So you’ve booked your flight. Set your itinerary and can’t wait to start your adventure. Perfect. Now it’s time to get ready to leave and decide what to bring and what to leave behind. Sounds simple enough. So why does this step seem to be the most stressful. Between TSA regulations, baggage fees, and the ultimate challenge of fitting it all into rolling box, it can be an overwhelming step. If you are not careful this last step can cost you a ton in fees. The good new is that with a little planning and some smart tips, you can streamline your planning and make your next flight a lot easier.
This guide is intended to help serve you as a checklist of tips to follow to help with the struggle of packing for your flight.
1. Choose the Right Bag
The right bag can either start you for success or epic failure when packing. You are going to want a durable yet lightweight bag. Since airlines only give you so much weight to bring before you start getting into high fees and charges, it is to your advantage to start with a bag that already saves you weight. Another thing to look out for while choosing a bag is it must meet the size criteria of the airline. So before you pick one make sure it fits within the guidelines. This information is available to you on the Airlines website.
2. Stick to Carryon
This can vary whether or not this is long trip or just a long weekend. If you are able to fit what you need into a carryon, you can save huge. Not only will this save you money but this will also save you at check in, as well as time at the carrousel.
3. Make a packing list
Now something as simple as writing it down and making a list may seems insignificant, but planning it through can prevent overpacking which can cause more weight leading to higher fees. Making a list can also prevent leaving essential items behind.
4. Rolling your clothes
This technique can not only save room in the space you are given but will help in keeping your clothes compressed and wrinkle free. Nothing is worse than having to iron your clothes at the hotel or resort before you can wear them because of the way they were packed.
5. Use Packing Cubes
Using packing cubes can help organize and maximize the space. A must have for any extended trip. These handy can be found at multiple retailer including Walmart, Target and of course Amazon.
6. Follow the Rule of 3
Limiting yourself to 3 tops, 3 bottoms and shoes for flexibility without the bulk.
7. Choose Versatile Clothing
Focus on neutral color clothing can give you the option to mix and match outfits for multiple day use without having to add more outfits.
8. Pack Layers
Packing layers can are more versatile than packing a bulky item. Not only can layering items like shirts, jackets and light sweaters help adjust for the weather and temperature, but it will also save you space in your suitcase as they are less bulky.
9. Wear Bulky Items
If you must bring bulky items such as thick sweaters or coat, wear these items on the flight versus packing them. Wearing them will save a tremendous amount of space and weight. If it seems to hot to wear you can always hold these items or place under the seat during your flight.
10. Keep Toiletries TSA-Friendly
There are many rules when packing your toiletries to take with you on a flight. The TSA 3-1-1 rule allows you to bring liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag, but they must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, and all containers must fit into one clear, quart-sized bag per passenger. This means you get 1 bag, with items in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. For best practice, leaving items behind and purchasing items once you get there can save you the headache of having to remove it from your suitcase while going thru TSA checkpoints.
11. Try Bringing Solid Toiletries
If you must bring essentials, try bringing solid soaps and deodorant.
12. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Packing a reusable water bottle has its benefits. Most airports have water refill stations. This can help you stay hydrated saving you money, keeping from having to purchase drinks from shops in the airport. It is important that you fill your water bottle after your TSA check. It is a liquid after all.
13. Use Your Personal Item Wisely
Most flights, depending on the airline, allow one personal items per person. Use this person item bag to place your valuables such as laptop, tablet, and any essentials needed in it for easy access.
14. Carry Important Documents in One Spot
A travel wallet or pouch keeps IDs and tickets safe. You can also designate a specific spot on your carryon bag. The point is to keep it safe and secure in one spot for easy access when you need to present them.
15. Keep Digital Backups
It is best practice to keep digital backups of everything you can including passports, airline tickets and confirmations of everything on your phone.
16. Pack a Portable Charger
Bring a portable charger for your devices. Especially, when you have a long layover. Not a bad idea to bring a power bank (portable battery) for those times you can’t get to an outlet. This will help you stay powered up during those long travel days
17. Use Ziplock Bags for Organization
Luggage gets tossed around during flights and connecting flights. It is good practice to use Ziplock bags to separate your liquids to prevent soaking your clean clothes. Ziplock bags can also be used to bring snacks on the plane with your person item or carryon. Always bring extra to use on the flight back.
18. Stuff Shoes with Small Items
Shoes take up a lot of space. Don’t hesitate using the interior space of your shoes to pack your socks, chargers, etc… Utilize all space when you are limited on room. You can also use the space to store small souvenirs to take back with you.
19. Limit Shoes to Two or Three Pairs
Shoes are the biggest and bulkiest items you take with you on a trip. If you must bring more than one pair, wear the biggest and heaviest out of them on the flight. This will save you room and weight. Choose versatile shoes that will pair with most of your outfits.
19. Limit Shoes to Two or Three Pairs
Shoes are the biggest and bulkiest items you take with you on a trip. If you must bring more than one pair, wear the biggest and heaviest out of them on the flight. This will save you room and weight. Choose versatile shoes that will pair with most of your outfits.
20. Use Travel-Sized Bottles
Downsizing is key. A full shampoo bottle or lotion is overkill for a trip. Not only will it add to much weight and against TSA policies, but you will never use the whole thing and be bringing most of it back with you. Invest in refillable travel-sized bottles or buy the travel-sized products from the brands you use.
21. Bring a Travel Laundry Bag
It is important to keep your dirty clothes away from your clean clothes. This is why I always use a travel laundry bag to keep them separated. They are not only collapsible and virtually takes up little room, but using one keeps your clean clothes fresher and keeps you organized.
22. Pack Snacks
Airport food can be very pricey and rather unhealthy causing you to feel fatigued. Instead pack snacks such as granola bars, trail mix and crackers to give you the fuel you need to make it through your travel day.
23. Leave Room for Souvenirs
It’s good to utilize all the space given in your suitcase or carryon luggage but don’t forget to leave yourself room for souvenirs, gifts and other unique finds.
24. Use a Foldable Tote or Duffel Bag
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything while you are there it is always best practice to bring a foldable tote or duffel bag in your suitcase. That way if you happen to find more souvenirs and gifts that simply wont fit. you can load up your duffel bag and use as an additional carryon or even a personal item. Plan for the unexpected.
25. Pack an Extra Outfit in Your Carry-On
Sometimes stuff just happens. It’s best to be overprepared than the opposite. Always pack an additional set of clothing for your carryon in the case of a checked bag delay. This includes socks and underwear as well. This will alleviate some of the stress.
26. Protect Fragile Items with Clothing
Checked bags are handled with. Or so we hope. A suitcase can add some protection against breakables but wrapping them in clothing such as socks or a sweatshirt can add further protection against damage while traveling. Another good place to put smaller breakables is wrapped in clothing and put in shoes that are in your suitcase. Hopefully we can expect the utmost care of your belongings but things do happen. Do what you can to add that extra layer of protection.
27. Bring a Scarf or Pashmina
A scarf can be a multiuse and multitasking essential item of any travel day. It can be used as a pillow, a blanket and a stylish accessory on any trip.
28. Separate Liquids in a Plastic Bag
If you must bring any liquids of any kind, make sure that you put them into resealable plastic bags. Do not rely on the manufacture seal on the bottle as it is NEVER enough and will ruin a whole suitcase of clean clothes and other items you bring with you.
29. Keep Medications in Your Personal Item
Never keep your important stuff in a checked bag. Always take it with you in your personal item bag. Keeping them accessible at all times and prevent the opportunity for lost medications. Especially important for those life saving medications such as insulin. Even if you bring extra. Keep it on you at all times.
30. Do a Final Edit
Now its time to lay it all out in front of you and take stock of all you are taking with you. Go over the list again and if there are items you forgot make sure to add them. The same goes for if you added to much and could go without.
Packing smarter means traveling easier. By following these 30 packing tips, you’ll save space, stay organized, and avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long international flight, these tricks will help you pack like a pro.
