Goodbye, Baggage Fees: 10 Carry-On Tips

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FEE UBIQUITY

JetBlue Airways, among the last major U.S. carriers to allow passengers a free checked bag, has begun charging a fee on domestic flights in the cheapest fare class. Other airlines collect up to $100 for the first checked bag and double that for overweight or oversize bags. Consumers unwilling to pay must cram everything into a carry-on. The International Air Transport Association recommends 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches as the optimum size, although most airlines allow 22 x 14 x 9 inches. With a few packing tips and tricks, travelers can fit all the necessities and save money this summer.

OPTIMIZE SPACE

For packing efficiency, keep shoe soles facing the bottom or outside of the bag and stuff underwear, socks, or jewelry inside. Roll T-shirts and undershirts rather than fold them and alternate the direction that heavier items, such as pants, dress shirts, and skirts, are facing. When deciding which clothing to bring, try to make each piece work in multiple outfits by sticking to neutrals and compatible colors.

SQUEEZE OUT THE AIR

For travelers who need every last inch to count, compression packs are the way to go. Sold in multiple sizes and available at most sporting goods stores, these plastic bags zip shut and have valves that let air out but not in. They're easy to use and can reduce volume by up to 80 percent. (Some high-end carry-ons have compression systems built in.) Be careful not to over-pack with all that extra space, though -- most airlines impose a weight limit for carry-ons.

ORGANIZE WITH POUCHES

Stay organized while traveling by grouping items such as toiletries, electronics and cords, makeup, and medication. Place them into small pouches that are see-through or easily distinguishable. With this system in place, it's easy to grab what's needed without disturbing the rest of the carefully packed contents.

MAXIMIZE THE PERSONAL ITEM

In addition to a carry-on bag, airlines let travelers bring along one personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or backpack. Filling this bag to the brim is perfectly acceptable as long as it can fit under the seat in front of you.

LEAVE LARGE LIQUIDS AT HOME

Toiletries take up lots of space, and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be checked. Buy small travel-size containers and fill them with favorite sunscreen, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, and other products to avoid checking a bag. Consider switching product formulations, to a bar of shaving soap rather than cream, for example. Depending on the length of the trip, it might be easier to buy new products upon arrival.

STAY SOFT

Hard-shell carry-ons have their advantages; they're usually waterproof and sturdier than soft luggage. But they also can be hard to fit into some overhead compartments. Unless the bag is clearly within the size limits, consider a carry-on with a soft shell that would be possible to squeeze into a tight space.

CHECK A BAG FOR FREE

Although most airlines now charge for checked bags, there are exceptions. International flights often include a free checked bag and Southwest -- alone among the major U.S. airlines -- allows passengers up to two checked bags at no extra charge. A practical workaround for other domestic flights: Paying for a flight on the credit card associated with the airline often gives travelers a free checked bag.

WEAR THE BULKY STUFF

It's much easier to travel with only a carry-on in the summer, when you can bring sandals instead of boots and skip the outerwear. To further limit the contents of your suitcase, wear any bulky shoes and items such as jeans. Don't pack more than a week's worth of clothing, even for longer trips. Doing a load of laundry is cheaper and easier than hauling around a large suitcase.

WEAR EVERYTHING

Travel jackets are designed with extra pockets (sometimes more than 20) to let travelers carry as much stuff as possible on their person. Some transform into a bag with a handle, while others can pass as just another vest or sports coat. Travelers worried about space, and especially about the weight of their bag, can fill up the pockets and walk everything on board.

WATCH OUT FOR BUDGET AIRLINES

Ticket prices often appear low, but once baggage fees are added in, budget airlines such as Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier don't look so cheap. Depending where and when the bag is paid for, even a carry-on can cost as much as $100. In some cases, checking a bag actually costs less than bringing a carry-on. The cheapest option is to pay for any suitcases when buying the ticket; the most expensive is waiting until arrival at the departure gate.

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