Luggage size?

I always use a carry on sized bag when traveling. To me it is much easier than checking a bag and you don't have to worry about it going missing.

Just take a carry on size on wheels each. You will save so much time in the airport and won't have space to pack a a bunch of outfits you won't need!

62”?!? Do you mean 26”? 😂😂😂
A 26” suitcase is typically considered a ‘medium’ checked bag. I think for 5 days on an island you two can probably squeeze both of your belongings in one 26” checked bag plus your carryon items. A 29” suitcase is a larger checked bag. 29” is good when you need lots of space, like in winter if your packing a pufffer coat. A 29” is more of a hassle though if you ever go traveling overseas where you’ll take planes and trains to get around. The other caution with the 29” is that it’s easier to pack more than the included weight. I’m more likely to over pack a heavy bag (thus paying an additional fee or overweight bag) when using my 29” than my 26”. I’m happy I have both, but if I could only have one I’d probably choose the 26” since it’s more easier to maneuver and less likely to be overpacked. 😊

Make sure whatever luggage you select has 360 degree spinning wheels. It makes such a huge different maneuvering through the airport or train station!

Double check the statement that 'international' flights include one free bag. For baggage purposes, I don't believe Jamaica is considered 'international'. Yes, it is another country...but AA classifies the Caribbean as "U.S." for baggage purposes.

See the information at:

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage-policy.jsp

I agree about maxing out at 26" with four full-spinning wheels. We really like our Travelpro luggage (frequently on sale at Macy's and gets high ratings; we've used it on several trips and it's held up really well compared with other sets we've had over 30+ years). We originally bought the 29", but then I realized its overall dimensions exceeded some US airlines' maximum and might result in oversized baggage charges, so we returned it. We also have a couple of different size/dimensioned carry-on pieces. I love the 2-wheel underseat carry-on (it truly fits under the seat, so you're okay if the overhead bins are packed) and H likes the 21" four-wheel carry-on.

If I were to be buying luggage, I would get a smaller suitcase that counts as a carry-on and one larger one as a checked bag. Definitely choose something with wheels, preferably with four swivel wheels, and an extending handle. I also would go with a lightweight plastic case since they prevent liquids from seeping in, whether it be from rain or someone else's suitcase leaking God knows what. And if you can, choose something of the ugliest color you can find. No one else buys the ugly colors, so it's super easy to find at baggage claim. My mom found mine at TJ Maxx a few years ago for my Christmas present, and it's an awkward purple plaid color. I never have to worry about picking someone else's luggage up by mistake!

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62" linear LOL. I didn't even think about going over the weight limit with the bigger bag.

Thanks for the advice!

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I never thought about it not being included in the "international". Thank you!!!

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Thanks for the suggestion!! I'll look into them!

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Do you think we should both have a carry-on?

I love the idea of getting an ugly color! Maybe even being able to buy one on clearance if it is undesirable lol.

I fly a ton. Go with two carry-on sized bags. If your bag is too big and weighs too much, you will be charged more and the risk of losing your bag increases if it is not considered "standard" sized or weight.

I second the 360 degree wheels. I recommend Away Travel The Bigger Carry-On. That way you have the option of both carry-on or checking the bags. I always carry-on, but that is a personal preference.

https://www.awaytravel.com/suitcases/bigger-carry-on?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8JPI7dGF5gIVAYeGCh3vvw4VEAAYASACEgJX6vD_BwE

It depends! A lot of people are awesome bringing carry ons for 1-2 week trips and just pack super efficiently. It also depends on baggage fees and what you want to pay. I really like Calpak luggage (it was on Oprah's Favorite Things for this year) so I am getting a two piece set with a carry on then large bag. Prior to that, we had American Tourister carry on bags and they lasted 5+ years on a ton of trips.

I definitely recommend each having your own bag! It will lessen the burden and help with organization.

For a 5 day trip (especially where you’ll be wearing bathing suits and light clothes most of the time) I wouldn’t bother checking a bag. It’s a huge hassle and you just won’t need that much stuff. I’ve managed to pack for 2 weeks in a carryon only 🤷🏻‍♀️


I’d look up the sizes for carryon luggage and each get one of those. Then you’re also allowed a “personal item” to put under the seat in front of you, so I’d get something that size too (you can also look up the sizing requirements for that... and it’s definitely different for different airlines so be sure to check! Like I know delta and JetBlue’s is smaller than American Airlines). A lot of people will just use a purse or a briefcase as your personal item but you’re actually allowed bigger than that, so if you’re wanting to bring more stuff you should definitely get the biggest “personal item” allowed lol.

Oh you said you’re flying American! This is what I have that I put under the seat as my personal item. It fits on American Airlines! https://www.google.com/shopping/product/11129158365762134155?q=samsonite+luggage&client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=375&bih=635&tbs=cat:107,pdtr0:868545|868570,vw:g,init_argRKAghrSgpSCAjBgTUg2oE1SgeyBAQI-rAg,ss:44&prmd=sinv&sxsrf=ACYBGNTeR3zQIMKbswthQpl5QS34knx5jQ:1574793067931&prds=epd:15312164642044097789,paur:ClkAsKraX6PhtBn6U3JM4dt92vsforVHS4GJf6WH0ML04ZDTin-j2AfaVHKaDTaCz1DWKDUhDfrbgDCAt-1VV3JZIa0I-_FDnSgYMW1GpUyw_zQxLt0SC5kGFRIZAFPVH71j__Qqo_qjSsoYBu8v5wkRhMODBQ,cdl:1,prmr:1,cs:1


And this is what I use as a carryon. https://www.google.com/shopping/product/545707445910535874?q=samsonite+luggage&client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=375&bih=635&tbs=cat:107,pdtr0:868545|868570,vw:g,init_argRKAghrSgpSCAjBgTUg2oE1SgeyBAQI-rAg,ss:44&prmd=sinv&sxsrf=ACYBGNTeR3zQIMKbswthQpl5QS34knx5jQ:1574793067931&prds=num:1,of:1,epd:9421396410348996367,paur:ClkAsKraX052Fjp-67Q0f-9GDwsMusB01c0X0YxHvF2W6481aEUuF2nGn6QCMlmI-o_HEyHncSncC8Rabyos5AwLpxPQo2lhyvK9jXzyXwYLiIhbXLQYW_PBSBIZAFPVH72Q7gylcL8KEtU8JUwXKV6QktGhCw,prmr:1,cs:1

Samsonite is a very reliable brand! Also AFTER youre all packed just make sure to measure the suitcase again to make sure the dimensions are still the right size for a carryon. Sometimes if you pack the bag very full it’ll get a little bigger and then won’t be the right size anymore!

Stay away from super large ones. They seem like a great idea - but it's HARD to stay under the weight limit. Agree with PP's that two smaller sizes would be best.