In 2023, the opportunity to fly roundtrip from JFK to London for only $300 arose, prompting the author and a friend to book a weeklong trip. However, the low-cost airline ticket came with strict baggage restrictions, allowing only one “personal item” without incurring additional fees. To avoid these charges, the author had to fit all their belongings into a bag that met the size requirements for a personal item. After experimenting with different backpacks, they found a solution that allowed them to travel with just a personal item, saving them hundreds of dollars in baggage fees. While some airlines, like Frontier, were stricter about enforcing these limits, others, including Spirit and RyanAir, accepted the author’s bag as a personal item, making it essential to choose the right bag and airline combination for budget travel.
The author recommends two backpack options for travelers looking to pack everything in a personal item. The Lululemon bag, although more expensive, proved to be a reliable choice for several flights. It accommodated not only the author’s clothes but also their laptop and essentials in its various compartments and pockets. For additional space, the author also utilized a Lululemon Belt Bag to hold smaller items and important documents. The Beis Hanging Backpack was another strong contender, featuring a unique shelving system for organizing clothes and multiple pockets for storage. Ultimately, the decision between the two bags hinged on the size of the laptop pocket, with both options offering practical solutions for efficient packing and travel.
Incorporating packing cubes was a game-changer for the author, who previously avoided them due to perceived inconvenience. However, the practicality and organization provided by packing cubes became evident during the trip preparation process. The author used two sets of packing cubes, one from Calpak for clothing and larger items, and another zippered pouch set from Compakt for toiletries and smaller essentials. The waterproof pouch set simplified the packing process and kept items easily accessible in the limited space of a personal item. Similarly, the Topo Pack Bags were surprisingly spacious, accommodating various clothing items while maximizing the available space in the backpack.
When it comes to packing clothing for a trip with limited baggage space, strategic planning is essential. Layering clothing and selecting packable items, such as jackets, can help minimize the bulk of items packed in a personal item. The author emphasized the importance of versatility and practicality in clothing choices, recommending essential items like seamless tank tops that can be mixed and matched for different occasions. With a focus on packable clothing and efficient layering, the author successfully managed to fit a week’s worth of clothing into a personal item, adapting their packing strategy to the destination and weather conditions.
Overall, the author’s experience of traveling with just a personal item revealed the importance of careful planning and smart packing choices. By investing in the right backpack and accessories, utilizing packing cubes, and packing strategically, it is possible to navigate strict baggage restrictions and save money on airline fees. The author’s recommendations for bags, packing cubes, and clothing essentials provide valuable insights for travelers looking to streamline their packing process and maximize the use of limited space. With a focus on efficiency and versatility, the author’s tips and tricks can help fellow budget travelers make the most of their personal item while exploring new destinations without breaking the bank.
