Do you end up packing too much when flying?

Tullullah · May 2012

I'm always concerned with my suitcases being overweight. I can't help packing too much and try to weigh it before leaving to avoid paying fees. This year I will pay whatever you have to pay, but is there still a limit to how much overweight you can have?

barbbhoww · May 2012

Yes there is. We bought a scale that you put on your suitcase and lift it up. It will tell you how much it weighs and it is easy to throw in the suitcase for your return trip.

Publius · May 2012

I haven't had this problem in years and can't remember how I used to do it. Now, unless I'm taking just a carry on I generally can't use more than half the weight limit if I try.

SparrowSong · May 2012

I grew up flying standby because my dad was a pilot so I'm used to packing everything I need in one carry-on bag and planning to wear the same, like 6-8 pieces of clothing, for an entire trip. I pay to travel now and I still find having a checked bag a complete luxury.

kara811 · May 2012

My trick is if I can lift it up, then it's probably still under the weight limit. I'm not a very strong person to begin with. Sometimes I do weigh it too if I think that it's a little heavy. The times I have been over would be 1 or 2lbs only and they usually let me go with that, but most of the time I am under the limit.

MrsA1210 · May 2012

I used to be an overpacker. I've gotten much better in recent years about carefully planning out outfits so I only have just what a need, maybe with an extra shirt or something thrown in. We usually check one big bag and carry on a small bag, so with all of our stuff divided between the two we usually come in under weight. I know that if I'm having difficulty with our duffel, it's probably over the weight limit. I've found it makes a big difference to cut shoes and toiletries as those tend to be heavier - really pare down shoes to one walking shoe, one sandal, etc. (depending on the destination). For toiletries I only take the basics in small travel size containers.

shorty20 · May 2012

I always weigh ours before we leave to make sure they're not over the limit.

alithebride · May 2012

no. i'm not an over-packer and own a luggage scale to be sure that my bags are within the limits. that's more for returning from places where i have purchased things though. i bring the small scale with me.

GilliC · May 2012

I'm not an overpacker, but sometimes I just have to carry heavy stuff (diving or camping equipment, lots of formal wear, etc). On flights back from the US I tend to buy a lot of stuff, so it's not uncommon for me to be right up to (or even over) the base limit. In those cases, I just use a bathroom scale to see if I'm overweight (weigh myself holding the bag, then weigh myself and subtract). I've even done this on a hotel gym scale in the past!
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However, that was when I was facing the 50-lb limits. I've never really come close to the 70-lb limit, because you need a pretty big bag to reach 70 lbs (unless you're hauling free weights or gold bars or something). When we moved to China, it was back when the regular limit was still 70 lbs, and we had to buy new, larger suitcases to use our whole allowance.

As for the absolute maximum you can take, it will vary by airline and by destination. A lot of international airports refuse to handle checked bags that are over 70 lbs due to the risk of worker injuries.

CloudBee · May 2012

I am careful with things such as shampoo, and other liquids. I often pack several travel sized bottles, rather than my current opened full sized bottle. (If we are gone 1 wk +) We have also gotten into the habit of getting our clothing laundered while we are at the hotel/resort, etc. Jeans are heavy, and I only like to pack one pair. However, if we're in a chilly or rainy area, I wear them constantly. We'll pack one pair, and get them washed a couple times during the trip. You can usually get them launderd for $5-10 a pair at hotels/resorts.

When we were on Kauai last month, we actually did a load of our own laundry at the Hyatt. They have complimentary washers/dryers and detergent. It was SO nice to return home without 2 suitcases full of laundry.

Another trick is to pack a thin empty tote or duffle, and have that as backup if your suitcases are over the limit or too full. I often board the plane after a 10 day + trip with a standard backpack (which is usually my carry on item), with my purse stuffed in it, and a simple tote with overflow items.

Tullullah · May 2012

I think I will just call the airline to see if there's a limit because I'm willing to pay for it this time. We are going for a couple of months and I will need my clothes:)

Do you end up packing too much when flying?

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