Can a gym bag be a personal item?
After losing my luggage yet again, using my gym bag as a personal item sure sounds like a great idea. As a frequent traveler, it seems that every time I check my luggage when I fly, it gets lost. I wait with anticipation, hoping that the next piece of luggage that pops onto the carousel from behind the magical rubber curtain is mine. Sometimes it shows up at the airport when I do, sometimes it doesn’t.
Frustrated travelers may wonder – can a gym bag be my personal item? Large enough to carry your workout clothes and personal toiletries, yet soft enough to fit in a small locker space – you can fit everything you need for a great workout in your gym bags. This versatility makes the gym bag is a great personal item option when you fly. Not only can you use your gym bag as a personal item when you get on a plane, let’s talk about why your gym bag should be your personal item of choice when you travel.
Can a Gym Bag fit Under the Seat?
Airlines often limit the types of bags that you can bring on a plane. If you buy an economy ticket on a United Airlines flight, you are only allowed to bring one personal item onto the plane. Different from a carry-on bag, a personal item has to fit under the seat in front of you. If the bag is too big, you can either get hit with an additional bag fee or, worse, you have to check your bag. In some cases, you lose because you end up paying the additional fee and you still have to check your bag. Since many of us may use our personal item to hold important things, like our driver’s license, passport, and laptop, having to check this as we get to the gate is extremely stressful.
Other airlines, like Delta or American, only let you bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. A carry-on bag is limited in its size and must fit in the overhead. Since economy travelers are usually the last to board a Delta or American flight, you may be out of luck if the overhead bins are filled by the time you get onto the plane. This means that you may end up checking your carry-on bag because there is just no more room in the cabin. But if your personal item is too big and doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you, you may have to check this as well. Keep your stress level down by bringing a personal item that can easily fit under the seat in front of you.
Aren’t Gym Bags Just for the Gym?
Gym bags are designed to carry everything you need for a great workout. With plenty of pockets and compartments, you can easily keep your stuff clean and organized. You can pack makeup and personal care products close to your clothes without worrying about spills.
These features are all great for travelling. If you are flying for business, the extra pockets in a gym bag can be used for client files, documents, and pens. Shoes can have a special place in your bag. If you are a runner, muddy or dirty shoes can make a mess in your bag. Many gym bags have dedicated shoe departments to keep your shoes away from everything else in your bag. This is a great travel feature, as most of us need to bring at least one extra pair of shoes.
Today’s gym bag is durable and often made using waterproof materials. Great for locker rooms with showers or gyms with pool areas, the gym bag protects what’s inside by keeping it dry. This is another great feature for the traveler who puts their gym bag under the seat in front of them. Turbulence or other passengers can spill their drinks all they want – your stuff stays dry.
With a variety of straps, they are easy to carry into the gym or onto a plane. Straps often have padding, making the trek through the airport a little enjoyable. Gym bags also have different strap configurations to make it easier for you. Choose such designs as a crossbody, over the shoulder, or flip the bag into a backpack. Regardless of your choice, comfort is key whether you use your bag for working out or traveling.
Are Gym Bags a Little Outdated?
If you are a techie, you’ll love some of the newest gym bag designs. Special slots in your bag can keep your laptop or iPad safe when you are storing the bag in a locker or under the seat in front of you. You can even keep your phone, passports, and other important documents in zippered pockets that are easy to access.
Gym bags can also be equipped with USB chargers. No more running around the airport trying to find an outlet to plug your phone. Just sit back and charge it through your gym bag.
You can even find gym bags that can help to prevent identity theft. With built-in RFID blocking, you can keep your personal information safe whether you are at the gym or at the airport.
Related Questions
Do I need to have a personal item when I fly?
When you fly, a personal item slides under the seat in front of you. This makes it easy to pull out laptops, phones, or books right from your seat. If you put these in the overhead bin, you have to pull down and open your bag in the aisle to get what you want. Plus, a personal item can also double as something else you need on your trip – like a gym bag!
What features should I look for in a carry-on gym bag?
With limited space and strict airline rules, pick a gym bag that is soft and can be easily fit under a seat or in a crowded overhead bin. Gym bags that have hard or plastic surfaces have less flexibility. You may be challenged if you are trying to slide this into a confined space.
Whether you are working out or traveling, you can never be too organized. Pick a bag with lots of compartments and you’ll make the most out of your gym bag, turned personal item.
Which gym bags make the best personal items?
Choosing the best gym bag comes down to personal preference. Colors, pockets, convenience, technology are all factors to consider when picking out a gym bag. Some of the top-rated gym bags under $20 include;• Wandf Foldable Travel Duffle Bag – This lightweight, durable gym bag doubles as a personal item when you travel.• Keespence Foldable Travel Duffle Bag – This bag features quality materials and multi-pocket design. It is light and versatile, making it easy to slide into the overhead compartment or in the seat in front of you. • Arxus Foldable Travel Bag – This versatile bag features a wide shoulder strap, an inner pocket, and two mesh pockets on the outside which are perfect for water bottles and electronics. When not used, fold it into a small cube for easy storage.
Best gym bag that fits in a locker
If you’re looking to spend a little more, a few popular gym bags under $50• Lewis N. Clark Underseat Carry-On Duffel Bag – This multi-pocket durable duffel bag can hold your clothes, personal items, and laptop. With easily accessible pockets, you can reach your phone, charger, or passport quickly. This duffel bag also features an RFID blocker, which can help to prevent someone from stealing your identity in the gym or the airport.• Gonex 40L Packable Travel Duffle Bag – Both spacious and durable, this foldable travel duffle bag features multiple pockets, a shoe compartment, adjustable straps, and a back sleeve that allows you to slide it onto your carry-on bag. Water-resistant and lightweight, this bag can slide easily under the seat or in an overhead compartment.• Lily and Drew Nylon Tote Cross-body Carry-On Bag – This nylon bag features five interior pockets and plenty of room for clothes, toiletries, and a laptop. This durable bag fits in overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.