SARL Peak Transfer
44a Chemin du Lai
Chamonix Mt Blanc
74400
France
Punctual service – driver was on time, waiting for us with a clear sign. Very friendly, patient and helpful.
read moreWith new calls to decrease the size of hand luggage allowances combined with more airlines charging hold luggage as an optional extra, more and more travelers are weighing up whether they can really pack for a weeks holiday with just carry on baggage to save time and more importantly money. Having refined the art of travelling light and flying with only cabin luggage we thought we would share some of the tricks we have learnt along the way. Including the best hand luggage bags and tips to packing light.
It goes without saying that every airline has their own individual cabin/ hand luggage restrictions. But you may be surprised by the fact that the known budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet are not the stingiest when it comes to hand luggage allowances! We have a few of the main airlines flying on the Geneva flight path allowances below. Be aware that airline allowances can also be route specific so be sure to check before you fly or when you book. Any items purchased at the airport, including duty free, form part of your hand baggage allowance. Also if you’re travelling with young children you have additional baggage allowances.
1 x cabin bag (56cm x 45cm x 25cm /22in x 18in x 10in) including handles, pockets and wheels.
*FLEXI fare or Upfront or Extra Legroom customers can bring ONE additional small under seat bag (handbag/Laptop) with a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm which will need to be placed under the seat in front.
1 x cabin bag (56cm x 45cm x 25cm /22in x 18in x 10in) including handles, pockets and wheels.
1 x personal (45cm x 36cm x 20cm /18in x 14in x 8in) including handles, pockets and wheels.
Maximum weight per bag is up to 23kg (51lbs).
1 x cabin bag (55cm x 35cm x 25cm /21in x 13in x 9in)
1 x Accessory (We are guessing this means a laptop, camera or very small bag?!?)
Maximum of 12kg/ 26 lb
1 x cabin bag (55cm x 40cm x 23cm /21in x 15.5in x 8in)
Handbag, laptop bag or shoulder bag (40cm x 30cm x 10 cm)
Maximum of 8kg/ 17.5 lb
* A foldable garment bag of 57 x 54 x 15 cm will also be accepted
All airlines require liquids to be carried in a container (max 100 ml) up to 1 litre per person in a resealable transparent plastic bag (medication and special food exceptions are available).
The following are forbidden: Weapons of any kind, including imitations and toys. Pointed or sharp-edged items such as Ice axes, ice picks, razor blades (incl. shavers), tweezers, knives, scissors (more than 6 cm long), sharp-edged martial arts equipment. *This list is not exhaustive*
There is so much choice for cabin bags on the market we have given a few initial view points to help narrow it down to suit your needs:
As convenient as luggage on wheels seems you really have to compromise of maximum space available and weight. With some airlines having as low maximum weights as 8kg which include the weight of your bag could leave you with very little leeway. As well as weight the wheels and handles will reduce the useable volume you are allowed to take on board. A rucksack does not compromise on volume and are generally lighter but you do have to be prepared to lug it around on your back the whole journey.
As obvious as it sounds it needs to be considered. Hard shell bags are heavier, some weighing as much as 6kg empty, but they do protect your valued belongings compared to the soft sided alternatives. If you are restricted by weight limits the soft sided option is lighter and can be more forgivable and malleable to get everything you need into your bag.
This is very personal. I personally dont mind digging into my bag at security or on the plane to grab my laptop or electronics out of the main compartment. However, others on our team cant stand this. They MUST have a bag that has a laptop sleeve for easy access and less fuss. If your this way inclined you may want to consider this also.
Here are some of the bags we have tried and tested. We have really based this on bags that take advantage of maximum hand luggage allowance.
A team favorite it is no surprise it just happens to be the exact maximal dimensions allowed by EasyJet, Swiss Air whom i regularly fly with. Often travelling on a budget with just hand luggage for 7-10 day breaks (and being female) this is the perfect bag for me.
Super lightweight at 660 grams means you don’t compromise on weight and avoid extra baggage costs (the bain of my life travelling light!!!). Measuring 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, a 44L capacity combined with compression straps it’s the perfect dimensions for the overhead locker and comes in a variety of color schemes and prints. If unlike me and you are of a more fashion conscious disposition be aware that by taking advantage of the maximal dimensions allowed it is a very large ‘boxy’ looking rucksack!!! It doesn’t have a specific laptop sleeve but my laptop fits on the front pocket (just) and i love it’s useful small pocket that fits my passport and phone where i can’t get to it easily. But at £25 (or cheaper if you search around) this is my perfect travel companion! If you really would prefer wheels Cabin Max have a wheelie version of this bag also!
Capacity: 10/10
Functionality: 6/10
Durability: 7/10
Style: 6/10
Value: 9/10
The Vango Transit 40 is another great example of a travel bag that’s designed to take maximum advantage of carry on regulations. With it’s acceptably ‘boxy’ design, the Transit 40 ensures precious litres of space aren’t wasted with overly round corners whilst maintaining a fairly smart and modern appearance. A more stylish bag compared to the Cabin Max Metz it is slightly heavier weighing in at 1kg and measures 55cm x 35cm x 20cm.
If you’re frequently travelling with a laptop (standing in security, balancing the contents of your pockets across your arms whilst holding your pants up) you’ll appreciate the convenient and padded laptop sleeve that ensures quick and easy access to anything up to a 17” device. There are several hidden pockets (on the back of the bag, and also a small passport pocket on the front) that offer basic storage for your documents – additional space is limited and most items will need to go into the large 40L main compartment. Several carry options including a removable shoulder and backpack straps make for a very versatile bag – in fact if you’re looking for a large carry on pack with a dedicated padded laptop sleeve and a sleek design the Vango Transit 40 is an excellent ‘mid-priced’ option.
Capacity: 8/10
Functionality: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
Style: 10/10
Value: 8/10
If you are desperate for a wheelie bag this is one of the lighter and cheaper cases (£35) on the market so that you can pack more without worrying about additional airport chances. However, at 1.56kgs it’s still heavier than its wheeless counterparts. Its very rectangular shape measuring 55cm x 35cm x 21.5cm providing a 44L capacity.
It has a strong fiber glass structure and a fabric outer and 2 wheels. We were worried about the durability of the fabric but so far (8 flights to date) so good. It seems like mary poppins bag and just keeps on giving! The wide handle integrated into the main body of the case at the sides rather than down the centre maximising packing space. It has a very basic design and functionality with only a significant front pocket to store important documents and possibly a laptop at a squeeze.
Capacity: 9/10
Functionality: 6/10
Durability: 6/10
Style: 5/10
Value: 8/10
So, take the plunge. Travel light and your tired legs and wallet will thank you. At the end of the day if you have your passport, phone, wallet and clothes for all feasible weather conditions you will most likely be fine!
Happy Holidays!!!