Is a 29-inch suitcase too big?

[gmoney]

I want to be able to pack my tripod for my trip out to AZ this weekend, so I went luggage shopping. They had a 29-inch high bag that I liked, but it just looked massive, and I was wondering if it would cause problems in traveling (other than possibly not fitting in the trunk of some small cars). I wish I'd brought the tripod with me to the store so I could see if it needs that huge one to fit, or if it'll go in the 24-inch American Tourister that looks a bit more reasonable. The good news is they're both half-price today, so price isn't a big issue.

I don't know, can you ever have too much space? If I'm going to check a bag, shouldn't I CHECK a BAG?

[LeftyMom]

1. For a checked bag?

I should hope not. My checked bag is WAY bigger than that. I think you could stuff a body into it and still have room for a week's worth of clothes. The nice thing is, when I use it (for shorter trips I just use a small rollaboard and my laptop bag) I can generally get away with just using that and my laptop bag. I'd rather check one big bag than a whole bunch of small ones, especially since most airlines charge for more than one checked bag now.

The thing to pay attention to is the weight limit. The charges if your bag is overweight tend to be a bit crazy, so you'll want to make sure you stay under that. On some trips I've put my suitcase on a scale at home if I wasn't sure, or needed to pack as much in as possible without going into extra charges.

[gmoney]

3. Cool!

Thanks for the tip. Yeah, I need to have my camera case be the carry-on for obvious reasons. It'd be nice if I could figure out a way to squeeze my laptop into the camera case, too. Maybe I'll just take my old "beater" laptop and throw it in the checked bag. If it got stolen, not that big a deal.

Sorry to think out loud about my luggage neurosis here on this esteemed political forum... but I appreciate the help of relatively sane and seasoned travelers.

:)
G

[kiva]

2. Whatever size you get, make sure it's a spinner (can roll

any direction), they are soooo much easier to haul around, even in the larger sizes. A friend got one, and I'm massively jealous when we travel together, but can't convince myself that I need to replace non-spinner, still in good shape, luggage.

[gmoney]

4. spinners look OK for smooth surfaces, but how are they on rougher ground?

Turns out this is my 7777th post... and this is how I use it? LOL

They don't look good for "dragging" behind you, but rather it seems it has to roll beside you. is that accurate?

[kiva]

5. Not so well on rough ground. They are great for

airports and sidewalks, and maneuvering off and on trains and buses. They can take the strain off of your arm and shoulders that comes with 'towing' a bag behind you, but I guess it depends on the terrain. On smooth surfaces you can push them, pull them, or walk them along beside you, depending on the easiest way to get through a crowd. Hope you have fun on your trip!

[SacredCow]

6. For a checked bag, it's surely no problem....

WEIGHT is what the airlines are keying in on now. They supposedly won't do a curbside check of a bag weighing more than 50 lbs (though a tip goes a long way). And, over 50 lbs they *might* charge you more. I've had bags that tipped the scale at 55 lbs, but they just let it go.