How Much Room Under The Airline Seat?

As the overhead bins on most flights seem to get filled faster and faster, those of us who carry soft-sided, non-wheeled bags are sometimes given the option of putting those same bags underneath the seat in front of us..

But just how much room is available? That depends on the type of aircraft and airline. On some, the middle seat has the most room with the aisle or window seat the least. On others, a video control box takes up most of the room.

Up until now, it’s been difficult to find this information. However, here’s an article that gives some information:

Dimensions Under Airline Seats.

Another way to possibly get this information is to seek out the airlines’ under seat pet kennel dimensions. If your bag isn’t bigger than the pet kennel, it will fit under your seat.

Here’s a website with some information about this:

Dogjaunt: Airline Under Seat Measurements

If you know of any more, let us know.

Hong Kong Duck Deflated

On May 2, I reported on the 54 foot inflatable duck bobbing in Hong Kong harbor.

Well, I’m sad to report that the duck was found Wednesday morning somwhat deflated.

The question on everyone’s mind iis whether the deflation was part of routine maintenance or was it “fowl” play?

Airline Fee Fever

Don’t look for airlines to lower their ancillary fees anytime soon.

According to a recent U.S. Dept. of Transportation press release of preliminary data, U.S. airlines earned $3.5 billion in checked luggage fees and $2.6 billion in ticket change fees.

Delta was the big winner with revenues of $865.9 million and $778.4 million, respectively.

According to one industry analyst, all but the most expensive domestic fares are basically sold at break even prices. It’s the fees that help the airlines make money.

While I want to see the airlines make money, I’d rather carry-on my bag and spend the “checked bag fee” money on a nice meal.

Another Reason to Pack Noise Cancelling Headphones

It seems a woman on a recent LA-NY American Airlines flight decided to entertain her fellow passengers by singing a rendition of Whitney Houstons’ “I Will Always Love You” over and over again.

It got so irritating, a Federal Air Marshall on board placed her in restraints. But she kept on singing.

The pilot then made an unscheduled landing in Kansas City just so the woman could be escorted off. And the strange thing is, she kept singing even after being handcuffed and led off the plane

The woman was questioned and released without being charged. American Airlines, however, refused to fly her the rest of the way. Do you blame them?

Which brings up a question: What are your favorite noise cancelling headphones that aren’t so large they take up half a carry-on bag?

(Thanks to Paula Bag Less for alerting me to this story.)

Airlines Pay For Damaged Bags?

After reading about how airlines use loopholes to avoid paying for damaged bags , I had two quick thoughts:

1) been there, done that

2) you’ll understand why I keep this site going and travel the way i do.

For me, the ultimate was when I had to gate check a tiny roller bag—this was over 10 years ago—on an RJ and got it back with a zipper pull missing. Of course, they wouldn’t pay to fix it. But do you know how hard it is to open a zipper without a pull?

From then on, I only wanted to take a bag I knew would fit in alsmot any sized aircraft.

No wheels, no checking, no hassles.

Eagle Creek News & Sale

Eagle Creek is coming out with two new additions to their Specter line of ultralight packing cubes and folders.

The first is set of two Compression Cubes. You get a cube (14 x 10)  and a half cube (10 x 7). They are the same as the regular Specter cubes except they have a zipper that goes around the cube to compress them. ($38)

The second is a Specter version of the Tube cube. ($16)

Both of these will be available in July.

If you dont’ want to wait, the Container Store  has the Compression Cube set in stock in some of their stores.(It’s out of stock online.) And….it’s on sale for 25% off. In fact, much of the Container Store’s travel products are on sale including their entire line of Eagle Creek products. The sale is on until July 23.

And if that’s not enough, some of their Specter items come with a blue trim which is exclusive to them.

(I was at one of their stores this morning and did a bit of “travel goods” shopping including the above mentioned compression cubes.)

Still Not Sure If You Should Carry-On?

Twenty nine baggage handlers for Alitalia were recently arrested in Italy when cameras caught them stealing from passengers’ luggage.

Hidden cameras were placed in the cargo hold of numerous Alitalia aircraft—the one place the baggage handlers felt they were safe from scrutiny. The arrests were made at seven different airports in Italy, including in Rome, and an additional 57 are being questioned.

Here’s a video of the thieves in action:

Still want to check your bag? If you do, at least carry your valuables with you on the plane.

Gear Review: Lat 56 Small Messenger Case

I don’t normally review briefcase style messenger bags because they really don’t fit into the true onebagger philosophy. However, I know there are many of you out there who must travel with lots of equipment  for work purposes including, in some cases, two laptops. I realize that it is impossible for some, because of the requirements of their work, to be the ultimate onebagger but are doing their best to reach it.

So, why not include that group by introducing some bags that would help with the load.

Today I want to talk about the Lat 56 Small Messenger Case.

Anyone who follows this website knows that we have reviewed quite a few products by this company. Based in Scotland, they are known for their Military grade EVA material which I describe as sort of a rubbery, plastic material. (I’m sure they hate that. But it is what it is.)

Measuring 15.7” x 12.2” x 3.9” (40cm x 31cm x 10cm), the Small Messenger Case weighs 2.2 lbs (1kg). It holds approx 12L (732 cu in.)

On top is a padded handle with a D ring for the included padded shoulder strap and a loop for your brolly on each side.  (Not sure what a brolly is?  Google it. Okay, I’ll give you a hint—I’m not surprised it’s included considering the bag is from a British company. )

But I digress.

The back has a zippered pocket for magazines, files, etc. or can be unzipped at the bottom as well to act as a pass through should you wish to slide it on to the handles of a rolling case.

(Photo courtesy of Lat 56)

Once opened, the Messenger Case has a front organizer panel that includes a full length zippered pocket, two smaller pockets and three pen holders. (Note, while the picture shows one small magnet closing pocket and one small zipper closing pocket, my bag had two small magnet closing pockets.)

Inside the main compartment, there is a separate laptop section that will hold a laptop up to 13.3” and has a full length magnet closing top for extra protection. There should be enough room in the rest of the main compartment to hold an additional laptop. The entire compartment is lined with memory foam for extra protection but if you put a second laptop in the front portion of the main compartment, I would protect it with some type of cache just to be sure.

The bag is nice and definitely looks like it belongs in an urban environment—more briefcase than manbag/murse yet could easily be carried by a female in a nicely in a button down corporate or high tech world.

The Small Messenger case also offers a compromise for those who feel a soft messenger bag may not have enough protection for their electronics but also don’t want the weight and bulk of a hard sided case.

If this bag is not big enough, Lat 56 does offer a larger version.

The Lat 56 Small Messenger Case sells for $199.00

Lat 56 supplied the Small Messenger Case for review.

Unusual Sighting in Hong Kong Harbor

You don’t see this every day in Hong Kong:

(Photo courtesy of PA)

No, it’s not Photoshopped. It’s real. The duck is a 16 meter/54 foot artist rendering of the bathtub toy and is making its way around the world.

Imagine getting up in your hotel room, opening the drapes, and seeing this. I’d quit drinking for awhile.

Frontier Airlines To Start Charging Some Pax for Carry-On

Frontier Airlines becomes the third airline to charge for carry-on bags. But unlike Spirit and Allegient, the other two carriers who have this fee, Frontier’s will be limited to one type of customer.

Any passenger purchasing the “Basic” fare, only available on third party websites, will be charged between $25 and $100 depending on where they check in. The cheaper cost is if they check in online. If they book their tickets on Frontier’s website, there will be no charge.

Personal items that fit under the seat will still be allowed and are free.

The airline says that space in the overhead bins is getter harder and harder to find and they want to make sure their loyal customers get that space.

How they’re going to enforce this is your guess.

Additionally, anyone booking in “Basic” or “Economy,” the lowest fare offered directly by Frontier, will also begin to be charged for beverages on board. On the plus side, if you order a soft drink, you’ll get the entire can and if you order coffee, refills are free. Wow, just like in first class.

Let the nickel and diming continue!!!!

United Increases Change Fee

If you want to change your tickets on United Airlines, it will start to cost you more.

The airline has increased its domestic and Canadian destination change fee to $200 from $150 on its cheapest tickets. On South American routes the fee goes from $250 to $300. For Asia and Europe, it stays at $250.

So far, all of the other major airlines have stayed at $150 but only time will tell if they too increase their fees. Southwest doesn’t charge a ticket change fee.

Addendum:  4/24/13—US Airways has raised their fees to match United.

Leave the Knives Home for Now

You may remember in early March we reported that the TSA was going to allow passengers to carry knives  less than 2 1/3 inches long bag onto planes starting this Thursday.

Well, don’t rush to pack that “shiv.”

After much opposition, from flight attendants, air marshalls, and much of the general public, the TSA has decided to postpone their decision to allow greater feedback to their plans to change policy.

The delay also means no golf clubs, ski poles or baseball bats.

Shoes The Pros Wear

Recently, we’ve had discussion in our Reader’s Forum about shoes—with one admittedly started by me.

So isn’t it nice that the New York Times has an article today titled Shoes The Pros Wear. In it, they interviewed numerous tour guides in Europe and asked them what they wore.

Diane Von Furstenberg on Packing Light

I saw this video and thought it might be an inspiration to some:

Did you notice the graphic at 1:12. It seems her idea of “packing light” is three suitcases.

Problem Posting to Reader's Forum (Fixed)

It looks like the problem has been fixed. If anyone still has a problem, let me know.

In the meanwhile, I’ve disabled captcha on all postings. As long as spam doesn’t pile up, I’ll keep it off because, let’s face it, it’s annoying.  If  you see it back it’s because spam got out of  hand.

Can Printed Travel Guidebooks Survive?

Last year, there were two major sales that pretty much answered the above question.

The BBC sold the Lonely Planet series, which it bought in 2007, to an American digital media publishing house. A few months earlier, Frommers was sold to Google.

Both buyers placed an emphasis on digital content so it seemed the handwriting was on the wall.

But not so fast. Earlier this week, Google sold Frommers to, well, Arthur Frommer, the man who started it all in 1957. Frommer said that while they would be expanding the Frommer website and ebook line, they would also continue to publish the traditional travel guides.

Frommers has had numerous owners over the years including Simon & Schuster and John Wiley & Sons. And now it’s returned to where it all started.

So perhaps at least one portion of the travel guidebook industry will continue—for awhile. Personally, I think the move to ebooks and apps is the real  future for this genre.

Google stills owns Zagats so it’s possible that line may disappear from store shelves sometime in the near future.

Weighty Issues

Well, it’s finally happened. One airline has decided to start charging for seats based on your weight.

When you book a seat on Samoa Air you are asked to estimate the total weight of yourself and your luggage. You will then pay a certain rate per kilo. The less weight you bring on board, the less you pay. (Aren’t you glad you’re a onebagger!!!!). When you get to the airport, you and your bags are weighed. If you’re close to your estimate you’re good to go. If you are a lot more, you pay more. Don’t expect a refund if you paid too much.

And if that isn’t enough to get your diet started, Delta Airlines will begin unveiling  new, smaller lavatories  on the 737-900’s they plan to start flying later this. That’s right, smaller than the current ones.

While they won’t go into specifics, these new bathrooms will allow the airline to install four additional seats in coach.

Is it me or are airline flights getting to be on par with bad bus trips?

Gomadic Portable Chargers

We all travel with gadgets. It’s inevitable that, at some point, we’ll have to recharge them. Good luck finding an outlet in an airport that isn’t already being used, or an outlet on a plane that works. (Do they purposely make sure that no more than 50% of the power outlets on aircraft actually work?)

For the past few years, I worked around both issues and carried back up power for my Ipods, cell phones and small tablets.

One company I’ve been dealing with for years is Gomadic. They make top quality products, have excellent customer service and offer a lifetime warranty  guaranteeing all their products are free of any defects.

Gomadic uses a tip exchange system. Rather than carry multiple charging cables, Gomadic allows you to change the tip (plug) so you can use one cable with many devices. This saves weight and space.

Gomadic offers two backup power chargers for small devices:

The first one (seen on the far left in the above photo) is the AA Battery Extender. It takes four AA batteries, either standard or rechargeable, has an on/off switch, and weighs 4.8oz/137g (with batteries.) The AA Battery Exender comes with a tip of your choice. $19.95

It is simple to use. Just attach the tip you need, plug it in to your device, and turn it on. I’ve been able to fully recharge an Ipod Touch with this. I  liked it and only recently stopped using it because of the next device.

The Lithium Rechargeable Pack (second from the left in the above photos) holds 3400 mah of power and can be recharged from any USB port. It offers an LED display to let you know approximately how much charge is left. It weighs 3 oz/84g and comes with a coiled USB cord, a mini-USB tip for charging, and a tip of your choice. I used my Gomadic rectractable cable (far right in the photo above) in lieu of the coiled cable and it worked fine.) $49.95 (By the way, the other two items in the photos are examples of “tips.”)

The Lithium Rechargeable Pack utilizes both a standard USB and mini USB port so you don’t have to use Gomadic cables if you prefer not to.

The rechargeable pack has given me hours of extra time on my iphone and 7” tablet. I won’t travel without it.

While the devices come with a tip of your choice, I’ve purchased extras of all types. Most are $5.95.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Why spend all that money on charging cables and tips when you can buy Chinese knockoffs for much less. Well, I have purchased those Chinese knockoffs. Some work, some don’t work, some stop working when I need them. With Gomadic, I’ve never had a product fail on me.

It’s also their customer service. I’ve been in touch with the company numerous times to ask questions. They have never taken more than one business day to get back to me and in most cases, the same day.

But two incidents stand out that have proven they care about their customers.

The AA battery extender I mentioned above is the 2nd generation model. I purchased the first generation when it came out years ago. It worked fine with my cellphone and mp3 player but it wouldn’t work on my Ipod Touch 2nd generation. I contacted Gomadic, they said they were aware of the problem, and were working on it.

Shortly thereafter, they came out with the 2nd generation battery extender. Being the cheapskate that I am, and a true believer in the phrase: “You don’t get if you don’t ask,” I contacted Gomadic and asked, since I already owned the first generation model, and couldn’t charge my Ipod Touch, if they’d be willing to sell me a 2nd generation model at a discount. The response was unexpected. They would be glad to send me the newer model at “no charge.” (Now in case some of you are thinking I got that because of this website, well, this was done before I was involved with OBOW. I was just another customer.)

The second incident took place a few months ago when I got my Iphone 5. Apple has yet to license any of the new “Lightning” tips to 3rd parties including Gomadic. So, to use the Gomadic system, it was suggested I use the  charging cable that came with the iphone and a USB tip. I already had a USB tip to use when charging my camera battery. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. I contacted Gomadic and found I needed a different USB tip and they would be happy to send me one at no charge. ( I found that many of the tips may look the same but the inside wiring is different.)

Yes, I do pay a little more using Gomadic products. However, between their quality products, and excellent customer service, I feel I’m getting my money’s worth.

Gomadic supplied the Lithium Rechargeable Pack for review.

More Budget Airlines to Charge for Carry-On

A large group of budget airlines from all over the world have announced they will begin to charge for carry-on bags.

The International Budget Airline Association (IBAA) said the majority of their members voted to begin universal  carry-on bag charges. Beginning today, all carry-on bags will be measured and charged at a rate of $1/1 Pound/1Euro, and so on, per inch. So, a full size carry-on of 45 linear inches would cost $45. Additionally, any bag weighing over 10 lbs would get charged an additional dollar per pound.

The IBAA claims these additional costs are needed to help offset rising fuel prices and the increased demands for outrageous bonuses and golden parachutes by the airlines senior executives.

In a surprise move, Spirit Airlines, only one of two U.S. based carriers to already charge for carry-ons, said the would lower the free carry-on size to that of a one quart ziploc bag—similar to what is currently allowed for liquds through security. Anything larger would be charged at the new rate.

Other revenue producing programs being considered include:

“Auctions for Food”— Under this new policy, no food or drink would be allowed to be brought on board. The airline would only bring enough food for about half the passengers. Instead of charging a set fee, each food or drink item would be auctioned off.

“Lavatory by the Minute”—In this scenario, a passenger would swipe his or her credit card to get into the lavatory. There would be an initial charge of $2 to unlock the door, and then a meter would run charging 50 cents per minute. (The concept came to one of its members as he took a taxi to the airport.)

The IBAA said for the first time representatives from the world’s major air carriers attended their recent meeting in Cyprus to see if they could “borrow” some of these revenue enhancing schemes.

Gear Review: The Travel Halo

This may sound surprising to some, but I have a hard time sleeping on airplanes. I just can’t get comfortable enough to doze off and rest. I don’t trust the cleanliness of the pillows offered by the airlines and I can’t stand the inflatable “things” called neck pillows. Very uncomfortable.

I recently heard about a new product that is supposed to make sleeping easier. It’s called The Travel Halo

 The Travel Halo is basically a stretchable  headband with two pillows sewn into the back of the headband and a fold down travel mask on the front.

The pillows are placed at 8 and 4 o’clock and act like chocks to stabilize the head and prevent it from rolling to one side. The fold down travel mask prevents light from disturbing your slumber.

The Travel Halo rolls up nicely into the included carry pouch. While rolled up it can fit in your hand. It’s made of polyester and spandex and weighs a whopping 2.5 oz.

Their website said it can not only be used on planes but also on high back chairs so I tested it on my own recliner. I put it on, rolled down the eye mask to block out all light, laid back and fell asleep. My head did not roll during the nap and no light got in preventing me from sleeping.

If there’s one drawback, it’s this. I have a large head. (Keep your comments to yourself.) I mean that literally not figuratively. (Okay, maybe figuratively too but that has nothing to do with this review.) With that in mind, I did find the head band to be fairly tight. There is no way to adjust the size of the headband. Perhaps future models can incorporate an adjustable ‘Velcro closure. Or perhaps over time the headband will loosen slightly to make it more comfortable for people like me.

 The Travel Halo sells for $29. It’s lightweight and it works. And did I mention it won Third Place in the Product Innovation Award category at this year’s Travel Goods Show? (The rest of the winners were wheeled bags.) It’s machine washable and is made in Colombia.

Disclosure: The Travel Halo company suppled a Travel Halo for review. OBOW is an Amazon affiliate and will receive a small commission for any items purchased through the Travel Halo link in the previous paragraph.

Photos courtesy of The Travel Halo.