One thing that makes traveling much easier is how you pack your airline baggage. If you want a flawless trip without the hassle of digging deep into your suitcase just to get your kid's toys or medicines, pack your bags smartly.
Air travel can be a hassle given the long lines, heavy bags, crowded areas, and restless kids. Thus, it is ideal to organize and pack your bags accordingly. It makes a better journey to your destination.
As a side note, if you're planning for a family trip next, check out our ultimate guide to fun and practical kids' luggage.
The first thing to consider is how to pack all your essentials into one suitcase. Having only one suitcase per person will make your trip easier and smoother. If you are open to flying with a stroller, visit our guide to flying with a stroller with the top 50 airline stroller policy.
Next, consider your needs and your kid's needs during the flight. This way, you will know exactly what you need in your carry on luggage and what can be checked as checked baggage.
Make a checklist beforehand to make sure you don't miss out on important items. Traveling requires thorough suitcase planning if you want less hassle and a more enjoyable journey.
Hence, what you pack matters a lot!
Table of Contents
Pack for Success Tricks and Tips
Carry On Suitcase Packing Tips
Step 1
Start by rolling your clothes. Roll each one and place them in neat rows parallel to your suitcase. Rolling your clothes will help maximize the space in your suitcase.
Additionally, it will also be easier and quicker for the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) to thoroughly check your bags and saves you from repacking again at the airport.
Step 2
Make sure any liquids, gels, and aerosols do not exceed 3.4 oz in your carry-on luggage. You don't want to risk your items being confiscated.
This includes lotions, perfume, and toothpaste. It is also crucial to pack your liquids in a transparent re-sealable bag.
Step 3
Another tip is to wear comfortable and easy to slip on footwear. It is common for TSA officers to check your shoes, sandals, and the like. Hence, if you want to get through the line fast, wear footwear that is easy to slip on and off.
Step 4
If you are carrying a backpack, have your heavy items packed closed to your center of your back to allow weight to be distributed evenly across your hips. This will help avoid excessive stress on your back.
Step 5
It is restricted by the TSA to carry on sharp objects such as knives, scissors, nail clippers, and other objects that can be a threat on the plane. So if you're flying with carry on only, make sure you don't pack any of these items. Otherwise, you may consider checking your baggage instead.
Packing List for Air Travel
It is a good idea to write out a checklist of what you need to bring with you beforehand. This will make packing much easier.
Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
Any gels, aerosols, and other liquids in your carry on must be placed in a clear plastic bag and must not exceed 3.4 oz. The bag of liquids will be required to be removed from your carry on baggage and go through X-ray screening separately.
Items that are exempted from the 3.4 oz include medications, breast milk or formula and other liquid nutrition for medical purposes.
If you have liquids that exceed 3.4 oz, pack them in your checked luggage.
Checked Luggage
Check the airlines you are flying with as every airlines have slightly different policies when it comes to checked baggage. For example, Qantas has different allowance depending on ticket class you book. In addition to that, depending on your travel status, you may have different allowance too. Compare that to Delta Airlines, every checked baggage incurs a fee.
Packing Special Items
If you are bringing any music instrument on board, it will have to undergo screening. Depending on the size of your instrument, you may need to check it as checked baggage if it exceeds carry on size or weight limits. The same goes with manual wheelchairs.
So if you are considering bringing any of these items, double check the airline policies' carry on baggage to avoid any unwanted confusion. Same goes with strollers. Some airlines will allow a stroller to be brought onboard and placed in the overhead bin whereas some airlines allow you to gate check your stroller if it doesn't meet IATA and TSA standards.
How to Measure Carry On Bags for Airlines
Typically, every passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on bag and a personal bag in the cabin. Purses, laptops, baby bags, devices, and briefcases are a few examples of personal items you are allowed to bring with you on the plane.
It is also vital to place your carry-on baggage in the overhead compartment or under your seat upon take-off for safety purposes. So, make sure you have the correct carry on baggage size prior to flying.
As a general rule of thumb, IATA carry on size is 22 x 18 x 10 inches or 56 x 45 x 25 cm and this includes handles and wheels. Here are the steps to help you measure your carry on baggage:
Step 1
Position your luggage vertically. Measure your luggage from the top to the bottom. Typically, your carry-on bag must not exceed 22 inches.
Step 2
Measure the width of your luggage. Commonly, the allowed size must not exceed 18 inches.
Step 3
With your baggage laying flat on the ground, measure the depth of your baggage from the top to the bottom. The allowed dimension must not exceed 10 inches.
How to Pack Clothing for Travel
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you pack your clothes like a pro.
Essentials
- Packing list
- Grocery store bags
- Zip-top bags
- Dry cleaner bags
Step 1
Before throwing everything in your luggage, make a comprehensive list first. Start with your traveling essentials such as toothbrushes, toiletries, clothing, and other hygiene essentials. Also, take into consideration your destination. Are you going to a cold place or tropical shores?
Either way, it is best to know what items you need. Triple check your checklist if you must, because an organized bag will come in handy if you get it right.
Step 2
After your list is complete, start taking out all the items on the list and place them on your bed. You can organize them into four sections. Your daily wear, toiletries/hygiene must-haves, special clothing for a specific activity, and footwear.
Dividing your items into sections will help you organize them properly in your luggage. You will be able to identify which ones go to the bottom of your bag and which ones must be placed on the surface for quick access.
Step 3
For your smaller items, it is ideal to put them all in one bag so you can easily find what you need when you want to. As a packing hack, you can also put sealed items inside your shoes if you want more space.
Also, other essential toiletries can be stored in the zippered compartment of your luggage to prevent them from getting lost inside your luggage.
Step 4
Arrange your clothes first and then insert smaller pieces of clothing between the gaps. Underwear and socks can easily be inserted into the corners of your suitcase.
Step 5
As for your heavier and thicker items such as sweaters, pants, and dress shirts, you can fold and place them on top of your rolled clothing. Fold these thick heavy items in thirds to easily fit them in your luggage.
Step 6
If you have delicate clothes you need to bring along with you such a a silk dress, you can place them into separate plastic bags and place them on top of your other clothes. You can use dry cleaner bags to reduce friction and minimize wrinkles.
Step 7
To help prevent clothes from wrinkles, when you arrive to your destination, unpack everything and put them in your room cabinet. You can hang up your dresses or evening wear to save you having to iron them.
Airline Baggage Tips
Tip 1
For you to be able to pack more necessities, choose a light easy-to-carry suitcase that can withstand handling throughout your travel. Choose suitcases that are equipped with retractable handlebars and wheels as they are practical and saves your from carrying heavy loads on your back when traveling.
It is also best to label or tag your suitcase to prevent loss or confusion when claiming your bags.
Tip 2
Make sure your power bank or batteries are packed in your carry on luggage and not in your checked baggage to avoid any check in delays. Power banks and batteries are not allowed in checked baggage.
Tip 3
Choose clothing that isn't too thick if you're going to a tropical place. If you can fit all your essentials in one carry-on, do so. It will help you save time and having to carry excess baggage. You will be able to breeze through the airport the moment you land. No more waiting at baggage claim for your luggage.
Also think about the activities you will do during the trip. Check your itinerary and pack only the items needed for those activities.
Tip 4
Remember to pack your liquids according to requirements to prevent getting them confiscated from your carry on bag.
Make sure your liquids are packed appropriately to avoid any leakage from pressure changes in the flight. You don't want to get your shampoo or lotion spilling out all over your clothes!
Tip 5
For your convenience, important and necessary documents for traveling must be easily accessible. Place your passports, boarding passes and gadgets in your personal bag for easy access during check-in.
Pack for Success Tricks and Tips
We have all been guilty of packing too much and not using all those items during the trip. To avoid packing unnecessary items, here are some other tricks and tips to help you pack for success without limiting your outfit options.
Pack Clothes with the Same Color Scheme
Bring along clothes with the same color scheme so it will be easier for you to mix and match your outfit without repeating the same look. If you follow a cohesive color scheme and add a few accents or contrast, you will always have a smashing outfit while roaming around the white sandy beaches of Florida or the narrow streets of Italy.
Pre-Plan your Outfit
You can pack lightly and accordingly if you pre-plan your outfit all throughout your trip. Layer your clothes so you equip yourself with clothes that can handle both warmer and colder weather. Accessories like a scarf are a great way to pump up your style.
Base your Outfit According to your Activities
Instead of packing according to the length of your travel, pack according to your planned activities. That way, you will know exactly what you need to bring. So, if you are going on a 4-day tropical vacation, consider the days you will be spending by the beach, on the boat, or around the city.
Make-Use of Sample Size Beauty Products
If you have a lot of those travel-sized beauty & hygiene products, bring them along rather than your regular ones. Otherwise, get some travel size containers and transfer your products into them. This will help lighten the load as you're not bringing your full size face wash or moisturiser.
Bring Items with Dual Purpose
It is wise to have items in your bag with dual purposes, for example, dresses or clothing that can be worn in various ways. Additionally, travel blankets can help keep you warm on the flight and can be used as a picnic blanket at your destination.
Wrap Your Dirty Shoes
It is essential to keep your clothes clean inside your luggage. So, when you pack your shoes, make sure they are properly wrapped. You can also put them in a separate compartment if your suitcase has one.
Organize Your Cords
Your chargers are often needed on the road. So, before you put them all in one bag, untangle and organize them. It will be easier for you to access them in case your phone runs out of battery.
Air Travel Essential Organizers
Compression Packing Organizer: perfect for packing thick clothing such as sweaters and jackets.
Fold n Go Blanket: a journey multi-purpose must-have for your comfort during the flight.
Packing Cubes: helpful for organizing your clothes according to your travel activities.
Travel Bottle Pack: the smart way to store all your liquids and toiletries.
Travel Cord Roll: the perfect storage for all your chargers and gadget cords.
Packing smartly is a crucial part of traveling. With a checklist and some organization, you can have a more enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Just remember, the more prepared you are, the less stress you have on your journey. Let's pack for sucess!
This wraps up our article on Airline Baggage Pack for Success. Often overlooked, luggage is an important part of travel and must withstand the test of the journey. For additional tips, please visit our guide to the secret of carry on only travel with kids.
Happy Journeys!
