That airport in Atlanta broke my packing routine for good

I got stuck in Atlanta Hartsfield for 6 hours back in March because of weather. Had my usual carry on setup with a roller bag and a backpack. But I realized my backpack was way too heavy because I packed my laptop, books, snacks, and a spare jacket all in there. By hour three my shoulders were killing me. I watched a guy walk past with just one small duffel bag and he looked so free. That night I started rethinking everything. Now I only bring soft sided bags that fit under the seat and I keep my total weight under 12 pounds. Has anyone else had a travel delay make them change their whole packing style?

2 comments

2 Comments

wadeowens24d ago

Hold on, is a 12 pound limit really necessary? I get that heavy backpacks suck but I feel like you can just, you know, put the bag down when you're waiting at the gate. I've done plenty of four hour delays in Chicago and never once thought about ditching my roller bag. A soft duffel is fine until you have to run through a terminal to catch a connection and everything is just sloshing around on your shoulder. Plus have you tried fitting a full change of clothes and a toiletry kit into something that small? Sounds like you're one forgotten toothbrush away from a bad time.

william32024d ago

@wadeowens you make a fair point about running through terminals with a soft bag flopping around. But honestly I think you're overthinking it. I've done the sprint in Charlotte with my duffel and it stays put if you sling it crossbody style. And yeah I can fit a change of clothes and my toiletries just fine, you just gotta roll stuff tight.