Travel ultralight: How to pack a personal item

For those who don't want to pay a bag fee and need to fit everything into a tote, small duffel bag, daypack or roomy purse, here's how...

- ELAINE GLUSAC

I ONCE FLEW SPIRIT Airlines round-trip to Las Vegas from Chicago for less than $100. The catch: I could take only a personal item that would fit under the seat in front of me (or check a bag for a fee). This lesson in ultra-light flying won me over with convenience and the joy of being unburdened by a lot of extra stuff. With the cheapest airfares come the tightest constraints, including limitations on complimentary carry-on luggage. Packing light is a challenge compounded by the personal-item limit. Provided you're not packing for business or special events or have children to consider, the following are ways to pare down your load, allowing you to take advantage of bargain fares.

Choose a bag that fits: The definition of a personal item varies. While most airlines agree it should fit under the seat in front of you, many don't specify dimensions. Those that do list maximum sizes have slightly varying limits. Personal items can be totes, backpacks or small duffels. Wheeled cases that only fit in overhead compartments are prohibited. A New Zealand-based author, Katherine Leamy, writes about travelling light in her blog The 5 Kilo Traveller. She prefers a lightweight backpack that can double as a hiking bag.