Hand luggage only - experiences?

sweaty_betty

Hi there - I'm going away for a week and planning on going hand- luggage only.

I have a big jacket with lots of pockets that I'm planning on wearing - this will have the heavier stuff like electronics, chargers etc and also my toiletries (in a see-through bag ready for going through security). It's not going to be light, but I think I'll be able to manage

Has anyone been stopped wearing such a jacket or had any problems? I'm keen to save the checked-in baggage costs as far as I can, but I'd prefer not to have to have any hassle when I get to the airport...

Blue264

Even with Ryanair, you're allowed a handbag too, so I'd put your electricals in that or just in your hand luggage. Remember it's the suitcase that could be weighed, not your handbag

I've done a week in Greece, a week in Portugal and 4days in Hong Kong with just hand luggage plus dozens of business trips of 2 or 3 days. It gets easier each time you do it, and it's well worth the effort just being able to sail past the queues when you arrive at the airport.

I wear clothes (no jacket for ease) that have no metal on them. Yoga pants and a T shirt with a zipped hoodie usually. I've even started only wearing a sports bra when I travel after being delayed for a flight because the underwire in my bra set the metal detectors off.

Just make a list of your absolute essentials and stick rigidly to it. I have a list off essentials that has come from years of 'things I forgot and really needed' on a trip. Like the trip where I forgot my toothbrush, or the one where I left all my socks and knickers at home

Chargers go in my toiletries bag in my little suitcase. Camera, phone, and mini laptop in my handbag with my travel documents, shades, purse, keys, liquids bag and ibuprofen Even had 3 vodka minitures in my liquids bag for the long haul flight.

Oh...and always wear your heaviest shoes/trainers/boots for the flight and consider layering your clothes to leave more space in the case. My dream is to take a handbag and an empty suitcase and fill it with new clothes when I'm away.

suziemoon

We fly hand luggage only with Ryan Air all the time, on every flight, even in August I'm always seen wearing my North Face winter jacket with the pockets stuffed to burst. I've never been stopped or questioned (maybe they dread the sweat!!!) Go for it and have a great time. X

PeteDoff

You won't use most of it anyway if you're going somewhere hot.
(If not hot - why not?)

sweaty_betty

Thanks all

I'm certainly doing my best to keep it to a minimum, but have to include a decent outfit as I'm going to a wedding while I'm there.

It's a charter flight with monarch so hand luggage allowance is only 5kg:eek: - I just about make that (bag weighs 5.1kg), hence the big coat...

I'm also collecting an online boots order from the airside shop with some toiletries etc in and am told that bags post-checkin/duty free etc don't count towards the 5kg - let's hope so!

Blue264

sweaty_betty wrote: »

It's a charter flight with monarch so hand luggage allowance is only 5kg:eek: - I just about make that (bag weighs 5.1kg), hence the big coat...

According to their website, it's 10k. Are you flying from Luton?

http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/baggage/hold-checked-in-baggage-charges-scheduled#hand%20baggage

Hope you have a lovely time :beer:

rustyboy21

Have a great Holiday and good luck, You will have a very apt screen name though when you land at your destination ! lol

sweaty_betty

Blue264 wrote: »

According to their website, it's 10k. Are you flying from Luton?

http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/baggage/hold-checked-in-baggage-charges-scheduled#hand%20baggage

Hope you have a lovely time :beer:

Thank you!

Unfortunately monarch have a two- tier system - scheduled flights have 10kg, chartered have 5kg - typically I'm flying on a charter flight... It's not easy to find out about this, I'm really glad I checked

http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/baggage/hold-checked-in-baggage-charges-charter

Blue264

sweaty_betty wrote: »

Thank you!

Unfortunately monarch have a two- tier system - scheduled flights have 10kg, chartered have 5kg - typically I'm flying on a charter flight... It's not easy to find out about this, I'm really glad I checked

http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/baggage/hold-checked-in-baggage-charges-charter

Damn! That's mean!
I wonder if you can wear 14 pairs of knickers and still fit in your seat? Hmmm....

ManAtHome

sweaty_betty wrote: »

Unfortunately monarch have a two- tier system - scheduled flights have 10kg, chartered have 5kg

Hopefully that will stick in the brain - have travelled a lot with Monarch on scheduled, will try keep them in the Thomas Cook Hall of Shame for charters...

The only ooohs and aaars I've ever had with any luggage has been Jet2 - 0.6kg over on 2 hold bags (22kg each booked, total 44.6kg) - sucking of teeth, long discussion, we'll let you off this time, don't do it again... prats (even the dreaded Ryanair have said meh/puh for that level of overweight). I did offer to transfer my sandals from case to pocket if this would let them off the hook for overloading the aircraft (fairly early in the teeth-sucking), but had the impression this was a bit of a whoosh/over the 'ead.

PeacefulWaters

Blue264 wrote: »

I've even started only wearing a sports bra when I travel

While not wishing to discourage such an approach I'd suggest a pair of jeans might be an idea too.