Yes, I know there have been many articles written about how to reduce the weight in your baggage. As airlines strive to reduce their fares, they have created a labyrinth of rules regarding baggage. For the most part, this is not a problem unless you are cruising for multiple weeks or, even worse, on a cruise line that has frequent formal nights. And, don’t forget the need to save some space for souvenirs you might collect along the way. Here are some suggestions for planning with baggage weight in mind.

Don’t forget the weight of the bag

Most airlines, as well as most cruise lines, limit the weight of a single bag to 50 pounds for economy class. While the cruise lines may be more lenient on this weight, the airlines are very strict. Many airlines also have weight restrictions on carry-on bags and, as we have discovered, these are enforced sporadically. Choosing the wrong luggage can add a lot of weight. A 29 inch bag can weigh as little as 8 pounds or as much as 17 pounds. I suggest that you weigh your bag empty, so you know if it is a big contributor to your weight limit. The same applies to your carry-on baggage. Selecting the right bag will allow you to pack significantly more clothing.

Remember that you are allowed a “personal” item, which is not usually subjected to the weight limit.  This could be a purse, computer bag, small backpack, or similar item that will generally fit under the seat.  Use this bag for heavy items to avoid weight penalties.  Likewise, anything you are wearing is exempt from the weight limit.  I have seen many “travel” jackets with multiple pockets for carrying items.

Consider the weight of your clothing

Likewise, consider the weight of your clothing. How many pairs of shoes do you need and are you selecting shoes that are lightweight? Here are some tips:

  • Limit number of shoes that you take. Shoes tend to be heavy.
  • Consider the weight of each pair of shoes. Shoes vary greatly in weight. If you can, wear your heaviest pair for traveling.
  • Take an ultra lightweight packable coat. Not only is this light, but it compresses into a small space and it will keep you warm in almost any environment. Coves in general tend to weigh a lot.
  • As you select your clothes to pack, pay attention to their weight. A pair of jeans will probably weigh more than lightweight khaki pants. Likewise, as I have found out with my wife’s closthes, many garments are heavier than they look.

Electronics are heavy – consider packing them in carry-on

As you will notice been reading through my posts, I carry a lot of electronic devices with me. This includes my phones, computers, photographic equipment, and incidentals such as electric toothbrush, shaver, portable fan, and the like. In addition, many of these items require chargers. What I am getting tight on space, I have found that packing my electronic gear in my carry-on allows me to take more with me. Most of the time the carry-on bags are not weighed. On the downside, you must carry that extra weight with you. This now becomes a trade-off between gate extra checked bag space in what you’re able to manage his carry-on’s.  Even better, pack them in your “personal” item.

Remember that liquids are heavy

Pay attention to the liquids you’re taking with you. Do you really need the huge bottle of shampoo or conditioner? Can you get by with a smaller tube of toothpaste or bottle of mouthwash? What other liquid items are you carrying and can they be moved to smaller containers? And, of course, don’t forget any alcohol you are taking. Those bottles of wine weight a lot and must be put in your checked bags. If you need 3 ounces or less of a liquid, consider putting it into the smaller container and take in your carry-on bag.

Get creative

Your checked bag will be the item most frequently inspected.  Get yourself luggage scale and weigh your bag for yourself.

Read your carrier’s luggage policy regarding carry-on bags.  Even though airlines do not generally weigh these bags, knowing the policy will help when they do.  Have a plan for shifting weight to your personal item or pockets.  Be aware that they may insist on checking the bag – know what items must be removed, such as medication, computers, phones, fragile items, etc.

Take a large “personal” item that can be used in an emergency.  I always pack a large cloth bag that can be used as a personal item.  If required, I can take it out and stuff it with heavy items to reduce my weight.

Final resort – pay for second bag

Much as I hate to do it, sometimes paying for second checked bag is worth the effort. Keep in mind that your space be limited in your cruise cabin, so that extra bag may be a nuisance. I fly on airlines that allow me my first break free on domestic flights and most airlines allow one free bag on international flights. The cost of the second bag can be minimal as opposed to the hassle of managing heavy bags throughout your travels.

I have been caught several times when checking in with overweight bags. In most cases the airline agents are flexible since I’m generally only over by a pound or two, but I have found some very picky agents. Sometimes it’s just a matter of moving items for one suitcase to another to even them out. Other times I need to move items to my carry-on bags. It is almost discretion of the agent. I have never had a problem with the cruise lines.

Please let me know your experiences with overweight bags and any  tips you might want to share on how you handled the situation.