In Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series, we examined a number of strategies for maximizing savings on airfares by taking advantage of options available from the ultra-low-cost carriers, such as Las Vegas-based Allegiant Airlines, along with Spirit and Frontier. Part 3 covered the size of luggage that qualified to be a no-charge “personal item.” In this last Part, our expert, Conrad Stanley, shares his experience in getting as much stuff as possible onboard the plane at no extra charge.
“First and foremost,” Conrad says, “I can’t emphasize enough having a custom bag. That way, you can be confident you can max out all its dimensions, while knowing it will absolutely fit in the bin. I’ve seen passengers whose personal bags stick out of bin just a few inches and they’ve been whacked for a $65 charge!”
To prevent that, knowing how to pack is critical. “I’ve packed seven shirts, two pairs of cargo shorts, two pairs of jeans, swim trunks, toiletries, an extra pair of shoes, socks, and underwear in the qualifying personal-item carry-on. The key is to roll the clothing items; that saves space and prevents wrinkles. Of course, stuff the socks and whatever else fits inside shoes. “
“Here are a couple of ways to stretch what you carry on,” he says. “First, outerwear doesn’t count, so jackets and/or sweaters don’t have to go inside your personal bag even if you’re not wearing them. You can easily carry them on over your shoulder or arm or tied around your waist. And you can fit smaller items in those pockets too.”
Another thing that doesn’t count is reading material. “So I usually have a bag from a terminal gift shop with a newspaper or magazine, but also my laptop down in there, as well as maybe that quart-size plastic bag of toiletries that I had out to go through security.”
And here’s the clincher. “You can also bring food onboard in a separate bag at no extra charge!” Conrad enthuses. “I have various ways of obtaining good-size food bags from outlets in the terminal and I’m sure you can think of them too. No sense in overpaying for airport food to carry on a few extra items. But with the food bag, whether or not you have food in it, you’re good to go.”
Speaking of food, if you think airport food is expensive, you’re in for a very rude shock when it comes to sustenance on the ULCCs. Conrad says, “It’s so limited and expensive that on Spirit, they charge you for a cup of water! The only thing you can get for free on Spirit is a cup of ice.”
Of course, you’re not allowed to bring a bottle of water through security, but you can bring an empty water bottle. “I fill that up at a drinking fountain in the gate area,” he says. “I also bring those little flavored packets of powder and add them to make lemonade or half-lemonade half-ice tea to drink onboard. Also, and please don’t tell anyone, but I might drop a three-ounce bottle of alcohol to add to my drink.”
Food, too, is high-priced, though comparable to other airlines. You can carry your own food through security, as long as it’s not liquid or creamy (such as cranberry sauce, jam or jelly, maple syrup, salad dressing, ketchup, or dips and spreads including cheese, salsa, and peanut butter) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, so it’s best to bring it from home.
In the end, Conrad tells us, “Don’t be afraid to use every opening they give you to take what you need onto an ultra-low-cost carrier! A lot of people think they charge for all carry-ons, but as you can see, you can actually take three bags with you for nothing.”
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Thanks for these tips. A few years ago, Allegiant gate staff actually charged me $50 at the gate to bring my purse onboard for the trip home from Tampa. If I didn’t pay, no purse; it’s outrageous So I especially appreciate these tips.
Conrad, Do you use compression bags? What kind of bag are you using?
Yes I have compression bags that I use from time to time as I dont always need them. As for the exact “personal bag” I have google ” boarding blue 18 inch underseat Duffel Bag” it will take you to amazon,walmart e.t.c. it costs between $18 and $22. Look for the specs, they should read 18×13×8 inches. It is a soft sided canvas bag so when stuffed it widens to 14 inches wide and really maximizes all the max allowable dimensions yet still fits. Also one thing i have forgotten to mention i use “15 inch shirt file folders” sometimes as they come in handy when transporting collared dress shirts. It comes with a little folding board and shirts then slip down into thin file, and into the bag. They are now secure and dont move around within the bag eliminating wrinkles.
Thank-You Conrad!!!
Thanks for the tips Conrad. We always seem to have food bags and airport giftshop bag with us when we board, but never thought about the empty water bottle. My wife loves the flavor adds to her water, too.
Yeah and the nice thing is you can start enjoying your beverage right when you get on plane. Otherwise for flight service you have to wait til you reach cruising altitude which takes half an hour. On a 1 hour flight to San Diego from Vegas they are pulling the drink they just served me minutes later!!
The absolute BEST tuna sandwich was at the airport in Seattle.7 bucks? Cool.
That small snack was way worth the price.
On Spirit they will give you a cup of water if you have medication to take, you just have to let them know when you ask for it. I really did take medication so it wasn’t an issue for me.
A friend told me he learned rolling vs folding in the military. Saves time, makes space, and less wrinkles I unpack at my destination.