Okay, so you’ve found a great deal on airfare to your favorite place. Then add your bag and select your seat and WHOA what happened?!? First off, we know everyone over packs and now airlines are making you pay for not being a refined bag packer. It is completely possible to change your habit of tossing the kitchen sink into your suitcase for a 3 night getaway. If I can do it, ANYONE can.
Let’s break it down. Most discount airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit allow only one personal item for free. This personal item has size restrictions and MUST fit under the seat in front of you. Each airline has their own size specifications so make sure to check to be certain. There are absolutely more airlines, I am just going to highlight three examples. As of this post, here are the personal item sizes:
- Frontier Airlines: 8″ x 14″ x 18″
- Allegiant Airlines: 7″ x 15″ x 16″
- Spirit Airlines: 8″ x 14″ x 18″
So, does this mean you get your giant tote bag of a purse plus the above personal item? NOPE. You are limited to ONE personal item total. End of story. If you wish to carry on a traditional carry on bag, you would have to purchase that in addition to your free personal item. Ladies, what this means is you will need to have enough room in your personal item to stash your purse when you board the aircraft. Once you are on the plane you can remove it.
What on earth would ever make you think you don’t need a full size carry on or checked bag?! Funny you should ask. I will now share how I converted myself from a checked bag junkie into a personal item princess.
How did it happen? When our son went off to college, my husband and I decided we would put together “ready to go” travel bags in case we ever decided on a last minute trip. We were empty nester’s after all (honestly sappy mom here was trying to keep my mind off of my baby boy flying the coop). I wasn’t quite sure I could find a way to fit everything in to the personal item AND follow the TSA restrictions for liquids. However, being up for the challenge, I began my research.
Let’s take a quick look at the TSA guidelines for traveling with liquids.
- No bottles containing liquid over 3.4 ounces.
- You can fit as many of those 3.4 ounce or less bottles as you can into 1 clear quart bag.
Alrighty then. I dug through hotel toiletry bottles I had stashed over the years. I emptied and cleaned the bottles. I then added my favorite shampoo and conditioner to the bottles as well as shower gel. Well, that was easy. I proceeded to find travel sizes of many items I already use and added those to the mix. In no time, I had everything AND it fit into the clear quart bag.
The bonus to having a travel size of everything is that it makes packing super easy. I can keep all my toiletries packed and only have to add to the bag what I plan to wear. Over the years I have also added a small makeup bag that is always packed as well as a travel flat iron and phone chargers. I literally ONLY have to pack my clothes.
Some helpful tips I have discovered. Wear your bulkiest items such a boots or heavy sweaters. This leaves more room in your personal item. If you say the words “I will pack this just in case” before tossing an item in your bag. Unpack it immediately. Chances are that “just in case” moment will not happen. In the off chance it does, unless you are visiting Laura Ingalls out on the prairie I promise there will be somewhere you can get the item on your trip.
Another great bonus to not checking a bag is you will not have to wait in the line to check your bag. That’s right! Just go straight to the TSA checkpoint lines with your boarding pass and personal item. Trust me, it feels great. Especially when you reach your destination and can stroll right out of the airport without waiting at baggage claim.
Take the challenge and start downsizing your travel items. You will find it is very possible to be a light packer and still have more than you need.
