Travelling with a Duffel Bag: What You Need to Know
Ever thought about using a duffel bag as your luggage for a flight? It can sound a bit confusing. Is it allowed? Will it fit? How do you even measure it to ensure it fits? In today’s post, we’re diving into how you can use a duffel bag for your next flight. We’ll cover packing tips, measuring, the pros and cons of duffel bags, suitcases, and backpacks, and give you the lowdown on airline size and weight requirements. Ready to get started? Let’s do this!
Can You Use a Duffel Bag as Carry-On Luggage?
Absolutely! Whether you’re considering a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or even a shopping bag, airlines don’t really care what kind of bag you’re using. What matters is that it meets their size and weight restrictions. Especially for carry-ons, your bag needs to fit in the overhead compartments.
So, what are the size and weight restrictions? While it varies by airline, carry-ons generally need to be under 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Weight limits can range from no restriction to between 15 and 25 pounds, with 22 pounds being the most common. Checked luggage is typically 62 total linear inches and 50 pounds. Exceeding these limits can lead to additional fees.
Pros and Cons: Duffel Bags, Suitcases, and Backpacks
Choosing the right bag for your trip is crucial, and it often comes down to personal preference. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each type:
Duffel Bags
Pros: Duffels are easy to pack, lightweight, and generally more affordable than suitcases and backpacks. They’re also flexible, so being slightly over the size limit is usually okay.
Cons: They can only be carried by the handle or shoulder strap, which isn’t ideal for long hauls. Packing and organizing features are limited, and the soft fabric offers little protection to your belongings.
Suitcases
Pros: Thanks to wheels, suitcases are easy to move. They offer great packing and organizing features and provide good protection to contents, especially hard-shell versions.
Cons: Suitcases are priciest, heavier, and awkward to lift into overhead bins. Going an inch over the size limit can result in fees.
Backpacks
Pros: Backpacks are easy to move around. They offer decent organization, and a flexible outer shell means slightly oversized ones can fit in overhead bins.
Cons: Overpacked backpacks can cause shoulder pain, and they offer minimal protection. They’re cheaper than suitcases but pricier than duffels.
How to Measure and Pack Your Duffel Bag
If you’re sold on a duffel bag, here’s how to make sure it fits:
Step 1: Pack your duffel full before measuring. The size can change based on how full it is.
Step 2: Wrap a measuring tape around the narrowest part to measure the diameter.
Step 3: Divide that number by two to get the sum of width plus depth. It should be below 23 inches.
Step 4: Measure the longest side for height, which should be below 22 inches.
Packing the Duffel Bag
Remember, duffels are flexible, so if it’s slightly over the limit, you can still use it, but won’t be able to pack it to the brim. Avoid banned items like explosives, firearms, and sharp objects. Liquids must be in containers under 3.4 ounces and fit in a quart-sized bag. If you’re also checking luggage, keep valuables and essentials in your carry-on, as checked bags can get lost.
When packing, keep items you’ll need to remove for security on top. Avoid placing fragile items near the sides since the bag might need squeezing into the overhead bin. Using packing cubes can help keep clothes wrinkle-free.
Recommended Duffel Bags for Travel
Looking for a new duffel? Here are some top picks:
1. Gonex Canvas Travel Duffel: Slightly over the width limit but flexible enough for carry-on. It has ample storage with various pockets and comes with a shoulder strap.
2. Dimayer Packable Travel Duffel: A budget-friendly option for occasional travel. It includes a shoulder strap, though it’s not built for frequent use.
3. Travelpro Max 5: A hybrid duffel with wheels, making it durable and slightly pricier. It’s a favorite among frequent flyers but is a tad too large for most airlines when fully packed.
4. Gonex 40i Heavy Duty Duffel Backpack: A hybrid between a backpack and a duffel, it offers versatility with shoulder straps for backpack use. It’s a cost-effective alternative to more expensive brands.
Understanding Your Travel Style and Needs
Before deciding on the type of luggage to take, consider your travel style and needs. Are you a minimalist traveller who prefers to pack light, or do you like to have options and pack everything you might need? Those who prefer the former find a duffel bag more suitable, while the latter lean towards a larger suitcase.
Also, think about the nature of your trip. If you’re going on an adventure trip where you’ll be moving from one place to another frequently, a duffel bag or a backpack might be more convenient due to their portability. On the other hand, if you’re attending a business conference or a formal event, a suitcase might be more appropriate for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free and professional-looking.
Staying Within Airline Regulations
Airline regulations can sometimes change, especially as airlines adjust policies to accommodate more passengers or streamline boarding processes. It’s always a good idea to check the specific airline’s website for the most up-to-date information on baggage allowances. Some airlines, especially budget carriers, have stricter rules regarding carry-on sizes and might charge for anything that doesn’t fit their criteria, regardless of whether it fits in the overhead bin.
Additionally, consider the total weight of your packed bag, especially if you’re flying with an airline that has weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. Overweight carry-ons might incur additional fees or require you to check the bag, which could be inconvenient and costly. To avoid surprises, weigh your packed duffel at home using a luggage scale.
Travelling Safely and Securely
Security is another important aspect to consider when travelling with a duffel bag. Unlike a suitcase, which often has built-in locks, duffel bags may not offer the same level of security. Consider using a travel lock to secure the zippers together, deterring potential theft. Although TSA-approved locks are recommended for checked luggage, they can also be used on carry-ons for added peace of mind.
It’s also wise to keep personal and valuable items close to you, especially if your duffel contains important documents, gadgets, or souvenirs. Consider using a small, separate pouch or organizer to store essential items like passports, boarding passes, and wallets, making them easily accessible yet secure.
Tips for Efficient Packing
Efficient packing can make a world of difference, especially when space is limited. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes to separate different types of clothing or categorise items, making it easier to find what you need without having to unpack everything.
If you’re traveling for an extended period, consider doing laundry on the road instead of packing a separate outfit for each day. This approach not only saves space but also makes your luggage lighter and easier to manage. Plan your outfits in advance, focusing on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different looks.
So, there you have it! Whether you’re flying with a duffel, suitcase, or backpack, understanding the pros and cons and knowing how to pack can make your travel experience smoother. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments. Safe travels!