Some of the best personal item bags I’ve ever had were actually made as diaper bags. They can be found cheaply in abundance at most thrift stores and plenty of room and organizational pockets. Most can also be used as a handbag, over the shoulder, and a backpack. Much cheaper than conventional “travel” bags and usually more useful!
I don’t use the seat-back pockets; people put all sorts of trash in there. I wipe down the top, sides, bottom, support arms of the tray table, and I hang my lightweight small crossbody bag on the support arms. When the tray table is closed, all my flight essentials and valuables are in front of me. When I go to the lavatory, the bag goes with me. 😁
I’m taking a big gallon ziploc bag to put in that seatback pocket. It’ll protect my things and as long as I remember to grab it, I won’t lose anything in the pocket!
I flew recently and they made an announcement before takeoff that they observe “quiet cabin” and reminded everyone to use headphones with their devices. I was so happy to hear that!
I don’t fly very often. I have a lot of anxiety around flying, so if I can drive, I will. However, I pack my “personal bag “ for spending 1 night at a hotel or a friend’s house on the way in my travels. It’s just so much more convenient to only have to grab one small backpack than getting out the whole suitcase. I can have multiple packing cubes ready to swap out, with each cube holding a full set of clothes for one day, if I will have multiple overnight stops. I really love so many of these ideas!
The suggestion to put your in flight bag in a grocery bag was me. 🥰🥰 I’m so glad you found it useful! Great tips! I completely agree about bringing a few extra clothes too because I have had mine lost a few times and had to learn that the hard way.
I just did 12 days in Europe with a 22x9x8 carry on and a 12x9 personal bag , everyone else on the tour looked like pack mules . I kept the personal bag in the hotels as so many places make you check a bag now , I used a neck wallet most of the time with my I’d passport , some euros and even a lip stick inside . Felt free and easy . I left behind my liquids bag in a checkin at Rome airport but it was nearly empty , my make up bag had only 5items in it , I did compression cubes and did the 5 4321 rule . I never felt I was missing a thing
For my recent coast to coast trip, since ice and gel packs are a pain to get through TSA, I froze my bagel and my chocolate and used them to keep my cheese and sliced turkey cold. They stayed frozen long enough to keep the perishables cool enough.
I believe that your Clorox wipes do not contain chlorox or bleach they are other chemicals and if you look on the outside of the bag of the Clorox wipes you will see the ingredients but they are not truly Clorox as we know as we refer to that as bleach from the olden days. I just wanted to add that notation to the other viewers that might be watching and that your Clorox wipes do not contain florox that's only the brand in this incident
Thank you- I always pack snacks. Recently, I had to change flights, due to weather cancelation, to a 10 hr one. Having food allergies, they had nothing on the plane I could eat. Thank goodness for the snacks I brought!
SAME!!! I'm gluten-free due to arthritis. TSA hassles makes me buy small prepackaged nuts, etc., but that way I know I've got what I need. And prefer 😅.
Yes for my family of 3, packing nightclothes & a change of clothes has been a lifesaver for trips to Germany & Switzerland this past year - with AirTags to track our missing checked luggage
GREAT tip!! My nose runs like a faucet on a plane. I go through soooo many tissues. I hate just shoving snotty tissues in my pockets. The poo bag would be perfect. I could keep that in the seat back pocket and put it in my pocket to toss as I leave the plane.
I'm in New Zealand, and just heard that our international airports have got new scanners, so we don't need to take out liquids and laptops anymore. Yay!
Hi @SpatchG… thx heaps for sharing! Do you (or anyone!) know if that’s the case in Australia? I get SO nervous/anxious at (& all the days leading up to!) the TSA screen! Also, thx so much Gen for your awesome channel/content… I’ve learned some great tips etc from you ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
@@kazs1408Tends to change each time I go through security. Last time, last year, I had to display liquids and tech. Need to follow directions of the security people. 🇦🇺
I would pack in my personal bag a bathing suit cover up. I have on the past gotten to my resort early and O am told to enjoy myself to pool or beach. I want a cover up to walk around. Cover up is used for so many uses. Cover up, shawl if air conditioner is cold and of course a robe.
I have personally had THREE suitcases lost since 2022, one was traveling to Copenhagen Denmark for our son's wedding. The luggage didn't get delivered for 4 days. The last was again traveling back from Denmark and we got it back three days later (Different airlines each time). I have learned to ALWAYS travel with a change of clothes.
In Australia and many parts of Asia, 7kgs is the total weight of your carry on bag (and with low cost airlines, the total weight of your carry on AND your personal item must be less than 7kg or 10kgs if you buy a more flexible ticket) if it's 7.5kgs they may make you check it in and some airlines make you weigh your carry on at the gate. But in Australia you don't have to have liquids separate travelling domestically, you can have as many liquids as you like (and can take bottles of water through security as well).
Sani-hands wipes say that they can disinfect the Norovirus. I’m taking a bunch when we go on a cruise later this year. Bonus, they don’t count against your liquid allowance.
The regular sani wipes we buy in the store don't kill the norovirus. The Super Sani Wipes that are used in the hospitals do kill the virus but they must sit on a surface for 1-2 minutes to be effective. The number one way to kill norovirus is handwashing because of how the virus is designed.
I purchased this bag, and I must say it is the most awesome personal bag I have ever owned. Fits perfectly under the airline seat, big and roomy, comfortable to wear and has MANY zippered compartments for absolutely everything you could want to take. Make sure you purchase the bag with the additional zipper compartment for your laptop. You will not be sorry about this purchase! LOVE IT!!!
Instead of putting all the loose items into the big zip bag, I’d probably use a small bag or two to put inside the larger bag. That way if I pull out my kindle. I won’t pull out 5 things with it that could fall!
Tap Air Portugal Carry-On size restriction: 22x16x10in, 22 lbs. & Personal item:16x12x5in, 4.4 lbs. We are cutting corners to pack these for our trip in April.
We just traveled with TAP out of JFK. I really stressed about the weight restrictions - we were traveling for a wedding weekend and had lots of dressy clothes. The 4.4 lb personal item really worried me because the TAP website warns that they will charge hundreds of dollars per overweight item. I kept taking my tote to the grocery store to weigh it in the produce aisle!😂 Also stuffed a lot of things in my pockets. Turns out they didn't weigh or measure anything in either direction! (Your experience may vary....)
Great video. Thanks for mentioning not packing batteries on checked bags. I have an upcoming international flight and I was going to do just that. Now I know to pack it in my personal items bag. Thank you 👍🏼
I discovered your channel a couple of days ago and I have been binge watching! I’m 64 and just getting back into traveling after losing my 18 yo diabetic kitty; I was tied down with her 2 insulin shots per day for the last 5-6 years. I really enjoy your channel because you talk about items that you have used. I noticed that many just show hauls of things they have not tried. Also, you’re a single female traveler (sometimes, I guess), and that is what I plan on being.😊 Thanks for all the info you provide!
Just a thought… You might need to remind people that take medications…to pack them in their personal item. If you pack them in your roll-a-board and they check it , and they lose that bag, you could be in some real trouble without your medicine. I always pack mine in my personal item! Otherwise, love the video!
Good ideas! I'm a big fan of backpacks, and have used them in place of luggage since the '60's. Too many companies, however, overlook the benefit and comfort of a waist strap. My thoughts for what size: I have a larger one. When allowed, great, but if the airline requires a smaller bag, just fill it less full and squish it down to the right size.
Not once did you show the backpack you showed everything else which was nice and I appreciate that but I wanted to see the capacity of the backpack how it looks inside with everything packed
I agree, couldn't tell where things would/could go. I had another backpack if one filled the front pockets there was no room for the larger pocket to be filled.
I put the things I want close for the flight in a belt bag. I stuff it in my backpack to board then pull it out after take off. Or wear my favorite denim jacket with its gazillion pockets, it fits most anything I’d want for the flight
I always pack enough daily. contacts. Prescription glasses, sunglasses, all my pres meds, tech, iPad, IFly, adapter and converter if needed and my clear TSA bag, toiletries and makeup, printouts of car/hotel reservations just for backup and snacks. I try to sleep on long flights so take my Trtle pillow since it packs very small. I like your ziplock of everything to use on the plane and will do that on my next trip! I love your videos!
I have a similar backpack with the same wide framed opening from Bagallini. I'm going to be on a 12 hr flight and I also like to bring cheese and nuts. But I always buy a chicken sandwich at the airport, and I have them cut it into quarters so I can snack on that instead of junk.
I’m in the last 5 months til a huge family vaca and I’d love as many updated videos as you can stand 😂 we have to work out of backpacks for the first 5 days and then have a suitcase for the last 9 days of our vaca❤ I’m learning about all the packing secrets
I'd go carry on the whole time. Also wear merino wool - yes even in summer, lightweight wool is wonderful. You can wear it multiple times without washing. You really don't want to have to drag a big suitcase around. I did it in Scotland 15 years ago. Never again. I didn't wear half of what I brought
On my last domestic trip from Sydney, the security fellow was unusually chatty. I've had a hip replacement and sometimes have to remove my shoes and sometimes not!! He explained that is because the scanning machines are assigned different sensitivity randomly. He gave me a thumbs up when I made it through without beeping. I guess I didn't appear suspicious 🤣🤣
My luggage got lost traveling through Munich on the way to Lyon, France. Boy was I glad I glad I had those extra clothes even though Lufthansa gave me a great personal kit. I didn’t get my luggage until the following afternoon after a day visiting my son!
Just a note when travelling to Australia regarding your snacks, check if you will able to take them off the plane as Australia has very strict bio security regulations
A few ideas I haven't thought of, thanks ... But I always bring 4-5 Mandarin oranges, cut up baby cucs, cut up Smokies, couple pepperoni sticks, peapods, along with cheese, individual pkgs of hummus (minus the garlic ones), baby carrots, cut up celery hearts. Kirkland brand granola bars, The oranges especially are essential to me. They just refresh your mouth. I'm either flying into Europe or across the country 🇨🇦. And even if it's only 2 time zones away 3hr flight it usually includes an airport shuttle or rental car or train (4-5hrs) that requires snacks.
Can you fly out of Canada with snacks?! I always over pay in the airport. I am off to Vegas , then Cancun shortly. I always thought security would stop you?
@@ThatBrickChic a few years ago I packed snacks for our flight to Hawaii. Grapes, cheese cubes and crackers into zip lock bags. We went thru US Customs pre boarding in Canada. The officer was ready to toss until I mentioned that my mother was diabetic and planes often ran out of suitable food. He changed his tune, with a smile and best wishes he allowed us to carry on. These days I do believe that it's the luck of who you get 😊 I now bring pre-packaged (store sealed) snacks and have had no problems for international flights. Domestic I can pack home made snacks and sandwiches. Safe travels!
I have the same backpack. I love it. I used it in May when I went to El Salvador, and I'll be using it soon when I go to NY. Love your videos. They really help.
Thank you for the video. I am traveling to NYC/New England/Canada in August and I will be flying into NYC from Tallahassee, Florida and your video about what should go into the checked bag and what should be in my personal bag is VERY HELPFUL.
Hello! Just found your channel, great information! Just curious, have you ever taken a solo trip? I’m taking my first one this spring. Was going with a girlfriend and she had to cancel, and instead of canceling the entire trip, I said I’m just gonna go on my own! See how it goes, but I’m very scared lol, if you have taken a solo trip, maybe you could do a video? Thanks so much.
I have gone on several solo trips... love traveling solo! I have an old vidoe about Solo Travel, but I also have one planned to come out later this Spring. Where are you heading to??
Lol, your assessment is true… countless times I can’t locate my readers (when I’m wearing my contacts), or my glasses (when not wearing my contacts) -- only to find them pushed up on my head.
I also have TSA Pre-check, which usually saves a lot of time/hassle… except… I carry two small metal fold-up hangers. They take up less room, and are sturdier than the plastic fold-up hangers. HOWEVER, on a security screen, apparently they look like nunchucks, and get flagged. So, I now just pull them out and put them in a bin, so it doesn’t look like I’m trying to hide something. 😂
I have the grey backpack as well! The only downside I feel like is the weight, I weight mine and it was 1.7kg and with 7kg allowed carry on just is too much:(
Thanks for posting the weight of the bag. I thought it definitely would be over 1kg with all the zippers and extra material of all the pockets. It’s a good looking bag but too heavy.
Have you found pants that are lightweight for warm climates? We'll be going to Argentina and I'm worried about mosquitoes near the falls. Thank you for all your product recommendations !
I always pack a set of clothes in my personal item not only in case of carry on get checked - But my reason is what if something happen with the clothes i wear on the plane - like they get dirty while on the airport/plane - spills from drinks or food. Is much easier to grab and bring that little bag in the bathroom , than having to go take out and open the carry-on to get them.
That’s the same size as my Delsey underseat bag. Have used this as my only bag for the last 8 overseas trips. Still concerned with back packs that they may be tampered with while not watching. However, it’s each person’s personal choice.
Honestly, I like them both...the 15.6 inch doesn't feel that much smaller, but I really like the color and styling of my 17ish inch one. Because my Level8 carry on is a smaller carry on, its nice to have the extra room in the larger backpack. But if I didn't have to carry all of the technology I take with me when I travel for the videos, I could easily go with the smaller backpack. 😊
Iceland Air 15.7 X 11.8 X 5.9 for a personal item, carry-on 22 lb. 21.6 (incl wheels) X15.7 X 7.8, checked (on some ticket classes) 62" combined L X W X H and 50 lbs. Sometimes $190. to check over weight/sized carry-ons!!! This personal item is twice the allowed depth dimension when packed, I think.
Thats what I was thinking! It is technically the right depth (20cm /8in) when empty for Easyjet personal item, but a fair bit bigger when packed. I have a similar backpack and now worried it wont fit the personal item category.
I like the silicone bag for the things I really want to have with me. But, in addition, I swear by the tray cover that has its own bag to store stuff. I know the silicone bag and anything else I put in it will stay clean.
Flying Aer Lingus to Scotland this summer and both size and weight are an issue for the carry on as well as size restriction for personal item. I still haven’t figured out what I’m going to use.
I just realized the same thing, using them for a flight to Ireland and the personal item size is extremely restrictive! I am going to have to check a bag.
@@cindybailey6765 Where are you departing from? We fly Boston to Edinburgh and could have 10kgs (international flight) but we have a layover in Dublin and the 2nd leg will only allow 7kgs because it’s considered regional and will be a smaller plane. If you are non-stop U.S. to Dublin you may be allowed 10k. Not much but better than 7.
@@elmrkm Boston to Shannon, so 10k, but they don’t mention weight of personal item. But dimensions of personal item are smaller than any airline I’ve flown.
@@cindybailey6765 No weight for personal item as long as it fits under the seat. I’ve read they’re not super strict with international flights leaving the states and if you’re flying direct you might get away with a little heavier carry on and a slightly larger personal item. Good luck and have a wonderful time. 🍀
Whats the difference e between a personal item bag, under the seat bag and carry-on? I get the diff between personal and carry-on but where does under the seat bag fit in?
A carry on is one you put in the overhead bin, or it’s checked because there isn’t enough overhead space. A person item and under seat are the same. Your personal item has to be stored under the seat in front of you.
Singapore Air International Brisbane to London allow 7kg cabin bag and personal bag size 40 x 30 x 20. I will have a checked bag as well so will make good use of the allowance of 25kg
A question and I’ve asked another lady on here about it and she didn’t even answer it so apparently she didn’t know she was a stewardess. I have recently have to have oxygen at night so that bag that it comes in is it a personal or can I just put that as a separate bag even though I have my carry-on personal bag?
Yes, you are not limited on size of containers for liquids when you are packing them in your checked luggage. Only in the bags you are taking with you in the plane, and therefore through airport security.
I want to commend you on "pumping up your muscles'. I can tell a difference in your arms, for sure. Congrats! Also, great video. I may try to sneak by with your larger backpack like that one. Can you tell a big difference in the size of the two/what they hold?
Thanks for all of the info! I noticed you listed holafly and surf shark as additional travel info. We’re traveling to Europe this spring. Last yr I used my carrier’s intl plan $100 for a month. I’ve researched holafly but worried I could have issues once in Europe. Any issues at all or additional info you could provide with your experiences. This is only our 2nd European trip so we’re learning and we’re 85% comfortable with new technology. Thanks in advance.
I only have the SurfShark VPN, I don't use holafly. I've been using Verizon's international plan where I only pay for the days I have to use the cellular system. Otherwise I generally get by just using Wifi that I get at the accomodations and various places throughout the day walking around. With the VPN I know I'm safe using random Wifi 😊
Not being rude, just asking. Why use a backpack with many pockets but then not use them and put everything in one bag? I have ADHD and figuring out where to store stuff has been driving me insane! I bought the same backpack and will put everything in "a spot". lol
With easyjet in Europa, we need to pay extra to have a carry on bag. My new challenge is travelling with the personnal item only. Dimensions 45×36×20 cm 😅
I have that exact navy blue backpack which I think I saw on a different travel youtube channel a couple years ago, and I love it. But I recently upgraded to the Monos backpack. I know it’s pricey and not for everyone but I love it so much. I got the lavender color in “vegan leather” (i.e. pleather) but it feels very luxurious. Also it has a little pouch that snaps on to the front that you can put all the stuff you need on the flight and just unsnap and keep that with you, and never have to open the backpack for the whole flight (as long as you don’t need too much stuff - like if I bring slippers I’ll need to get them out of the main section). But if it’s in your budget I highly recommend. Maybe they’ll send you one in PR? 😊
I'll have to reach out to them and see? I do have a comparison between this one and the Bagillini Backpack coming out soon, but the Monos sounds intriguing 😊
Can you please tell me how they measure is it from the top of the zippered portion to the bottom where the inside is the bottom not including wheels for things
They measure top to bottom including wheels. The item has to fit in a metal frame by the gate that is the exact measurements listed on the website. For example, 18" long x 14" wide x 6" thick.
I just got in from a flight from Laughlin, NV tonight, and funny story! I was very careful with my personal item bag, but my "bin" got pulled aside!! I'm like "what did I do now, lol?" As the agent opened my backpack, he said "do you have anything sharp inside?" He was VERY serious too! I said no! He then pulls out a bag of strawberry twizzlers licorice! Geez, it was still wrapped, unopened for my flight home, and he says "THIS is the culprit". You should not be carrying food . Ya know, it was SO bizarre that I just said, sorry, and we moved on!!
YUP!! And when I got to the gate, there were several people that came up to me and said they had the same Twizzlers in their bags but did not get stopped. It was a small airport and we figured 'he' just wanted to show off?? Seriously? Luckily he gave it back to me because I had a 4 1/2 hour flight home. Just an example of "You never know!!"@@GenxGypsy1968
Me either!! However I didn't want to argue with him. I should have asked to speak to his supervisor, but just wanted to get to my gate for my flight. There were people in the same line that had small coolers and bags with food stuff to make sandwiches!! All I had was a small pack of licorice!!@@lskazalski
My understanding is that you cannot bring any filled water bottles onto a flight departing from Australia. So you cannot fill your re-usable water bottle in the airport and bring it filled up on the plane with you, they will make you empty it or drink it all first. Most other places do not have this rule.
Thanks for the video - good advice. I didn't know the deodorant wipes yet - I will try them out. By the way: Cathay Pacific restrictions are: personal item + carry-on = 7kg. ☹ It will be a challenge this summer ....
I have a GoPro 8 that I have had for about 5 years... Although yesterday I took it snorkling and for the first time it leaked, so it may be time for a new one :(
