LUGGAGE AND PACKING

The majority of airlines will carry free, three (3) bags having linear dimensions no greater than 62 inches, 55 inches and 45 inches. The 45 inch bag (length + width + height) may be carried aboard the aircraft provided the height does not exceed 7 inches. No bag is to exceed 70 pounds in weight. Bags in excess of the above free pieces, weight and/or dimensions limitations are subject to extra charges.  IF IN DOUBT ON THE AMOUNT OF LUGGAGE YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH, CALL YOUR AIRLINE IN ADVANCE!

REMEMBER

1. Lock your baggage.
2. Don't place jewelry, money, medicine, one of a kind documents or fragile items such as cameras or radios in checked baggage.

International flights have different allowances for luggage. Check with the air carrier.

If you are using the cruise line's air/sea package, look for their uniformed representative at the airport baggage claim areas. With most cruise lines you claim your own luggage (so that you're sure it arrived). Then the line's representatives will assist you to waiting motor coaches for the transfer to the ships pier. (Additional details from the cruise line are included with your final documents. Read these carefully, especially if you're using the cruise line's hotel package before or after the cruise).

Your luggage will be delivered directly to your cabin, but don't expect it right away. It can sometimes take several hours to reach you, so carry with you anything you'll need immediately on arrival, e.g. a change of clothes or toiletries. If your luggage still hasn't shown up by 30 minutes before sailing, contact the Purser's Office.

If you're not using the cruise line's air package with transfers, when you arrive at the pier, check your luggage and it will be delivered right to your cabin. If you need a map of the pier because you are arriving independent of the cruise line transfer program, let your cruise advisor know and we will include it with your final documents.  

Most Airlines have a carry-on weight limit of 40 pounds and a checked baggage weight limit of 70 pounds. 
Some Airlines allow you a larger size and weight for your first bag, but have more restrictive limits for additional bags. 
Many Airlines’ limits vary if you are taking a domestic or international flight, are flying first, business or coach class or if you are a member of their premium membership clubs. 

All limits are much more strictly enforced then in the past. Bags are weighed at check-in and many Airlines have placed bag-sizers at their gates. If your carry-on bags are too big, you’ll have to check them and that might cause them to be classified as "extra bags" which usually carries an extra charge. If you bags are too heavy, you can be charged a rather high overweight luggage charge. 


How many pieces of luggage can I take with me? 

Just because you sneaked it on once, don’t always expect to get away with it. More rigorous enforcement of the rules and more and more bag-sizer stations will likely catch you now. This is especially true during the holidays and other peak flying times when the Airlines are watching closely since the planes are full and everyone is trying to sneak lots of stuff on the plane. 

During periods of high security, you may be required to check items you would normally be allowed to carry onboard the aircraft. 
Most Airlines allow for a combination of three bags to be divided among your carry-on and checked baggage. You’ll want to check with your specific Airline, since there are differences in their allowance programs. The Airlines also look at some items differently; some will count a laptop or briefcase against your allowance, while others will not.   You may be allowed to bring more luggage free of charge if you are traveling on a first or business class ticket or are a member of the Airline’s premium membership club.  

If you plan on bringing extra luggage, you had better check with the Airline to see if they will allow it on the plane. Even if you are willing to pay an extra fee, they can still refuse your extra luggage if the plane is already full. If you do receive permission to bring the extra luggage, have the person granting the permission note this on your reservation and be sure to get their name. 

If you are changing Airlines during your trip, you’ll need to take into account the luggage limits for all the Airlines you’ll use. What is acceptable to one Airline may bring an extra charge on another. 

Check the regulations when making connecting flights in European or other foreign countries. You may be held to more restrictive luggage limits while flying within the area than you did flying into the area. 
If you are flying on a commuter Airline for any leg of your trip, you’ll need to know their luggage limits. Many commuter Airlines have limited space and only allow carry-on baggage, they also have more restrictive weight limits. 


How can I avoid extra charges for my luggage? 

Know the luggage limits on all the Airlines you’ll use on your trip and try to stay within those limits. 

Don’t over pack, overweight bags have caused a great many injuries to baggage handlers. To try to discourage people, the Airlines often charge a hefty fee for handling an overweight bag. 

If you really need the items, then you should check into paying the extra bag fee. It is usually cheaper to divide your items into two bags and pay the extra bag fee than pay one overweight bag charge. You might also avoid the embarrassment of having your luggage explode because they are packed too full. 

How can I decrease the chance of losing my luggage? 

Get to the airport early so your bags will make it on your flight. 

Carry on as many bags as the Airline allows. 

Allow plenty of time between connecting flights so your luggage will be able to transfer on to your next flight. 

Never leave your luggage unattended; always keep an eye on them. 

Label your bags clearly with your name, address and telephone number. 

Keep the paperwork you are given by the Airline when you check your bags so that they will be easier to track if your bags go missing. 

If your fashion sense can handle it, mark your bags with bright colors by using colored tape. It will be easier to find and criminals know they are more likely to be noticed and remembered carrying out a unique bag. 

Remove any old flight information tags, they may route your luggage to your last destination. 

Make sure the new tags placed on your bags are from the correct Airline and they have the proper Airport's destination code on them. 

You should label both the outside and the inside of your bags, in case the outside tag gets pulled off. 

You should include the hotel information where you are staying with dates so the bags will have a better chance of finding their way to you. 

Pay attention to what type of luggage you are carrying so you’ll have a good description of them if they go missing. Medium size black nylon probably describes half the luggage on the plane. Identifying the brand name, size, color, material, and distinguishing marks will help the Airline to locate your luggage. 

If you are traveling with a friend, you might consider switching some of your items with each other. Putting a few outfits in their bag will give you something to fall back on incase your bags go missing. In exchange, you can offer to carry a few items for them in case their luggage goes missing. 

Avoid using an Airline that loses or damages lots of luggage. 



Where can I find information on how often an Airline loses or damages baggage? 

www.dot.gov/airconsumer/index1.htm 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report web page. This site contains information on flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales or overbooking of flights, consumer complaints, and disability complaints for the ten largest U.S. Airlines. Each of these sections provides valuable information to assist the traveler in evaluating which major Airline would provide them the best service. 



How can I protect my luggage once I’ve made it to my destination? 

Once you have arrived, find out where your luggage is being unloaded. It usually takes some time for the luggage to get there, but it might also take a while for you to get there. You don’t need to run, but it is better that you get there and wait for your bags then to have them waiting for you. Remember they come out on a conveyor belt and anyone can come up and get them. How is anyone else in the crowd supposed to know to stop someone because they took your bags? 

It may not just be criminals, but other passengers who mistake your medium sized black nylon bag for their medium sized black nylon bag and off they go. You want to be able to watch them drop and if they are not there, notify the Airline immediately. 

Since so many bags do look alike, make sure you check to make sure that the baggage you take is really yours. 

Check your bags and notify the Airline of any missing or damaged luggage before you leave the airport. This is where making a packing list will come in handy. 

As you leave the airport, watch your bags until you get to your hotel room. Taxicab waiting lines, rental car counters and hotel or rental car shuttle vans and even hotel lobbies are all good places to loose your bags. 

Don’t assume the drivers will unload all your bags, they may be hurrying right back to the airport. 

Don’t assume that if you just leave them in the hotel’s lobby that someone will bring them to your room. 

Rental car shuttle vans often have several drop off points and another customer might accidentally grab your bags and be out the gate before you even realize your bags are gone. 



What should I do if my luggage is lost or delayed? 

Make a claim before you leave the airport; some claims will only be honored if they are made before you leave airport property. 

Leave a good description of your luggage; it will help the Airline to locate your luggage. 

Leave complete contact information and itinerary for both your home and where you are currently staying. 

Notify those where you are staying of your situation to make them aware for phone calls or deliveries. 

Find out whom you should call and when they’ll be available for updates on your luggage. Some Airlines are beginning to offer an online tracking service that you can access if your bags are lost. 

Find out the Airline’s policy about missing luggage. The Airlines will have a policy in writing that they can provide to you. You want to know what will happen if you buy replacement items and your luggage is found the next day. 



How can I avoid damage to my luggage? 

Remove any shoulder straps; pull handles, or other loose elements that could get caught on a conveyor belt. 

Buy luggage with only retractable wheels. 

Consider using a shrink wrap service for your luggage if your airport has one. 

If your bags have locks, use them, but better yet avoid putting anything of real value in your checked bags. 

Avoid using an Airline that loses or damages lots of baggage. 



What will the Airline do if they have damaged or cannot find my luggage? 

It depends on the particular Airline, but almost all Airlines currently set their liability maximum at only $1250.00 USD per paid passenger fare on domestic flights. 

Particularly valuable items such as jewelry, cash or electronics and fragile or perishable items are usually not covered at all. 

You may also need to provide receipts for the items lost. 

The value of the items will also be depreciated so don’t expect to get replacement value. 

International flights base the value of your luggage on weight so make sure the weight of your luggage is noted at check-in. If your luggage is not weighted, they generally assume a weight of 70 pounds. 



How can I get a better reimbursement for lost luggage? 

Purchase travel insurance. 

Declare and pay for a higher valuation of your luggage. 

Check to see if you have any coverage under your homeowner’s policy. 

Check to see if any of your credit cards offer coverage for your luggage. 

Keep the receipts for items you brought with you. 

Keep the receipts for any replacement items you purchased while your luggage was missing. 

Make packing list and leave a copy in a safe place at home. This will not only help you to organize and remember all the essentials, while cutting down on the fluff, but it will also help you make out a claim form if your luggage goes missing. 

Make a claim before you leave the airport; they may not honor a claim made after you leave the airport property. 

Appeal to the Airline’s customer service department for help with the claim since this issue may effect your future use of the Airline’s services. 

What types of items are forbidden by security to be carried on the plane? 

Some things can only be checked while others can only be shipped via air cargo. Check with the Airline if you think you’re bringing something questionable, you’ll need to follow their guidelines. Some items may get you in serious trouble with airport security and under federal law, you must declare any hazardous materials you are carrying or shipping to the airline. Violations can carry a huge fines and prison time. 

You should bring that laptop on board as a carry-on, but make sure the batteries are good. You may have to demonstrate that electronic items such as laptops and video cameras are what they look like by showing that they work. Hence the need for good batteries. Any electronic devices that aren’t in working order will look suspicious to security. Security screenings are supposed to leave computers unharmed, but you might ask for a manual inspection. 

Remember that mace key chain that makes you feel so safe? Sorry, it’s not going anywhere. 

Neither is that really nice lighter with the lighter fluid reservoir. 

Knives or cutting instruments of any kind are not allowed in any carry-on baggage. Even corkscrews, nail files, cutters and razors have been confiscated by security so you should put these items in your checked luggage. 

Anything that could be used as a weapon or is an incendiary device won’t be allowed on the plane. 

Don’t travel with wrapped packages because they will probably be opened, wrap them after you arrive. 

Don’t tell little Johnny he can carry that souvenir pioneers’ musket on the plane because it is obviously a fake gun, he can’t. It also has to be checked, all the way back at the check-in counter. You know the one with the long lines. If you think he’ll cry too much when you take it away, imagine his face when it comes off the conveyor belt half destroyed because you didn’t pack it your checked bags like you should have. 

Any item from a list of hazardous materials published by the Airline. These lists can include many common household items that become hazardous when transported by air. 

What types of items are considered to be hazardous materials by the Airlines? 

Some items may be obvious, but you may also find some surprises. During flight, changes in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire so many common household items can become hazardous materials when transported by air. You should contact your Airline directly if you think you’re bringing something questionable for any additional limits that may apply. Under federal law, you must declare any hazardous materials you are carrying or shipping to the Airline.

Violations can carry a huge fines and prison time. This list is not all-inclusive and the Airlines are allowed to develop their own restrictions, which may be even more limiting than the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Flammable liquids such as fuel, paints, paint-thinners/cleaners, lighter fluid, butane fuel including curling iron refills and lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs. 

Flammable solids such as "strike-anywhere" matches, fireworks, signal flares, sparklers, ammunition, gunpowder and other explosives. 

Bleach, drain cleaners, solvents, corrosives and oxidizers. 

Pressurized containers such as spray cans (hair spray, deodorant or repellents).

Recreational items such as scuba tanks, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, self-inflating rafts and camping equipment with fuel. 

Dry ice, gas-powered tools, wet-cell batteries, oxygen tanks, radioactive materials, poisons and infectious substances. 

Any item that could be used as a weapon including but not limited to firearms, mace, tear gas, pepper spray, knifes, cutting instruments. 

Are there any exceptions that allow certain hazardous material to be transported on the aircraft? 

Yes. There are certain exceptions and guidelines for some personal care, medical needs, sporting equipment, and items to support physically challenged passengers so you should contact the Airline for their exact policies concerning these types of items and any extra fees that may apply. 

Certain unloaded real guns may be allowed in only checked baggage, if the guns are locked inside protective cases. You should contact the Airline for their guidelines on shipping a gun in your checked baggage. You should also check for laws about carrying your gun to the airport and into your destination. Boxed small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage, but you should check since allowable amounts may vary depending on the Airline. 

Some personal hygiene items such as perfume that contain hazardous materials may be allowed to be carried on board, but they are often limited to no more than 16 oz per container and no more than 70 ounces total. 

Dry Ice, usually 4 lbs. or less, for packing perishables may be carried on board an aircraft provided the package is vented. 

You may be allowed to bring a scuba tank that has been drained to a low amount of psi compression. 

Electric wheelchairs may be able to be accommodated on board, but the battery may need to be disconnected, removed, and the terminals insulated to prevent short circuits. 

Many Airlines provide supplemental (medical) oxygen with documentation of medical need and advance notice for in-flight use only, but most do not provide oxygen for use at ground locations. 

Why does everyone make such a big deal about me keeping an eye on my luggage? 

Many bags are similar and someone else could accidentally pick up your bag thinking it is their own. 

There are professional thieves working most airports and a turned head is all that is needed. 

Someone could use your bags to smuggle something illegal. 

Someone could place a terrorist device in your luggage. 

For everyone’s security, you’ll be asked if you packed you own bags or if you left those bags unattended at anytime. If you left your bags unattended and then try to put them on the plane, security will certainly take the time to search your bags. 

Security can, in the interest of safety, even refuse to allow your bags on the plane. 

Why do they bother to ask questions about your luggage, wouldn’t a terrorist just lie?

When you check-in, you are often asked questions such as: Did you pack your own luggage? Did you leave your luggage unattended at anytime? Has anyone asked you to carry items on this flight? Are you carrying any hazardous materials? They ask these questions to help keep everyone safe. Obviously, since anyone could just lie, the questions alone won't catch someone who has planned to bring something dangerous on the plane. The questions are meant to find dangerous items that have been placed with innocent travelers. If you (or someone close to you husband/wife) packed your bags, you have always had an eye on them and have not accepted any items from strangers to carry with you, then it's much less likely that your bags are carrying dangerous materials. 

Should I admit it if I only left my luggage unattended for a few seconds? 

Yes. It is important to think carefully about security’s questions and answer honestly. It could save your life and the lives of others. If you did leave your luggage unattended or even if you just looked away for a few seconds, then someone could have placed something dangerous to the safety of the plane inside your bags. If someone asked you to transport something on the plane, then that something could be dangerous or forbidden, such as a bomb, weapon or smuggler's contraband. For your own, as well as other's safety, you should never leave your luggage unattended or accept items from strangers. Honesty is important here. If you did happen to leave your luggage unattended, admitting that you did shouldn't mean that they wouldn’t check your luggage. They will just normally do a more extensive security check on your bags and since you'll be on the plane you’ll want to make sure they do. 

What should I consider when shopping for new luggage? 

If you’re looking to buy new luggage, you should consider luggage with these features: 

Retractable rollers, rollers will make it easier to make it through the airport. You’ll also want retractable rollers, so the rollers won’t be pulled off. 

Removable straps. Straps make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts and either break or damage your luggage. 

A lock, preferably one that doesn’t dangle off the luggage too much. 

Carry-on luggage in a size that will be allowed under the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits. 


What should I pack in my carry-on luggage? 

A passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes. 

Wallet 

Driver's License and/or other proper photo identification required for domestic travel.

Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance 

Credit cards 

Travelers checks 

Coupons 

Airline, Cruise or Train tickets 

Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying 

Travel brochures and maps 

Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities 

A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel. 



What is the best way to carry my medications? 

Carry them in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication. 

Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions. 

Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary. 

If you have any questionable drugs or particularly large supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs. 

If you are traveling outside the United States, check to see what you can take with you. Something legal here might be illegal elsewhere. It could get dumped, or you could get dumped in jail. 



How should I pack the liquids I bring with me? 

So your clothes aren’t covered in the liquids, use plastic bottles in your packing. Only fill the bottles to the three-quarter mark in case they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand. You also might want to pack them in plastic freezer bags just in case.


How can I avoid damaging my film? 

High-speed film is the most susceptible to damage, but all your film is at risk. 

Carrying your film in your checked bags used to be a safer bet, but with stronger bomb detection devices, your film is now more likely to get fried. 

Buy special carrying cases designed for protecting film. 

You can ask for a manual inspection in the United States and some foreign airports to avoid the x-rays if you place your film in your carry-on bag. 

The walkthrough and hand wand security devices shouldn’t effect your film. 

The safest bet for film is to buy it after you arrive and develop it before you go. This may not be the cheapest route, but it is the best guarantee to keep your memories safe. 



What should I do with my valuables? 

Leave them at home in a safe place if you can. 

If your luggage has locks, you should use them. 

Shrink wrapping your luggage will not only protect the outside of your bags, but also the contents inside. 

Do not carry valuables in your checked luggage, they will be safer in your carry-on bags. 

If you do place any valuables in your luggage, hide them in the lower sections of the bags so a quick look inside won’t reveal them. 



How can I keep my items neat in my luggage? 

Pack your liquid items in less than full plastic bottles, they might freeze and expand if you’re traveling by plane or putting them in a trunk and traveling through cold weather. Place the bottles in freezer bags with a seal to further protect your items. 

Bring along a plastic trash bag to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes. 

Pack your shoes in shoe bags or old socks to keep their dirty soles from touching your clean clothes. 

Pack carefully to avoid wrinkles. (Placing your hanging garments in dry cleaning bags before tucking them into your luggage also helps reduce wrinkles.)



How can I avoid wrinkles? 

Don't over pack your bags. 

Travel with clothing that is less likely to wrinkle. 

Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them at a fold line. This will help keep a crease from forming. 

Take the proper size luggage for your trip. Too big a bag will allow your items to move around and make damage and wrinkles more likely. 

Button the buttons on shirts so items will hang properly. 

Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Make sure the dry cleaner bags do not have any advertising printed on them. The ink can rub off and end up on your clothes. 

Unpack as soon as possible. 

Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles. 



How can I avoid losses on my trip? 

Don’t pack valuable, perishable, and fragile or items sensitive to the heat and cold in your checked baggage. Try to avoid these items altogether, but if you must take them, they will be safer in your carry-on bag. 

Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags. 

Learn your destination's airport code and make sure the correct one gets put on your bag. 

Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names, as it will make them more attractive to thieves. 

Avoid carrying your laptop in a bag that lets everyone know you are carrying expensive electronics. 

Use the locks on your luggage. 

Clearly label your luggage on both the inside and outside of your bags. 

Remove any items that are hanging off your luggage and could get caught on conveyor belts. 

Place a trip itinerary in your luggage so your bags can easily be returned to you. 

Place a unique bright marking on your luggage so you can easily identify it. This way others will recognize that their similar looking bag did not have the markings and leave yours alone. 

Switch some of your items with those of a traveling companion. That way if your bags go missing, you’ll still have some items with you. 

Cover your hands when you are entering ATM or phone card numbers so others can’t copy them down and use them. 

If an airline loses your items make a claim before you leave the airport; some Airlines will not honor claims made after you have left the airport. 

Carry a list of all your items in your carry-on and leave one at home, to help you make a complete claim form if your items go missing. Carry a copy of the final list in your carry-on bags, you’ll be able to use it to fill out claim forms with the airline if they lose your luggage. 

Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property. 



How can I pack light and still have everything I need? 

The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go. But, how can you cut down on your luggage burden? 

Call ahead to the hotel to see if they offer any laundry services. See if they include items in your room such as, robes and toiletries that will reduce your packing needs. 

Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you’ll be able to mix and match. 

Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature. 

Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing lots of coats. 

Take a solid color sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep you warm 

List all the items you are taking and check to see if you really need each item, in other words, is there something else you could take to kill two birds with one stone. 

Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles. 

Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage. 

Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home. 



Things to Carry on Your Person 

A passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes 

Wallet 

Driver’s License 

Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance 

Credit cards 

Travelers checks 

Coupons 

Airline, Cruise or Train tickets 

Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you’ll be staying 

Travel brochures and maps 

Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities 

A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel.