luggage with ziplock bags

[epenrod]

This is really an add on to a previous post, but I can not find it, so I'll start a new one.

Someone recommended that you use oversized zip lock bags to pack things in your suitcase. You can push them down to get the air out and it saves space.
The other thing they pointed out is that if you are overweight on a bag at the airport, you can open up and pull out a zip lock bag or two and make a quick and efficient transfer.

We found ourselves in that position when checking in at the Cancun airport on the way back. So here is how I did it, and it worked great!

I weighed the first bag and saw how much I was over the limit. I took it off and weighed the next one to see how far it was under. Our limit was 50lbs each, so I checked to see that the total was not over 100. I laid the two of them out, knowing how much weight I needed to transfer. I reached into the overweight one and pulled out a zip lock bag and put it on the scale to see what it weighed by itself. That one back did the trick. It all took a couple of minutes and the rest of the line didn't get to see what you pack for Desire Too bad for them.

Thanks to the person that posted this idea first. It worked very well.
epenrod

[dnbinmi]

Plus if you have soft side luggage and it is pouring rain when your suitcases are taken off the plane, your clothes stay dry. We also find using the ziplock bags as an efficient way of packing and unpacking. I pack outfits for a couple of nights per bag, usually in order. Also if you roll the clothes they don't wrinkle as much as just folding them into the suitcase.

Another advantage is if your suitcase is chosen for inspection, coming or going you don't have someone rummaging through your clothes and stuff. They usually just look at the bags. We also pack two huge ziplock bags in case there is rain in the forecast. We put a towel and our belongings by the pool or beach in this when we go to lunch or take a walk or break. We refer to them as our "towel condoms" - keeping them safe and dry

[RedBaron3]

We have a number of vacuum bags for luggage, available at AAA, for one place. All you have to do is put your folded-up stuff in the bag and either draw it down with a vacuum cleaner or roll it up tight and force the air out. It reduces packed volume a lot.

[westcpl]

We have a number of vacuum bags for luggage, available at AAA, for one place. All you have to do is put your folded-up stuff in the bag and either draw it down with a vacuum cleaner or roll it up tight and force the air out. It reduces packed volume a lot.

That is a great idea, of which I have considered many times. However, how does one vacuum it out at the resort to pack to come home?

[zorktaylor]

The bags have special valves that allow you to roll up (or I guess, sit on) the bags to get the air out. Not quite as good as the vacuum method but it works very well. I guess you could find a friendly maid and borrow her vacuum for a few minutes.

[dandm]

Zip lock bags are also the only way to travel when you're bringing special toys". That way, if they do get flagged and search your bags, they can see what you have without actually touching it.