Travel Advantage

When planning to fly for a vacation or business trip it is a good idea to check the airline regulations.  All airlines may not be the same.  This article will cover baggage requirements and animal carriers if you’re planning to fly with your pet.

Carry-Ons or Checked Baggage

When measuring your luggage, take the length + width + height = total inches.  The standard dimension that is allowed for a carry-on is 45 inches.  Some bags have an odd shape but may be within the total inches allowed but the airline may still reject that item.

When shopping for a duffel bag, suitcase or any type of carry-on beware that some stores may advertise these as carry-ons but when measured they are not what is accepted, sometimes they are larger.  Also measure your carry-on from the outside not the inside dimensions.  It is also a good idea to take your measurements when the bag is fully packed for your trip.  This will give you accurate measurements when the outside pockets are filled and if your luggage is expandable.  Measuring your luggage when it is empty to fully packed could add inches to your dimensions.

If you have ever taken a carry-on with you on the plane and try to stuff it in the overhead compartment and it doesn’t fit most chances are that it will not fit under the seat in front of you.  So before you fly always measure your carry-ons.  It is alot easier to check the bag when checking in for your flight than having the problem after you have boarded on the plane.

Did You Know

The space under the seats in front of you are not made the same.  Some airlines have made this space smaller due to electronic devices that were installed.  Did you also know that the space under the aisle seat is smaller than the space under the wing seat, leaving the center seat with the most space.  The amount of space is due to the braces and frames of the seats.

It’ not a bad idea to take a smaller carry-on instead of a larger one, you won’t have the headache of trying to stuff the bag under the seat when it doesn’t fit and annoy the passenger in front of you. 

Most airlines will allow one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.  The personal item which is allowed cannot be no more than 36 inches when you add the length + width + height so that it fits in an overhead bin or under the seat.  Carry-on items do not have extra charges, but the airlines are strict with these rules.  If you items are not allowed as carry-ons you will have to have these checked and most times they will incur extra charges.

Not all domestic and international carry-on policies are the same.  Even the weight limits vary depending on the size of the plane and where you may fly.  Remember to check with your airline.

Checked Baggage

Most of the checked baggage policies have changed and airlines are tighting up.  Most airlines are now restricting passengers to one piece of luggage weighing no more than 50 lbs.  Some airlines are even charging an extra fee for the first checked bag. 

When booking in coach or first class the weight limit will vary.  When flying inside the US you will have a maxium weight allowance but flying international the weight limit will be different.  Make sure you know what is the maxium weight allowance traveling from one country to another.  

Any airline can charge an outragious amount for luggage being over weight.  Many luggage pieces may weight 10 – 20 lbs. depending on the size so always weigh your luggage once you are fully packed.  Purchasing a luggage scale to weigh your bag would be a good investment.  They are small enough to pack and take with you.  Most people buy souveniors to bring home to friends and family which could add to the weight on your return trip.  So pack being under weight before leaving and this will allow you for alittle extras on return home.

Airline Regulations for Pet Travel

Most airlines require you make a reservation when traveling with your pet.  There are only a certain number of pets allowed on a single flight.

Pet are allow on domestic flights within the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix.  From the U.S. to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean provided the country of arrival permits entry.  Carry-on pets are NOT ALLOWED to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific or Central and South America.

Airlines have applicable charges for pets.  Certain guidelines must be followed to permit a pet when flying.

Pets are NOT allowed outside their carrier at any time during flight.

Pets may only travel upon payment of the applicable charges.
 
Pet Carrier Guidelines

The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high. Soft-sided pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides.

A pet kennel counts as either a passenger’s one carry-on bag or personal item – a cabin pet charge still applies.

Number of Pets Allowed

Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger may be accepted for travel in the cabin. The kennel may contain two (2) dogs or two (2) cats but they must be the same species, at least 8-weeks old, and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.

Pets Traveling As Checked Baggage

Checked pets do not need a reservation for most airlines. Participants of dog shows should be aware that capacity is sometimes reached and checked pets are accepted on a first come basis.

Kennels must be constructed of wood, metal, plastic or a similar material, leak-proof, escape proof and door must fasten securely and need ventilation on 2-sides in addition to the door. Kennels must also have a water container with outside access for filling, in case a delay occurs.  Collapsible Kennels (those which can fold down flat) can not be accepted due to the risk of collapse during transport.  The maximum weight of a checked pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100 lbs.

Temperature Restrictions have been established by some airlines to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure.

Always check with your airline for their regulations when flying with your pet.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com

How to Deal with the New Airline Baggage Regulations

It’s always a good idea to know what is necessary to pack when camping or hiking in the wilderness.
Most people think they can adventure out in the wilderness without having any basic ideas for survival.  I researched and came across The Wilderness Training Institute which is a practical customized 1-day course in Basic Wilderness Survival and Safety.

It is specifically designed for both the novice user and the experienced outdoorsmen, as it is the first course of its kind covering basic preparedness and avoidance skills, priority survival skills and survival kit/gear/clothing selections for wilderness backcountry.

Listed Are A Few Things To Know
When camping or hiking take emergency food on any trip over and above your regular food supply.  If you get lost you will be able to survive until rescuers are able to locate you.

Which type of food, consider energy bars, chocolate and canned goods.  You want food that will not spoil, but remember to purchase the canned goods with the lift of lids or pack an opener.  It is a good idea to pack any perishables in a plastic container to keep them dry if it rains and to keep any bugs out.

Know how to dress, check temperatures before starting your wilderness adventure.  It’s always a good idea to dress in layers.  If the temperature rises during the day, you can always take off a layer or two and when the temperatures dip down at night these extra layers will help keep you warm.  Maintaining your body temperature is one of the most important aspects of surviving.  Always remember bad weather can set in at any time, so be prepared.  Try to find shelter from the extreme heat or extreme cold.

Keep your body hydrated with plenty of water.  You need to pack extra liquids with you.  Sweating creates lose of water in your body.  You can survive a long time without food but you must stay hydrated.  If your are near a river or stream and the water is clear, it would be a good idea to drink the water and keep your body hydrated.

Always pack a first aid kit in your hiking or camping gear.  Bandages, aspirin, bug repellent, gauze, iodine just for any scraps or bruises.

It just takes a little common sense to pack your backpack with the travel gear you may need.  Having a flashling, swiss knife and a pack of matches or lighter to start a fire is a must.  So just educating yourself before adventuring out in the wilderness can save your life.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

If you’re already sick of hearing about the iPad, then reading about an iPad bag probably isn’t your idea of fun. But maybe you’re just excited enough about Apple’s new tablet that you want to think about what kind of snazzy carrier you’ll slip it in when you’re on the go. For you, then, Magnetism Studios has announced a pair of sleeves, a Sling and an Envelope.

A sling bag is a type of bag that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Although they are similar to a messenger bag, sling bags are often smaller.

Sling bags are for people that need to have their hands free to carry other items and are constantly on the move. You can use a sling bag to carry your laptop, books for school and traveling. Sizes vary for the sling bags, so you will need to choose which size will best fit your needs. One smaller to carry your personal items or larger for school and travel.

Selecting the right size is only one consideration, choosing which material the sling is made from is the next choice. Sling bags are made of 600d polyester, 420 jacquard, canvas, leather and nylon.
You want to choose which type of material depending on the weight of the items, choosing a bag with sturdier material for heavier weight and thinner material for lighter weight items.

Also consider the strap width when selecting a sling bag. Do you need a strap that is adjustable, this allows you to shorten or lengthen for better comfort.  The wider straps tend to be more comfortable and won’t dig into your shoulder, while skinny straps may break and cause shoulder pain.

Most sling bags have inside hidden pockets that are zippered to hold personal items and outside pockets for carrying your cell phone, water bottles and other personal items.  Some even have an organizer pocket inside its front zip pocket for a PDA, cards, pens & notes. 

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

Organic Market Bag Set

So many people are looking to Go Green using recycled or organic bags known to be eco friendly.  Reading up on some articles, I came across an article where Washington DC starting collecting a fee for every bag a shopper uses.  So if you’re planning a trip to DC you may want to read up on the fee.

Helping to protect our environment is to reuse bags that are made from recycled materials which are earth friendly and functional.  Even organic bags made from cotton are a natural product that is completely biodegradable, so they won’t sit in a landfill.  Ideal for eco-conscious consumers and companies.  Switching from plastic bags to an eco friendly bag not only saves the environment this also saves on oil that can be used for energy and less trees that need to be cut down for paper bags.

Here are a few facts to consider using Eco Friendly Bags vs Paper or Plastic.

•The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 380 billion plastics bags are used and disgarded every year in the U.S.

•Thousands of mammals in our oceans die every year due to the plastic bags they think are food.

•Contamination of soil and water is caused by plastic bags that break down in small toxic particles.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com

Tote Bags

Tote bags are used for a variety of different uses today, like a woman’s carry bag, craft and school projects, shopping trips and even for carrying a laptop.  Totes are an accessory and are available in different sizes, colors, shapes and fabric. They are available in different shoulder lengths, compartments, zippers, accessory pockets and some are rolling.

Knowing which tote bag to choose.  Small totes can be accessorized for outfits, medium totes may be used projects and large totes can be used for school and shopping trips.  Do you choose nylon, cotton canvas, polyester or leather.  Nylon is a thin material for lightweighted items, polyester is more durable, cotton canvas is the most durable for heavyweighted items and the most fashionable is leather.

If you’re traveling or going shopping then a rolling tote bag would be a great idea.  Rolling totes contain various compartments, extended handle lengths and a carry handle.  Some rolling shopping totes have wheels that fold in and the tote also folds for easy storage.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com

Drawstring Bags

A drawstring bag is designed to open wide for easy loading and cinch tight for travel.  The bag is circular at the bottom and is usually carried on one shoulder or as a backpack.  These bags may be used by students for gym class, carrying a lightweight jacket, craft projects and even birthday parties for the kids to decorate.

If you searching for drawstring bags made of canvas, cotton, nylon or polyester, Get a Bag has a large selection to choose from.  They are available in various sizes and colors to match school or company colors or just select your favorite color.  Some of the drawstring bags have a front pocket that are zippered for storage of a water bottle or other accessories.

Drawstring bags can be decorated for a birthday party, sports team or any company function.  You can add embroidery, fabric paints, beads, screen print, ribbons and even tye dye if they are made of cotton. 

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

Tote Bag

A woman’s accessory will include totes that are used as a handbag or purse.  Some are for shopping and others may be for a broad range of items.

Tote bags come in so many different shapes and sizes.  A tote bag is defined as a capacious bag or basket, they carry any necessary items for school, day at the beach and shopping.  Certain companies even require a clear tote bag for work.  Just look around to see how many different ways to use a tote.  Totes are made from polyester, nylon, canvas, cotton, recycled and polypropylene.  Some are gusseted, which will expand the bag to allow more room for bulky items, some have zippered main compartments to conceal your contents.  The carry handles are in different lengths to carry over the shoulder or just by the straps.  Several tote bags will have more than just the main compartment, they may have an inside pocket, an outside front pocket and even a mesh pocket on the side to hold a water bottle or cell phone. 

Laptop totes for women and even rolling totes for shopping are available in great colors and different fabrics like leather.   Foldable totes are a must for traveling to fit inside your luggage without a hassle.  You can even see grocery stores and department stores that offer an eco friendly tote for a customer to purchase that is reusable every time they shop.  This saves our environment from the pollution of plastic bags.

Tote bags can be purchased for minimum quanities, even if you’re in the market for one or two, at Getabag.  If you’re looking for large quanity orders, contact us.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

Insulated coolers have been around for quite sometime.  They have developed from a plastic lined cooler to an insulated bag.  Coolers come in small for lunch, medium size for a day at the beach and even the wheeled cooler for family gatherings.

Coolers are used to keep food and drink cold and preventing bacteria.  All foods found in your refrigerator can be kept cool for a day away or lunch at the office.  Certain foods can spoil in less they are kept at a cold temperature.

There are many different types of material that insulated coolers are made of like nylon and polyester.  The inside contains an heat sealed insulated material that may not be leak proof unless otherwise specified.  Some coolers are available with a removeable liner.  These liners prevent leakage where ice can be added without placing in a baggie, ice can cause condensation which can cause leakage.  Most people perfer to use ice packs.

Some coolers have seperate compartments where the top may be for snacks that do not need to be cold.  Bottom compartment is insulated.  Other coolers are specifically made for cans or bottles.  Coolers have also been designed as a backpack or picnic cooler.  The wheeled coolers are great when you have those big family events or travel.  Don’t forget those cooler chairs for sporting events and tote bag coolers for the day at the beach.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

Disney Luggage

In creating a High end series for Disney, our designers incorporated several children specific features.  The design of this case allows the wheels to protrude out.  This protrusion keeps the case elevated, so that even when being rolled at a very low height off the floor, the wheels will be the only point of contact and the case will continue to roll with ease.  By weighing in at a mere 3.8 lbs, any child can wheel these fun cases around.  Each case features special LED LIGHTS within its inline skate wheels.  These wheels Light Up when the case is rolled creating a dazzling effect and make their rolling even better.  It has a zipper closure system, that when opened reveals a beautifully lined interior with printed Disney patterns, as well as a zippered divider for internal organization.  Carry on Approved. 18″ x 11″ x 9″

Disney Luggage is offered in many of the great Disney characters like:  Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, Princess, The Cars, Tinker Bell, Winnie The Pooh and Nemo.  Your children will love showing off their Disney character on vacation and sleep overs.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.

Clear Tote Bag with Zipper

Great selection of clear bags.

When you’re searching for a clear or mesh bag check out our selection at Get a Bag.

Clear bags are available as a backpack, messenger, laptop, sling, tote, gym, duffel bag and fanny pack.  Some clear bags have an assortment of trim colors to choose from.  In the picture above is only a few of the clear bags that are listed in our online store, www.getabag.com.

Since 9/11 more government, city, county offices, businesses and sporting events now require employees and attendees to carry a clear bag for security reasons.  Some of have size requirements, so it is important to know if a particular size is needed before you purchase.  If you need assistance or have questions concerning a certain clear bag, feel free to contact our customer service and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Need a bag, get a bag at getabag.com.