How to make your carry-on work for you
Multi-part bags can help you foil the airline fee for checking more than one bag. Clockwise from top: Eagle Creek's Tarmac Plus One, High Sierra's 4-in-1 Cargo Boot Bag, Athalon's Fusion Wheeling Carry-on Duffel and Eagle Creek's Take 2 ORV Trunk 28. Credit: The Washington Post, 2008
Skipping checked baggage, and the fees that come with it, can be stressful when you're left juggling your belongings through multiple airport connections. Choosing luggage with the proper support features will help:
STRAPS Computer cases and smaller containers with snug straps along one side slide easily down the telescoping handles of rolling carry-on bags, making for a much smoother dash between airport terminals.
POCKETS Expandable "cargo" pockets allow you to compartmentalize frequently accessed necessities such as snacks, medications, cosmetics and chargers for electronics.
PADDING It's important to choose your padding with precision. Transferrable camera inserts, thin foam laptop sleeves and padded shoulder support are must-haves.
