Summer 2024 is now in full swing, millions of Italians are travelling to the various longed-for holiday destinations, not without inconveniences, as we continue to see, especially for those who travel with planes and trains. Perhaps, however, with the following advice, we can help avoid (or at least reduce) one of the many inconveniences that can occur at the airport, perhaps after long waits before departure: having to Check in your hand luggagewhich, it must be said, must be taken into account when flying with a low-cost airline.
“Indigestible” separation
Let’s start from the “end”: you are at the airport and, after spending a few hours reading a book or doing a bit of shopping in the airport shops, it’s time to get in line at the gate to board with your hand luggage, where you have stored everything you need for a comfortable flight. When you are just about to board, the terrible news: the hand luggage It will be sent to the holddue to lack of available space in the cabin.
Those who have already been there know what it feels like: a mixture of “disappointment” and disappointment, with thoughts that we prefer not to put into words, especially the idea of how much longer it will take to collect once we reach our destination, or how our luggage will get to our destination. Can all this be prevented? There is no mathematical certainty, but we can try, using some precautions. Let’s see which ones.
Get informed promptly
First of all, a few days before departure, it is good find out about measurements and weight allowed by the airline you will be flying with. Each airline establishes precise limits on size, total weight and number of hand luggage allowed, per passenger or per booking. Start from this information to organize everything. Then measure the suitcase you intend to use as hand luggage and, once full, also test it with the scales. If you do not have any suitcase or bag that falls within the established limits, it is better to buy a new one. You will have a much better chance of exceeding the infamous “luggage cutter” testthe container where suitcases are placed to check their compliance with the measurements established by the operator, often present as a “totem” even on the last stretch before boarding.
There are airlines that only allow priority boarding passengers to carry both bags in the cabin. Others must check them in at the aircraft entrance, without any additional costs. It could be useful, in this regard, also find out about any agreements. By taking advantage of promotions or using partner companies (such as those that deal with parking, car rentals or hotels) you may be able to obtain an upgrade such as priority boarding, which entitles you to a second carry-on bag.
Organize your space in the best way
Making the most of your space, organizing what you intend to bring with you, is essential. As a starting point, consider that 50% of what you are packing in your suitcase it’s superfluous. That said, if you really think that everything is indispensable, manage your pockets as best you can, perhaps equipping yourself with a set of packing cube (soft cube-shaped cases that help organize clothes, eliminating wasted space); shoes can be an excellent “storage room” for socks, underwear and delicate or smaller items; wear bulkier clothes and shoes: in the summer it’s torture, but if you want to avoid separating from your hand luggage it’s worth a try, right?
Dress in layers
As we said, there is only one carry-on bag (usually exceptions are made for laptops and their cases, but don’t assume that they will let you take both on board), and it must comply with very specific rules of size and weight, otherwise it must be stowed away, hoping that it arrives at its destination in good condition. The advice, therefore, is to avoid placing in your hand luggage clothes that may instead be worn one over the other upon boarding. A tough challenge, especially in the summer and hotter months, but it’s a matter of choices.
Also try to lighten your hand luggage as much as possible when boarding by removing all heavy objects and putting them away in the pockets of trousers or jackets. You may risk the “Totò and Peppino” effect of a famous film, but if you can, you could avoid the hold. Instead, put your backpack and purse in the trolley, because they risk being considered as additional baggage and not going up with you in the cabin.
Prefer a soft suitcase
In front of equal sizeit is more likely that they will be sent to the hold hard suitcases. Using a duffel bag instead of a wheeled suitcase can increase your chances of taking your carry-on with you. This is because soft bags can be more easily “compressed” to fit under the seat in front of you or into spaces created at the last minute by flight attendants in the overhead lockers. The chances increase if the bag is equipped with shoulder strapswhich allow you to wear it at the gate like a backpack. Furthermore, using soft suitcases maximizes capacity, since the space normally occupied by the recess of the handle and wheels is entirely available (in these cases, every millimeter counts).
A “precious” ally: the Duty Free bag
There are now many airports that allow you to bring a pet on any departing flight, regardless of airline policies. Duty Free bag. Use it to reduce the weight and volume of your main carry-on baggage, perhaps by packing a particularly bulky jacket, or one of those bulky items (such as a charger) that could make your carry-on baggage appear “oversized”. In any case, to find out more, it is best to consult the airport website.
First in line
Several low-cost airlines allow you to take larger hand luggage (those that cannot fit under the seat in front) on board as long as there is space. space in the overhead lockers. When this space runs out, the bulkiest suitcases are sent to the hold and there is little you can do. If you think your suitcase is close to the limit size, try to be among the first in line: this way, after priority passengers have boarded, you will have a good chance that your carry-on baggage will remain with you in the cabin.
If you are among the last to board and there is no more space in the overhead lockers, all these precautions may, however, be useless, and you will inevitably be forced to part with your bag.
Please note that calm, kindness (accessories that we should always carry with us anyway), in addition to a collaborative approach with the boarding staff could have some effect, avoiding the “painful” separation from your hand luggage.