packing light-Alitalia's carry-on limits!

Thanks Steve, and yes, I agree with you that having a rolling bag will probably become a huge hassle once we leave the airport. That's what I'm telling my husband (he doesn't see it as a big deal, but I'm the one planning all of the trip details so I know what I'm talking about!)I just don't know how we'll get everything in with the 11 lb. limit per person. Has anyone been able to do this, taking only carry on with an 11 lb. limit?!

We took the RS carry-on roller bags the last time we went and didn't have any problem with cobblestones, etc. The wheels on those suckers are really, really sturdy.

Many folks on the helpline here regularly travel with carry on bags with a target weight of around 15 to 18 pounds. So you are only looking at few less pounds.

It can be done, but really getting down to 5 kilos could require some new travel clothes of lighter synthetic fabrics, etc.

I think you have a couple of options. I would not suggest taking a small roller to check but I just don't like them overseas.

If you decide you need to check the overage, get a small lightweight duffel style bag that can be folded up and stowed way. Lay out your stuff you would take without the weight restriction.

Each of you pack your carry on up to the 5 kilos and then put the overage in the duffel that you will check. When you arrive, unpack the duffel and repack your carry ons. Somebody sticks the duffel in their bag. Now you only have two bags to fool with.

Another option is that your carry on only needs to weigh 5 kilos when the folks weigh it. Once you get past the check in counter and security, as long as it's not bulging and looking gigantic you should be ok.

Many folks have reported using a travel vest stuffed with the heavier stuff at check in and then tranferring back to the bag after security.

Load up the roller suitcase plus the carry-ons and have husband haul it up and down the stairs several times. If you can get him to carry it around (noting that wheels are pretty much useless outside of the airport) all day, so much the better. If he still wants to take it, then that's his problem.

Alitalia is generally known for not enforcing the weight limits. You can improve your chances by making your bags look as small and lightweight as possible. However, there is always the risk you will get the one agent who decides to enforce the rules.

My suggestion is to pack a small 'hidden duffle' or tote, like the ones sold by Rick Steves or at REI and other locations. It takes up almost no room/weight in the carry-on and expands into a full size bag that you can check. Very useful for bringing back goodies from Europe and easier to manage than dragging a rolling suitcase everywhere. If you get busted by the agents, you can transfer a few unessential items into the hidden bag and check it. Then when you get off the plane at the other end, everything can go back into your RS bag, including the hidden tote/duffle.

As far as concerns about checking go--Alitalia has a bad rep, but my checked duffle made it from Rome - Newark - Seattle with no problems.

thanks guys for the great ideas..I like the way you think! I'm definitely looking for the lighest weight travel clothes possible, but I never would have thought of the "hidden duffle bag" idea. Do you think the RS Drop-Bottom Duffle would work (I don't know if it folds or collapses, but its on sale right now-half price!)

I flew Al Italia to and from Sicily from Rome last Sept. On the outbound flight I got my RS rolling bag on with no problem (and I even had an extra tote which I think they counted as my purse). On the way back I had to check the rolling bag, but the good news is it made it to Rome with no problem. Both times I had stashed the essentials-like a change of clothing and a toothbrush-in my tote in case they did lose my bag. I also recommend a vest or something with pockets for the heavier things you want to take on board and then repacking once on the plane. I've taken my rolling bag all over Italy with no problems. Walking over cobblestones and up stairs is just part of the experience and to me the wheels are worth it for the occasional long, flat stretches.

I have a Landor and Hawa sub-0 carry-on with wheels. It is super light. On my last trip to Italy, I packed almost everything in this suitcase (I have a day bag for essentials like meds, guide books, etc.)My suitcase weighed just under 19 lbs. I didn't have any trouble wheeling my suitcase in Venice (on the vaporetto and walking to our apartment.) We even traveled by train from Rome. Again, no problem with the wheelie.

My next trip to Italy is in October. Traveling to Naples via Rome (on Alitalia from Rome to Naples). I'm also concerned about their carry-on limits. I like the idea of the collapsable bag. Will include that in my luggage.

Have a wonderful trip.

I agree with Jame's post. I was looking into having just one for each of us but my boyfriend says that is ridiculous, he does not want to be limited to two pairs of pants/shorts while we are in Italy for 9-10 days! I argued but he won't budge!! So I have decided we will check one bag but it will be HIS job to drag it everywhere, up and down ALL the steps and on and off all the planes, trains and boats!!

Have a great trip!!

Karen...here's what I would do.

Take only your two RS carry-on bags.

Pack one bag with enough stuff to last both of you for a couple of days. Keep it under 5 kg. Put everything else in the other bag.

Try to carry both on. If stopped and you have to check the heavier bag, you'll still have enough stuff in the other one, which is within carry-on limits, in case the checked bag is delayed for a day or so.

No extra bags, no extra weight.

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas-I'm going to make my husband sit down and read all these (it will be the first thing he's read in preparation for our trip!) and let him make the decision on what to do! James,you win the creative award for the washing underwear in the sink using toothpaste idea-ha ha, you should post that under the "tips for packing light" :-)

European airlines restrict carry-ons by weight and not by size. They are usually pretty strict. I would check your main luggage and use a small carry-on duffle type bag to carry your necessities such as medications and two days worth of clothing just in case your bags are delayed. Since it is a non-stop flight, you are less likely to have a bag lost.

When we flew Alitalia to Rome last May, we checked our carry-on sized bags because we were told that the weight issue was ironclad. That was a crock!! Everyone, but everyone carried carry-on sized bags with wheels or duffels and NOONE stopped them. We took a back-pack and tote bag on with must haves- including medication and a change of clothes. Our checked bags arrived without incident. I would plan that you have to check it, but act as though you are taking it on, and hopefully you won't be forced to check.