It's in the bag

As their policy wording stands at the moment, people flying British Airways Traveller (economy), may take a bag into the airplane cabin weighing up to 23kg, providing it meets the following size specifications: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm including handles, pockets and wheels. My Samsonite Cosmolite Spinner 55cm not only fits comfortably into this envelope but, here's what's important, it will also fit into the older planes with smaller overhead storage. The best news, for me, anyway, is that it weighs just 1.8kg, which leaves 21kg for my stash.

While the airline allows a second personal or laptop bag of 45cm x 36cm x 20cm it doesn't stipulate the weight, just the volume. I recommend you get one of Re-Sails Backpacks that weigh almost nothing and can roll-up into your pocket. While it is 36cm x 46cm if you don't overstuff it I bet you will easily get away with it. I love it because it has a huge zippered pocket where I can keep all my travel docs and things I want easily handy while in flight. A drawback of the clamshell cases like the Cosmolite is that you need to open the entire case to find something - you can't easily reach in and feel about. The Re-Sail's Backpack main storage is in a large drawstring pocket, the strings of which form the shoulder carry tapes. While this is a great example of minimalist design, depending how taut you make the tapes changes the way it sits in your back so you might need to readjust often.

Because it is made from recycled canvas and nylon it can be tightly rolled up when not used as a convenient daypack while out and about, and, if it gets grimy, it spruces up nicely in the washing machine.

A hands-on trip

In June this year, I'm planning a three-week trip abroad with just hand luggage. Knowing myself as the compulsive shopper as I do, I will also stash a lightweight rolled up Re-Sails barrel duffel bag which, if I can't push and shove new purchases into my Cosmolite, I can check a bag (again, up to 23kg) into the luggage hold for the return trip. Travelling with two bags on wheels is too cumbersome especially if you take public transport and walk rather than taxi to save money, so I recommend one on your back and one in a hand leaving a hand free.

I find that rolling rather than folding clothing produces the least creases but I asked Rakesh Raicar, Country Manager, Cathay Pacific, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands for some of his top packing tips:
1. Choose your carry-on bag carefully, remembering that its weight is included in your allowance - so choose a lightweight, soft bag. Framed bags tend to be heavier than those without.
2. Make sure the bag is within the size limit of 7kg for Cathay Pacific, and that it's soft enough to squeeze into the overhead locker, or under the seat.
3. Choose your items to pack in your hand luggage wisely - if you don't need to use an item on the plane or at the airport prior to departure or immediately after landing, pack it in your suitcase.
4. Downsize everything. If you are only packing one bag for your trip, and you're taking it on as hand luggage, leave the big shampoo bottle at home and place all toiletries in containers of less than 100ml. Keep in mind that most hotels provide complimentary toiletries, so you could use those when you get to your destination. Similarly, you can also leave your hair dryer and bath gown at home.
5. Don't overfill your bag, and be careful not to pack too many items that will increase the bag's dimensions. Pack the large items first, and then squeeze the smaller items between the spaces left behind by the larger items.
6. If you are taking a jacket in case it's cold at your final destination, don't pack it in your carry-on bag. Rather carry it loose and use it as an extra pillow or blanket on the plane.
[Editor: Also beware of placing any liquids or items such as nail manicure sets, which might include sharp items such as nail scissors in your hand luggage - you could end up having them confiscated. If it looks, however remotely, that an item could be viewed as a weapon, put it in your stowed luggage.]

Some great tips:

1. Be innovative. Use sarongs or beach towels to create layers and to section your suitcase so that you can easily find something in a hurry.
2. Place shoes in plastic bags or shoe bags so they don't dirty clean clothes. You can push smaller items such as socks or underwear into your shoes to save space.
Wrap electrical items in non-crease items to protect them in transit.
3. Usually rolling works well for trousers, skirts, shorts and jerseys while items like shirts are better folded.
4. Use a packing kit. Fold your clothes around the packing frame to stop creases.
5. Socks and underwear are good for filling any gaps in the case.
6. Shirts and blouses will wrinkle less if you insert a sheet of tissue paper between the individual layers of clothing.
7. 'Interweave' tailored items like skirts, pants, coats and jackets to prevent creases - drape them with the ends hanging over the sides. Then put the rest of the clothes/soft items (T-shirts, jerseys, etc) on top. Finally, fold over the trousers and hems hanging out over the side of the case and smooth them out
8. Leather belts are less likely to be damaged if you lay them out along the inside walls of the case.
9. Keep ties smooth by rolling them up.
10. Place toiletries that can leak or goods that need to stay dry (hairdryers, electric shavers, books) in plastic bags or vanity cases.

My top packing tip is to take along a multi-plug South African adaptor with a destination plug adaptor.
Bon Voyage.

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