6th in the "Are you ready to check-off “Visit my Clan Homelands” on your bucket list?" series
How do you pack for a trip? This may be a silly question but for international traveling, it really isn’t. The next few blogs will cover 1. Deciding on the size of your main Luggage and Carry-On Bags; 2. Organizing (you’re your stuff to pack) and 3. Items to pack to be used outside your Luggage when out and about.
One thinks t
hat if you go to Scotland during the Summer months that shorts are the normal attire and less to pack. This is a myth! In all the years I have been traveling to Scotland, the only time I wore shorts was in July, 2006 and that was a mistake. Remember, Scotland can have 3 seasons year round (Sun, Rain, possible Snow pending the month and the temp could still be only 50-60’s in summer).
My average trip to Scotland is usually 11 days. I have used both a carry-on or a large suitcase size. I use carry-on more often when traveling by train and buses because sometimes I had to carry the bag up/down stairs at the stations or onto buses. The large check-in size I have used on less occasions but when I am only traveling via a hire (rental) car or when I am based in one city or only have 1–2 cities destinations. You also have to consider size when traveling via plane (usually Loganair) from the mainland to the Outer or Inner Hebrides such as Glasgow to Barra. You are even more limited in weight, even if the suitcase is a full size bag.
With this bit of info, you need to choose your Main Check-In Luggage to accommodate clothing and other necessary items. Ask yourself these questions: How long is my trip? How will I be traveling once arrived, by train or plane which will determine what size suitcase you will utilize. If children are traveling as well, how or where shall I pack their clothes and accessories? Will it be a full size bag with both Children and your items? For 11 days with a carry-on bag (but is checked in) and then a smaller bag/backpack to carry on, I have taken 4 pair of pants, 2 tops per pant, appropriate undergarments, one extra pair of shoes and toiletries in my carry-on bag that I check in and then my smaller bag (that can be attached to the carry-on later) has one day of clothing (in check-in bag lost or delayed), medications, electronics, travel folder and munchies but I can still fit my little baggellini bag in the small bag as well.
Luggage Weights
Some international airlines have different size, pound and piece restrictions based on fare class and travel zones. Overall, the average weight and size for checked bags is 50 p
ounds and 62 inches. Average maximum size for carry-on luggage is 45 inches.
Loganair Hand Luggage: Loganair allows Fly and Fly Flex passengers to carry one item of hand luggage weighing up to 6 kg only and with maximum dimensions of 40 x 35 x 18 cm (including handles and wheels). Fly Flex + passengers may bring one 6 kg bag, plus a laptop. Loganair Hold Luggage Allowance: Fly and Fly Flex passengers may check up to 20 kg across a number of bags. Fly Flex + passengers may check 30 kg. Passengers can only check 15 kg on inter-isle services and on routes to /from Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown. Loganair excess baggage fees.
However, if these weight allowances are exceeded, baggage will only be accepted if space is available on board, at an additional charge of £10, with a further £10 charge for any additional items of luggage.
Now that you have determined which size you will check-in and what you will actually carry-on the plane, we will discuss the organizing and packing tools on the next blog!
As always,
Gwen
Gwenmcn.cmaa@gmail.com