In order to keep flying affordable after buying cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages some passengers have started wearing their luggage to avoid having to pay checked bag fees and in some cases even paying to store carry-ons in overhead compartments.
Currently most domestic airlines (with Spirit Airlines being the notable exception) do not charge for carry-on bags. However, as airlines look to continue to add fees to generate more revenue airlines may soon follow Ryanair and Spirit Airlines which charge fees for carry-ons.
Some airlines are starting to weigh carry-on bags. Hawaiian has a 25 pound weight limit on carry-on bags and is now weighing bags at the gate and taking bags that weigh over 25 pound and charging a checked bag fee. Several other airlines also have carry-on weight limits with varying levels of enforcement.
To get around the carry-on weight restrictions or simply to carry more onto planes some passengers are starting to wear their luggage. A company named Scottevest is selling a line of iPad compatible vests, hoodies, jackets and trench coats that come with between 20 to 30 built in pockets and compartments.
Edwards Luggage stores in San Francisco have sold hundreds of this line of storage clothing. The product line is increasing in popularity as it becomes more important to make the most of limited packing space.
Carry-on bags that can be worn as a coat have come out under the names of Jaktogo, Dresstogo, and Ponchotogo. Jaktogo comes with 14 assorted sized pockets designed to hold more than 30 pounds of clothing, gadgets and gear.
Another multi-purpose product is the convertible Go-Go Babyz Sidekick which is a diaper bag that doubles as a wearable baby carrier.
Boarding gate clothing is being designed to be practical and appeal to thrifty travelers. www.cheapfares.com