Usually I bring a wheeled carry on bag for a change of clothes and toiletry essentials just in case the luggage gets lost. Will I still need to do this if I'm flying in and out direct?

I'm thinking that by eliminating the carry on I then can add a checkable rolled duffle bag for all the extras I will be bringing home.

Colleen

I'm struggling with the same thing. I have my "big" bag, and a new wheeled carry-on. But I realized that when I get to London and fly BA to Pisa, I will not be able to carry-on the carry-on, as it will weigh more than 16 lbs. My carry-on hooks on to my big bag, so I will only need one arm (as my"Schleppopotomus" husband will not be there to help me). Of course bring a packed duffle for all the food, etc. You can check your carry-on on the way back!

quote:

Will I still need to do this if I'm flying in and out direct?

Even if you are on a non-stop flight, are you positive that your luggage will get from the ticket counter to the correct flight? If you are, then you probably don't need the carry on. Me....I am still going to pack medicine, toiletries and a change of clothes in my carryon--just in case.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Zurer: Me....I am still going to pack medicine, toiletries and a change of clothes in my carryon--just in case.

Me too!

After my son, Giancarlo and his father had their luggage arrive in Modena 4 days after they did, and after having read all the Italy trip reports - I will put what I can't replace easily in something I can carry on. I recounted each tale of lost luggage to my sister Sherry as I read them, until she made me stop after about the 20th one. (She loves hearing about all your trips.) I couldn't believe how many travellers arrived without their suitcases. If I had only noted down the exact numbers! Maybe we could do a poll? Who has had a lost luggage experience in their immediate family?

I am an anti-carry on person...or maybe it is that I am an anti-hassle traveler. I have a big purse that will hold an extra toothbrush and other essentials. It stows under the seat where I can easily get to my book, or ball of yarn and crochet hook.
I did say a bigpurse.
It also comes in handy for umbrella, sunglasses, and camera when on the go.

And I'm just the opposite. I check nothing. If I can't carry it on, it stays home. I'm convinced that nothing will arrive with me.

Callie

Yes, I think you are right. Better safe than sorry. It sounded like a good idea at the time.
Colleen

I am a firm believer in Murphy's Law, therefore I always pack the minimum that I would require to survive without my check-in luggage. So far, I have never had my checked luggage go astray, but I am convinced that the first time I don't take a carry-on, my luggage will not arrive with me. My aim is to take my next trip with just a carry on. I almost did it the last time, but repacked at the last minute, not because I needed the space for going, but I knew I would need it for my return trip. It's all those great books that I can't resist!

I usually pack a few of my items in my husband's suitcase, and he does the same in mine, just in case only one of our bags arrives with us.

You need your carry-on, until the airline tells you that you must check it! I had the misfortune of having that happen on an Easyjet flight from Pisa to Paris last April. Although the bag measured a little less than their requirements and it weighed just under their weight restrictions, it didn't fit thru' the little wire thingie that they make you put it in at the check-in counter.

There were a lot of us who found ourselves suddenly carry-on-less that night...not a happy bunch of campers, I tell ya!

The coup de grace came when I picked up my checked carry-on in Paris after we landed, only to find that it had been broken into and I'd been robbed of some very precious jewellry that I'd not had time to get out of the bag before they made me check it in with them at the counter.

I now pack my carry-on with a small cosmetic bag filled with my meds, any jewellry and other valuables, and pack it last. That way, if I'm ever confronted with this situation again, I'll simply remove the little bag and hand over my carry-on.

Westjet Favorites:
As a Westjet flight landed and was coming to a stop at the Vancouver Airport, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
Brenda

After having my checked bag once lost for 2 weeks and another time lost (or more likely stolen) forever, I now carry on the heavier of my 2 bags (which includes 1 to 2 changes of clothing) and anything that is expensive/hard to replace on the way over and I carry on the expensive items and at least one change of clothing on the way back. I carry the expensive things on with me after I found out that you only get something like $650.00 (forget the exact amount) to replace your missing luggage/contents for international travel. Also, some airlines give you basically a toothbrush and razor and that is it if your bag is lost so just in case I am stuck in transit on the way back, I would like to have a change of clothing. My bag is HEAVY but within the size limits and weight on Continental for the carry on. After my 2 luggage fiascos, I go with the policy that once I check it, I may never see it again and then have a little celebration each time it shows up on that luggage carousel.

Yep, you do. Loie and I can echo the late baggage story several times over. Here's our system.
Shoulder bag: wallet, cards, cash, ID; tickets, passport; itinerary, rental info, contact numbers. These never leave our shoulders. (We have what we call our "urban explorers" for shoulder bags. Ours are Eagle Creek products. I've decided mine's a tad small. It only carries one guide book. The new "messenger bag" styles are not good: the flap is inconvenient. You want a top-opening zipper bag with several separate zippered compartments. That way, you zip open your wallet compartment to get your wallet, or your book compartment to get out your guide book, and nothing else is exposed or being pulled out by mistake to fall on the ground, etc.)
Carryon pilot bag: hygeniene aids, cosmetics; two or three days worth of underwear and socks; guide books; one or two shirts/blouses; extra pair shoes; camera, binoculars. Jewelry for Loie. (NEVER take real jewelry traveling.)
Checked pilot bags: Hah! Don't ask. We take a LOT of luggage. We like to be able to dress for all kinds of occasions, but that's another thread.