In 2023, the opportunity to fly roundtrip from JFK to London for only $300 presented itself to the author and their friend. They immediately booked a weeklong trip and also purchased a $40 RyanAir flight to Portugal. However, the low-priced ticket came with various restrictions, with the author’s ticket only including one “personal item” free of charge. Any additional luggage, such as a carry-on or suitcase, would incur extra fees ranging from $55 to $80 each way. To avoid these fees, the author needed to fit all their belongings into a personal item, which had to meet specific size restrictions.
To meet the size requirements of a personal item, the author experimented with different types of backpacks that could fit under the seat in front of them. After multiple trials, they found a backpack that allowed them to pack for a weeklong trip while still meeting the airline’s regulations. This backpack was successfully used on several trips with budget airlines, saving the author hundreds of dollars in baggage fees. While most airlines accepted the bag as a personal item, Frontier was an exception, causing some trouble. The author recommends avoiding Frontier and opting for this specific backpack to navigate the restrictions of low-cost airlines.
The author recommends two specific backpacks that were successful in meeting the requirements of a personal item. The Lululemon bag, despite being a bit pricey, proved to be worth the investment as it could fit all necessary items for a trip. It even had space for a laptop, which was essential for the author’s remote work. Additionally, the author used a Lululemon Belt Bag for important items like a passport and headphones, which could easily fit inside the backpack or be worn separately. Another close runner-up was the Béis Hanging Backpack, which included unique shelving and compartments for organizing clothes and personal items.
Packing cubes played a crucial role in helping the author stay organized and maximize the limited space in their backpack. They initially hesitated to use packing cubes due to the perceived hassle, but quickly realized their importance in keeping items organized. The author recommends specific packing cubes from Calpak and Topo, which helped in neatly organizing clothes, shoes, and accessories. These packing cubes ensured that everything fit compactly into the backpack without causing any inconvenience during the trip.
When it came to choosing clothing for the trip, the author emphasized the importance of packable and versatile pieces. Essential items like tank tops from Garage were highlighted for their versatility and ease of packing. Layering was key, especially when traveling to destinations with varying temperatures. Packable jackets and items that could be easily rolled or folded were preferred to save space and ensure that everything fit in the limited luggage capacity. By strategically selecting clothing that could be mixed and matched, the author successfully packed for a weeklong trip within the confines of a personal item.
