Comments on: Check it out! 10 clever luggage tips from a flight attendant

By: James

James — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:11:14 +0000

I think the major problem is airlines not enforcing the quantity and size limitations of carry-on items. If they would then most flights would have plenty of room for everyone’s carry-ons. They make a big deal out of informing you of the limits but so many passengers seem to not care and even become outraged when their oversized items don’t fit. Why bother having regulations if you’re not going to enforce them? All this does is tell these offenders that no one really cares and they’ll continue with their inconsiderate behavior.
For the above reasons I disagree with lending a hand. Why should anyone risk a back injury lifting a heavy bag for a total stranger – that is just foolish. And, risking be labelled a sexist – the worst offenders of heavy carry-ons are women. (In general, men travel lighter.) If you carry it on you should be able to stow it yourself!

By: KG2V

KG2V — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:58:46 +0000

Traveling light IS the way to go, but sometimes you are going on an “extended” vacation with the family, that requires sepcialized gear (Ever try to fly with a telescope and assorted astrophotography gear? You suck it up and pay the fees)

The UPS/FedEx/DHL route is the way to go, if you can (all my recent trips to Disney etc are done this way – just my medical/and immediate use needs get carried, plus cameras and laptop (spread among 4 people, that’s not much)

A reminder for those who travel with kids – 1)Carry on something to keep them happy and 2)Remember that they are allowed a carry on too

And yeah – Be polite to the flight crews, gate agents, the skycap, etc. Us NYers have a reputation -I try to ruin it by being nice. The words “Good Morning”, “Please”, Thank You”, “Have a pleasant day” (I use it instead of “nice day”) etc are the “Lubricant of Society”. So called “meaningless” words that mean so much, particularly when said in a tone of voice where the person knows you mean it. Another phrase I find that works wonders “I know it’s not your fault…”. If you’re going to ask a gate agent/flight crew etc a favor, to try and work around a problem, realizing that the delay, etc ISN’T their fault, and they ARE doing what they can (and have probably had XXX annoyed people growl at them that day) can make a difference in how you will be treated

My big lesson in this came years ago – I was due to fly back from Pittsburg to LGA one Sunday. I got to the airport at 7:00amish, and realized “There is a problem – a BIG problem” – just by the sound of the crowd. Got to the main area, and I saw EVERY flight to LGA was canceled (a plane had slid off the runway the day before – LGA was closed)

I waited till I got to the front, presented my wife and my ticket, smiled and said “what are the reroute options – anything to Kennedy?”"No, we don’t fly there, we’re sending folks to Newark, and the next flight with seats is 6:00pm” I looked at her, and siad – “I’ve an idea – anything to macarthur?” Her reply was “we never thought of that! (none of the gate agents remembered that they flew 2-3 flights/day then). We got booked on a flight leaving in 45 minutes – and I was told “don’t tell anyone – we’ll leave it for Nice/smart customers”

By: Elisa

Elisa — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:34:36 +0000

Even when rules where less strict than they are today, I have always tried to travel as light as possible. My main travels were Milan-London and return on holidays, about 10 days. And yes, I did travel on carry-on when going to London, so that I could be going fairly quickly through all the travelling, and then adopted two ways, as I used to buy lot of stuff while there: either I sent stuff back via mail (small packages, about 3 in 10 days) or I bought an inexpensive bag and checked it in on the return leg. BUT I didn’t put my purchases in the checked-in bag: I put my clothes and everything that wasn’t essential. In my carry-on I only carried documents, money and my purchases. So even if the bag got lost, the loss was minimal, if it was late I didn’t mind because I was home anyway, and waiting at the end of the holiday wasn’t as bad as waiting while going ON holiday.
I know this is no good if you’re travelling for business, it might be a hassle, but it’s still something………………..

By: Mike Burrows

Mike Burrows — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:29:29 +0000

Three suggestions:

DHL (My Favorite), FedEx, UPS.

Travel is gritty enough without becoming your own bearer. Sherpas are not readily availabe at most US airports. Move yourself. Let someone else move you baggage. Ship it to your hotel. At commercail hotels, it will be there awaiting your arrival. At 5 star hotels you clothes will be pressed and hanging when you arrive.

Airlines move people. Airfreighters move freight. Move quickly on airliners. Let your freight move the way it should, on freighters.

By: JESS Kalinowsky

JESS Kalinowsky — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:35:38 +0000

I have been in the travel industry a very long time. Before becoming a travel agent, I worked for Pan American World Airways, THE BEST! I learned as a Pan Am employee to never take more luggage than you could comfortably carry yourself. Take only absolutely essential items! Personal services like manicures, hairdressers, etc. are readily available almost everywhere in the world, and at very reasonable rates. If you need an article of clothing you did not pack, what a great excuse to go shopping! Zoom through airports and security. You can be at your hotel while other people are still waiting for their luggage at the airport! Carry on as lite as possible. No tips to baggage handlers. Save that money for shopping! or a great meal! If you buy something abroad that is too bid for the carry on, then pack and ship it yourself! A lot less hassle in customs with just carry on luggage.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:40:05 +0000

Being surprised by common courtesy….that’s kinda sad.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:52:26 +0000

I agree…we need more common sense and common courtesy. Things would be so much easier.

I was flying in coach the other night and as the flight attendant in my section came by to check seat belts for the final descent, I made a point of thanking her. She looked almost shocked.

By: Randy

Randy — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:24:22 +0000

Next you leave the liquids at home and if you have a vehicle at your destination try going to a store and get some of their travel toothpaste, shampoo, etc. They usually cost under a dollar and if your stay is long enough there won’t be a lot left over in case you don’t want to take them back with you.

By: Joe Buhler

Joe Buhler — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:43:31 +0000

Good tips but # 10 should be #1! If more people flying used common sense the absolute hassle flying has become would become at least slightly more pleasant and I assume flight attendants and airline staff in general would be less stressed and, who knows, become friendlier too! The stuff they experience and have to go through with some of today’s flying public on a regular basis would make even the most patient cranky or worse….