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Someone Come Help Me Pack!

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by Sonya, Dec 2, 2018.

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  1. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    I have been driving to Vegas, and joining it with trips to see my parents, for well over a decade now. Last time I flew to Vegas, it was 2004!! :blink:

    Dan seems to think I can get everything into one carry-on suitcase, but I'm used to bringing one full sized suitcase, one carry-on for "on the road" hotels, a cooler and a tote bag. I am a bit concerned here that this is somehow not going to turn out like he thinks it will. Checking the big suitcase seems inevitable, but I'm willing to try.

    I need to pack 6 days worth of clothes (including a couple changes for nighttime fancy things), at least one extra pair of shoes, a CPAP machine (maybe), a laptop and all my toiletries into this carry-on that looks smaller by the minute.

    So, please share your packing tips! How is this even possible? Do you all just wear the same clothes every day for a week?
     
  2. Astribling

    Astribling Alice In Casinoland

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    On my 5-night trip in September, I tried to do a carryon size bag - nope! I went with the bigger bag and just checked it. I know it's a bit faster not to have to check bag, but for me anymore, and at my age, I don't want to lug a carryon with me and try to deal with it. But that's just me!
     
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  3. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    Check a suitcase....why lug around an overstuffed carry-on?
     
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  4. SH0CK

    SH0CK Stylin' and Profilin' Quasi Tech Admin

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    Don't forget the change of clothes in your carry on when the airline loses your checked bag :ssst:
     
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  5. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    I usually will do a carry-on if the trip is 4 days or less. But 6 days might be a stretch considering you would want to bring some fancy clothes and extra pair of shoes, along with possibly the CPAP machine.

    And you might possibly find some things that you'd want to bring home with you (gifts for you or your family for example) so my opinion is bring a bigger bag and check it. It wouldn't make much of a difference as far as impacting your trip.

    Have a great and fun trip!
     
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  6. Aces and Eights

    Aces and Eights VIP Whale

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    The last time I had a checked bag that was lost was 23 years ago. But they delivered it to my home the next day. On one occasion they put it on a later flight and delivered it to my hotel a couple hours later. A few times it was on an earlier flight so it was held for me in a separate area when I picked it up.

    Make sure your checked bag is under 50 pounds.
     
  7. nhcris

    nhcris VIP Whale

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    I am having the exact same dilemma! I leave Tuesday for 6 nights, and as much as I want to go carry on, I am checking a bag. I bring a full sized pillow and blanket. I know, it sounds like overkill but I gave up trying to get hypoallergenic stuff in most of the hotels. What little sleep I get out there needs to be quality sleep! I also need extra shoes, 3 times as many tops as I will wear, and way more liquids than I can fit in a tiny little plastic bag.

    So, I will have a small carry on with a change of clothes, my medications, headphones and fuzzy airplane socks. My flight is nonstop for a change, so I am hopeful my checked bag will be fine. My most recent lost bag was 2 years ago, and it took 3 days before we were reunited. Luckily we had a rental car, so I went to Fat Walmart every evening to select a fashionable outfit for the next day :rolleyes:

    I may drop in to the Chandelier Bar to meet you and other VMBers, but I am with a group of people so can't really commit. I have put a reminder in my phone though, so I am hopeful!
     
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  8. mdee

    mdee VIP Whale

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    Plenty of YouTube videos will teach you how to pack. The secret is Rolling your Clothes not Folding.
    More than a few times I've had to repack my SO's suitcase because she couldn't get it to close.
     
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  9. julia

    julia VIP Whale

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    For that many days, pay the fee and check a big bag with all your clothes & shoes. Bring a small carry on with medications and essentials, and maybe a change of clothes if it'll let you relax about the airlines misplacing a bag. It's so much nicer to go through the airport with just a small bag!

    My next trip is due solely to finding a super-cheap fare on Spirit. I'll get to travel with not even a carry-on, just a "personal item". Looking forward to that challenge!
     
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  10. luridludicloco

    luridludicloco High-Roller

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    Youtube has many video clips with tips on packing carry ons for long trips, maybe you will find good useful suggestions by watching those. There are tricks on packing properly so everything fits. I think the most comfortable solution is just to take a checked bag even if not completely full, that way you have room to put whatever stuff you pick up on the trip. In fact, people who love to shop usually take a half empty checked suitcase to fill it out during the vacation. If you must just take a carry on, remember many airlines, including American Airlines, allow on the cabin a carry on and a personal item, and I see that personal item (a lady's hand bag, etc.) is sometimes quite large. Perhaps with those two pieces packing the necessary items will be a problem with a solution.
     
  11. BreakEven

    BreakEven High-Roller

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    Just going down to the 1 big suitcase will be a huge improvement over previous trips, so consider it a win if you're able to do that.

    And if this is on Alaska, you probably won't even have to wait for your bag. Almost every time I've taken them, the bags have gotten to luggage claim before I do. And they have a 20m baggage guarantee...https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/baggage-claim/20-minute-guarantee. Might be your first win in Vegas :)
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    As to CPAP - not sure if are also using the humidifier. I figured out I was just fine without it, which cut the size of that in half. Also have gotten good putting the tube in the top part of the suitcase and keeping it FLAT.

    We stopped checking bags a few years ago and never looked back. And the strange thing... we fly Delta and get free bags and Southwest and free bags. So not even a cost thing.
     
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  13. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Hmm.. consensus seems to be not to even try. :haha: There *is* a growing pile of things I think I'd like to have, but know I cant fit in the little suitcase.

    Last time I did carry on, it ended up getting checked anyway because there was no more bin space on the plane. :confused:

    Waiting for my pants to come out of the dryer and we will see what happens.

    I already roll my clothes and fill my shoes with socks. I just like to bring all the options, and maybe a few extra things, just in case. :haha:

    I love having the humidifier in Vegas because of the dry air.

    Disconnecting it doesn't look like an option for mine. I'll see if I can find the manual online, but I can't see how to take it off right now.
     
  14. ardee

    ardee It's only money.

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    Other than your carryon @Sonya, you might try using a messenger bag (or a backpack) as your "other" personal item as long as it can be tucked
    under the seat in front of you .
    I put my smaller purse and laptop in the messenger bag so nobody gives me trouble about having more than one personal item when boarding.
    (It's just a bunch of personal items tucked into one :))
    I also smoosh all the soft and lighter stuff (like bras, undies, light tees) in a zip-lock type bag and press out all the air, then stuff it in.
    Serves as protection for the laptop if it gets banged around a bit.
    It's also easier to throw your toiletries and other small items like your meds in that bag...for easier access when putting in the bins for
    security inspection.
    Even a lighter pair of walking shoes could fit in there with some careful coordination.
    You can wear the messenger bag as a crossbody while walking through the airport or over the handle of your carryon.
    Just sling it over your shoulder when you're boarding and roll the carryon and they generally won't look twice and you should be fine.

    It's amazing to see all the stuff business people often get away with carrying onboard...it can be very irritating to watch.
    Especially when you have to board a smaller plane for a connection.
    They'll have a roller case and set another bag on top of it...then cleverly cover it with a jacket so it looks like they're rolling on one bag.
    This is often when they're carrying another bag over their shoulder. No wonder there's almost always a logjam when boarding.
    They take forever putting their stuff up in the overhead bins ALONG with their jackets so others find it hard put their own carryon above
    or at least across from their own dang seat.
    Sorry for the inserted complaining. I try to just keep calm while traveling and go with the flow but sometimes... :cuss:.
    I hope you get everything you need packed and then you can relax and have a great time once you get to vegas. :beer:
     
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  15. LVisBeautiful

    LVisBeautiful High-Roller

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    As I have been in this situation many many times, I will share my packing tips:

    First if at all possible, MAIL the bag. Sometimes, its just the convenience of not having to lug in through the airport after a long flight. Other times, it costs less than actually paying the bag fees. You can put a luggage tag over your bag, and ask at Fedex, then watch the tracking as it comfortably arrives at your hotel. . Make sure the hotel knows to expect it, and watch for any additional fees the hotel may charge. Some of the strip hotels like Excalibur, have the fee on there, but don't want to enforce it as I have never paid.

    NEXT..they are going to ding you for that CPAP at TSA, so be ready for that, expect them to pull your bag and Unpack all your perfect packing. They literally can never put mine back together, its a pain.

    If not..as follows, in order of importance

    1. Underwear and Socks, these are must haves
    2. Black stretch pants, black shirt, yoga-style, extra. These things go everywhere, allow you to be comfy on the plane and double as night clothes.
    3. Black stretch palazzo pants, nice-style, for a show (preferably cotton/poly)
    4. Light Jean Jacket with bling/decorations on the sleeves and collar, this can go into a nice show, but also double as a regular jacket because a jean jacket its not too much
    5. At least ONE pair of donate-able jeans. Why? Because you will wear them, then donate them (aka leave them in the hotel room) on the way out and replace them with stuff you buy when you are there
    6. One long-sleeved black shirt and one short sleeve black shirt, both go underneath the jean jacket and also mix well with any shawl, scarf or cute sweater you may pick up while there. *note, this could also be white, I don't wear white shirts to Vegas, way too dangerous to spill, bump..etc
    7. All the toiletries, within reason, take out ANYTHING you don't use daily. If its not used daily, it doesn't go. Don't bring perfume, they have it there, you can get a free spray at the mall.
    8 Sunscreen and Sunglasses because its bright in Vegas.
    9. Accessories: earrings, one hypoallergenic pack, nothing dangly; no scarfs or extras, everything gets bought there..Shopping is important and best part of Vegas.

    For shoes, I have a black pair of leather shiny mules that go well with jeans, and also go out and match with the black fancy pants

    What not to bring:
    Bulky sweatshirt, You can get that there, it says Las Vegas on it, its about $19.99 and all over
    T-Shirts, again, you can get that there, they say Las Vegas and they are $1.99 and up everywhere
    Fancy Face cream, walk around Fremont enough and someone will bother you and give it to you for free (you gotta deal with the accosting, but worth it)
    Snacks - Just go to Walmart, they don't have fridges any more, so not worth it anyhow, expect to overpay for food. You cannot beat the house on that.


    This is literally all I bring, when it gets dirty, I pay the hotel to wash it and it magically comes upstairs pressed and ready. I also try to donate some stuff every time I go so I can bring home new clothes.

    I use a Spirit-Airlines friendly boarding blue bag, and I have room for my computer.

    GOOD LUCK, don't forget your trip report :)
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2018
  16. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    I would agree that some people do take way over the limit and are sometimes tricky about it. But, in general, the frequent travelers get pretty good about stashing stuff and getting out of the DAMNED AISLE. We did 4 flights this past week, and biggest holdups were people with one bag, usually small that just fiddled around, standing in the aisle. Then jacket off. Then digging phone out of pocket or purse.

    Can be just as bad getting off. People sit there waiting 10 minutes until there row is ready to leave, and then FINALLY start gathering their stuff. If there is more than 2 ft between you and the buy ahead of you - then you are holding the line (not speaking direct to you).

    If you can not even see the person ahead of you because they are off the plane, you need some serious help understanding there are other people in this world besides you!
     
  17. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Sorry - it has been many, many years since TSA has even looked at my CPAP. It is inside my roll on bag surrounded my all kinds of other stuff, including wires, etc. Really, I think it has been over 5 years and we travel often.
     
  18. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    Not sure if this has been mentioned but most airlines will allow you to bring a CPAP as a third carry on item. I’ve done this dozens of times with DAL and SW and have never even been questioned about it when boarding.

    :peace: :beer:
     
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  19. Fet297

    Fet297 113 survivor North Vegas

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    A CPAP does not count towards your carryon/personal allowance. As stated above TSA has not messed with my wife’s for over three years...
     
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  20. tee6395

    tee6395 Downtown Dreamer

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    I kind of cheat. I have a rolling carry on and then a GIANT purse/tote bag. I put my real purse in the tote bag along with whatever (shoes etc.) will not fit in my suitcase comfortably. I let it expand to roughly the size of the seat in front of me and stuff it in there. I have never had anyone question it at all. I also keep whatever I might want to use during the flight like laptop/tablet etc in it as it is very accessible during the flight. This has saved me numerous times. I'm a person that absolutely hates to wait on baggage. I can fit all of my clothes and toiletries without a problem in the carry on suitcase, but need that skosh more room for shoes or electronics etc.
     
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