How do I get around the airlines' weight limit for checked baggage?
My sister gave me a tip--and a bag--that has stood me well many times when I'm standing at the airlines counter. My IKEA bag. Big, made of crunchy-loud plastic, and emblazoned with colorful stripes. It's a useful thing to have when you go to the airport and aren't sure whether your bag is within the weight limit.
The great thing about this bag is, it's compact, flattens easily to slip into the front pocket of my suitcase, and when expanded to its capacity limit, is about 15" x 8.5" x 18". It's come in handy many times when I've checked my baggage, only to find it's a few pounds overweight. Normally, this would have sent me into a frenzy where I tear open my suitcase to see what will fit into my purse. Now, my response is a calm, cool "Really?" No sweat--I just unzip my suitcase, dive right in, and pull out a few more things to fill my IKEA bag. I've fit books, camera equipment, fluffy fat sweaters, shoes, and of course, my purse, into my IKEA bag.
It's not a fashion statement piece, and you will look like you're carrying a loud, $2 plastic bag from IKEA as a purse. There's no disguising it, so just embrace it. I once got upgraded to first class but was using my IKEA bag as my "handbag." Sexy. But it saves me a lot of hassle and money when I need it. My IKEA bag now lives permanently in my suitcase and goes every trip with me. Find a similar one for yourself here.
The other great thing? It only costs a few bucks at IKEA. How's that for savings?
