How to pack for a weekend getaway with just a personal item

If you’ve traveled on a budget airline lately, you know the no-frills approach means that pretty much everything, including overhead bin space, has a price. Standard carry-on luggage, for

example, can cost more than $60 one way depending on the airline and route. But there is a way around baggage fees if you’re willing to rethink your packing strategy. All major airlines

allow passengers to bring one personal item on board for free. Personal items are considerably smaller than traditional carry-on bags, but you can fit a good amount in the space if you get

creative. It may be worth the effort if you’re one of the many older adults planning on taking a shorter trip. A recent AARP survey found that weekend getaways were popular among travelers

50-plus planning a trip this year. Beyond the obvious cost savings, several other benefits come with packing a personal item only, says Sally French, a travel expert at the finance site

NerdWallet. Among them: no struggling to lift a suitcase into the overhead bin, asking another passenger for help or stressing whether there will be room in the first place. “I can relax and

let everyone board ahead of me because all I need is the space under my legs,” says French, who has taken dozens of flights with only a personal item. If this packing strategy sounds

tempting for your next trip, here’s what to know, including insider tips from travelers who have mastered it. PICK THE RIGHT BAG Choosing the right-sized bag is essential. Most airlines,

including budget carriers, specify that a personal item cannot exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including the handles, wheels and straps. Perhaps most importantly, it must fit under the seat in

front of you, but since seat dimensions can vary slightly between airlines, it’s a good idea to check your carrier’s specific requirements online beforehand. For many travelers, a backpack

is ideal. They’re convenient to carry, with plenty of pockets to keep everything organized, and a soft structure that can be compressed to fit under the seat. To minimize weight, consider a

day pack from an outdoor retailer, such as the North Face, Osprey or REI, that uses lightweight materials. In addition, there’s a growing category of bags specifically designed as a personal

item, some with wheels for even easier transport. An online search for the terms “under-seat luggage” and “personal item backpack” turns up many options in a range of prices.