compensate up to $250 for lost luggage. Really THINK about what you are traveling with, makeup, medications, contacts/glasses, clothes, shoes, HBA's and those are likely just in your rollerbag not the personal item (purse, backpack, brief case).

 

If you pay attention you are told not to leave your bags unattended.  This annoyance is usually when someone will report unattended baggage, which sometimes leads to a concourse being evacuated for a potential hazard.  Thanks for being selfish AND rude people.

 

 

Now, I'm not saying go get a travelpro today.  Hell, I don't even have a travelpro, though I wouldn't mind one.  I have for the last 3 years used a simple black rollerboard I paid $60 for at Target.  It's now getting beat up enough for replacement but it's been a great bag so I will likely get the same one again.

 

Just THINK before you leave the house. 

Will this close, can it be broken into easily, will it fit under my seat if the overhead is full, how will it get to me if I check it?  If you don't have your own rollerboard to travel with, ask to borrow one from a friend or family member.  Trust me, the peace of mind alone will be worth it.