We all love travelling. We all love that excitement of knowing we're going away on vacation or holiday as Europeans would call it. But we all also know the headache of packing; knowing how much to pack, how heavy the max weight limit is for luggage and more. Here are 12 tips for packing for a plane ride.
1. Make a checklist
-It's always good to make a checklist of everything you'll need for that trip. It keeps you organized and you can double and triple check the list to make sure everything you need is there. It's good to do this list before you go. Starting early guarantees that you'll have time to get items if you haven't already. Think about where you are going and the type of weather that exists there and what you plan on doing there. That will help you figure out what type of clothing you'll need. Everyone does travel lists differently. If you are the type of person to list how many per item, do it like this. Categorize each item and list how many of that item you'll need.
-How many times do you plan to wear that clothing item? Are you going somewhere tropical with water or pools? If so, how many swimsuits are needed? Will you need gym shoes for walking around? Also keep in mind airports charge for overweight bag fees because they need to make sure all luggage is stored on the plane. Packing lists help those who tend to overpack and helps them pack lighter and smarter. You can double and triple check the list or check however many times you want as long you make sure you have all you need. You can even set your luggage somewhere and each time you add an item, check it off the list. So that you know you have that item
2. Not everything goes into your checked bag
-"Checked bag" is the luggage that goes onto the airplane. "Carry on" is the smaller bag you literally "carry on" the airplane with you. This can include a backpack, gym-sized duffel bag or small wheeled suitcase that easily fit underneath the seat in front of you. Not everything can fit into your checked in bag. Liquids can go in there as long as they are not over a certain amount and have a locking lid. Spray sunblock, which usually comes in highly pressurized cans, would not be wise to bring on an airplane. Those are usually not allowed. Smaller items can be kept in your carry on. Lately, airlines have been setting the rule that if a carry on doesn't fit inside a certain sized compartment, you must pay oversize bag fees. Your best bet for a carry on is a backpack.
-A gym duffel bag can also serve as a good carry on as long as it's not overfilled. If you're going somewhere tropical that has a pool, put a swimsuit, cover up, flip flops or other small items into your carry on while your other items can be stored in your checked in bag. You can even store a book or item in your carry on to keep you occupied on the plane in case boredom strikes. In the case of electronics, such as handheld game devices, tablets, phones, wait until the airplane crew says it's safe to use electronics on the plane. And when you get to your destination, if the first place you have in mind is the pool, you're completely allowed to go get your tanning oil or sunblock out of your luggage before it's taken to your room
3. Use the right sized suitcase
-Using the right sized suitcase for your trip ensures overpacking won't occur. We're all guilty of overpacking at least once on a trip. The fine art of packing for vacation is perfected over time and using the right sized suitcase ensures it won't happen again. If you're going on a small weekend trip, then you can probably get away with a small suitcase or even a carry on. If you're going for a weeklong trip, then a slightly larger suitcase would suffice in addition to a carry on. If you're going for longer than a week, then you may need two suitcases depending on where you're going and how long you're staying. Prior to going, weigh your suitcase. A lot of airlines say 25 pounds is the max weight limit you can get away with before you have to pay overweight bag fees. If your suitcase is over 25 pounds, see if there is anything you can put in your carry on to lighten the load.
4. Choose a color palette
-If you're going somewhere warm and tropical, dark colors may not be wise. You'll be hotter because the sun is attracted to dark colors. Bring clothes in colors that you can mix and match with. For shorts or pants, bring black, white, grey or any shade of brown or bring jean shorts in colors that go with anything Those colors go with everything. Think about where you're going. Is the climate warm or cold? This will also help you decide what to bring as well. Simply stick to coordinating colors and colors you can mix and match with other clothes to save space and weight. It also helps to think about if you're going somewhere with an a la carte restaurant, which means the men have to dress up a little and so do the ladies.
5. Go for travel friendly fabrics
-When you're getting ready to fly on a plane. you want to wear something that is going to travel easy and bring travel easy clothes too. You don't want clothes that you will have to iron or steam when you arrive at your destination. Not only that, but you also don't want the headache of bringing a steam iron with you only to find out your hotel has one on stock. Stretchy fabrics and wrinkle-resistant clothes are the best choice. Also think about odor-resistant and quick drying clothes so you can wear them multiple times
6. Lay out everything
-This is a must! This is like doing your checklist for vacation. Lay out everything you plan on bringing. This will save you trips to the closet and allow you to see everything. Mark each item off as you see it. When done, you will know if you have to do any last minute shopping for last minute items. Not only that, but you'll also be able to see if you're going to have anything immediately flagged as suspicious by TSA (they only seem strict because they are doing their jobs to ensure security). Also, use packing cubes. These are handy little devices. Just fold the clothing or roll them up into these packing cubes and they save space. Folding your clothing items into these packing cubes will ensure that everything is neat and tidy when you go. Coming back home, it doesn't matter about putting your clothing items into these cubes; TSA will go through your items anyway. May as well just toss your clothes in and make it easy for them
7. When to roll, when to fold
-Some people roll their clothes up, some people fold. There's a time to know when to do one or the other. Roll heavy items, such as jeans, and put those on the bottom. Roll lighter items, such as t-shirts, pajamas, casual pants and dresses, and put those on top. This will guarantee your suitcase will actually close. And if you're using a packing cube, fold the lighter items in there and if you can, fold the jeans in there too. If you cannot fold jeans in there, simply roll the jeans up and put them beneath the packing cubes
8. Place shoes on sides away from clothes
-This is because you don't want scuff marks on your nice clothes. With flip flops, stick one inside the other and put them on their side. So that they not only avoid scuffing your clothes with black marks, but you can also keep them together. You can also put shoes in some sort of bag to keep them from dirtying your clothes. And most if not all suitcases come with a separate zip up compartment. You can also put your shoes and other small items there. This will help you save space
9. Keep toiletries separate
-That lovely law by Murphy "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". This almost always happens on at least one vacation (I know it does for me and my family, lol. In fact, the first time me and my sister went to Mexico with my parents, my stepdad forgot to put his tanning oil into his checked in bag and luckily, someone from the airport told him and kindly let him fix the issue. They jokingly laughed when he said he forgot.). Any spillable items, put into a clear plastic bag or a bag specially made for toiletry items into your checked in bag. If you're only taking a carry-on, make sure that the liquid items follow the TSA-approved rule of 3.4oz or less and put in to a one quart bag. Pack your toiletry bag last so it doesn't get squished under all your clothes and you can access it quickly with going through security if you're using only a carry-on. A clear transparent bag also makes it easier for security to see what you have. They will stop you if you have anything with glycerin in it, such as lotion. That's because glycerin will show up positive as an explosive.
10. Use the max amount of space for accessories and undergarments
-Roll items such as socks, underwear, workout gear, swimsuits or scarves and put them in the smaller areas, such as the interior zip up area of your suitcase. You can fit all the items you plan on bringing into your suitcase if you do it right. Fit all the other small items around your clothing. Think about compression cubes as well. They not only save space, but they also keep you organized. You can also use a smaller bag for your undergarments, socks, etc.
11. Bring extra bags
-It's always a good idea to bring extra bags, especially if you're going somewhere with a pool. You can use these bags to put swimsuits in, separate dirty clothes from clean or bringing home souvenirs. Reusable, waterproof bags are the best. And you can also use bags from the hotel you're staying at to store items in because almost every hotel has laundry services, which means they'll have bags on hand for small, medium and large clothing items.
12. Delicate items go on top
-If the point of your vacation involves going straight to a meeting with business professional attire or you're going somewhere cold, put the delicate items for this on top. Put those items in your suitcase last so they are on top. Anything fragile or delicate, like clothing with studs or any sort of embellishment, should be on top to avoid getting crushed or damaged because airport employees take less than perfect care of luggage by simply throwing it onto the airplane. Their mindset is, more or less "Not my luggage, my not problem". That's how so many souvenirs get broken when stored in your main luggage.
My additional tips
-I know a lot of these tips may seem the same as above, but I feel like adding my own experience with these tips might help as well.
Invest in a luggage lock and key
-These will help keep unwanted items out of your luggage. The only time you want to lock your luggage up is when you are done getting out items at the hotel and are waiting for the hotel staff to take your luggage to your room and when your luggage is in your room and you're not there. If you've seen any of those To Catch a Smuggler shows on National Geographic, then you'll know why I suggest a luggage lock and key. This is to keep people from sneaking things into or out of your suitcase. People could sneak anything into it, such as drugs and when you go to the airport, TSA will think those drugs are yours. Keep the luggage lock and key in a place you'll remember, such as your carry on. When you get ready to head to the airport, remove the luggage lock and key because TSA will simply cut it off.
Plan ahead
-Know what type of place you're going to. Try and do research about the climate there and pack accordingly. If you're going somewhere tropical, basic t-shirts, jean shorts and flip flops will be the order of the day. If you plan on attending an a la carte restaurant, dress it up a little. Bring nice clothes, such as nice shirts and pants, dresses and nice shoes because those restaurants won't let you dressed otherwise. If you're going to do a lot of walking, a good pair of gym shoes will serve you well. If you're going somewhere with cold temperatures, it would be wise to pack winter weather gear. It also comes down to what you plan on doing there. If, for example, you're going to Japan to climb Mount Fuji, cold weather gear would be advisable, because you can climb that mountain by using a path carved into the mountain.
Keep all valuables in one place
-Most if not everyone takes money and jewelry with them on vacation. When going through TSA, if you're wearing a necklace, you don't have to take it off; TSA will look around it. Bracelets, rings and any sort of body piercing must come out because it will set off the metal detector. When you get to your destination, put your valuables in a safe with a code that only you will remember. If the room doesn't have a safe, put your valuables, such as money, jewelry, etc., in your luggage and lock it up with a key that you keep on you at all times. Just so that the housekeeping or hotel staff don't rob you.
Don't overpack / overstuff carry-ons
-Let's face it: we've all overpacked for a vacation at least once. I'm guilty as charged the first time I went to Mexico with my family. My stepdad is guilty on all charges EVERY time we go on vacation. Luckily, he's learned not to bring silk Hawaiian shirts on vacation otherwise he's sweating up a storm. Do not overpack your suitcase; you will pay massive fees in overweight bag charges. Also, with carry-ons, if your bag doesn't fit in a certain sized compartment they have there in the airport before check in, you'll be paying massive overweight bag fees there too. I've seen people try to cram an oversized gym duffel bag into the compartment, saying "it fits". But I also tell them "It only fits because you pushed it in there." If you accidentally accrue overweight bag fees, bring a card or some cash with you to pay.
If you plan on bringing your bank card, call ahead and let them know
-Any financial service who offers a debit / credit card also offers a type of add-money-onto-it type of card. If you plan on using one of these cards where you add money onto it, make sure to do this ahead of time. If you plan on using your regular credit card / debit card through your bank, call ahead and let the Fraud services department know where you're going, how long you'll be gone and when you're coming back. Tell them that if they see any kind of transactions on your bank statement from in and around this region, that it's you and not suspicious activity. Because if you don't do this, they will block your card and thus, your card will fail to work. It's all in the name of YOUR PROTECTION!! They will block your card thinking that someone has gotten a hold of your card and committing fraudulent activity on your card. Having a mother who worked in Card Fraud for close to ten years will have you thinking this way. So please make it easy for the Fraud department and call ahead to let them know if you're using your card outside the country or using your card somewhere else and let them know where you're going, how long you'll be there and when you're coming back and tell them that any transactions from in and around this area is actually you and not fraudulent activity. The Fraud department will thank you very much for making their job 100% easier. They truly appreciate you thinking ahead and making their days just a bit easier.
Weigh your suitcase ahead of time
-Most if not all airlines have a maximum limit of 25 pounds. Anything over that will get you charged overweight bag fees. To avoid having to pay a hefty price for overweight bags, weigh your suitcase. Pack everything you plan on bringing into your suitcase and use your bathroom scale to weigh it. If it's under 25 pounds, you're in the clear. If it's over, re-assess what you're bringing and decide if there are items you can do with out. If you're going somewhere for a long while, and plan on bringing multiple pieces of luggage, spread out your items through these suitcases and weigh them. If they all fall under the 25 pound limit, you'll be in the clear and won't have to pay overweight bag fees.
Run through your checklist to make sure everything is there
-There is no limit to how many times you can run through your checklist. Doing this early ensures you have enough time to get last minute items you need. A day or two before you leave for the airport, run through your checklist and check off each item that you have listed and make sure it's there. Once everything has been checked off and you see that those items are present, then you're good. Pack everything up once again and rest assured that you have everything you need. Also, to let you know, most if not all hotels sell essential items in their gift shops. These essential items can include over the counter painkillers, such as Tylenol, Motrin, Aspirin, feminine hygiene items, sunblock, tanning oil and more.
-Also make sure your boarding pass and passport are together or on you somewhere that can be easily accessible. Get a passport holder and keep your passport, boarding pass and all necessary information about the hotel together on you. Best place to keep it would be your carry-on because it will be with you at all times. If you're using one of those pay-to-park lots at the airport, make sure you have your passport, boarding pass and everything about the hotel you're staying at together on you somewhere. So that TSA at your airport knows your itinerary and won't worry about you committing suspicious activity, especially if you don't know the name of the hotel you're staying at.
-Here's why you should keep your boarding pass, flight information, hotel information, passport on you at all times somewhere on you. One time, me and my family were going to Mexico. We had parked in the Valu-Park lot at CVG, the main airport that serves Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati region. We pulled up to the front of the airport and my stepdad, who was in charge of the passports and boarding information for him and my mom, he didn't have on him. My mom immediately worried that he left it at home. She asked the Valu-Park driver to take her back to the car, thinking he left it there or dropped it in the car. 10 minutes later, she returns, that's what happened. He had it on his lap, since he was in the passenger seat and my mom drove us to the airport, and it fell on to the floor. And because the carpet in my mom's car is black and the passport holder was black, she didn't see it immediately, but opened her passenger door all the way so the parking lot lights would help her see it. She found it on the floor of the passenger side. We all felt so relieved that it was only in my mom's car and not at home because we lived 45-60 minutes from the airport and if we had to go home to get it, we would have missed our flight because we had to be there three hours prior to leave at 7am. Then further on, when going through the Cancun airport, my stepdad thought he lost his passport, once again, my mom worried. She told him to check his carry-on. There it was. He forgot where he put it for a second because my mom told him to put it in his carry-on. Coming home through the Cancun airport, he once again thought he lost his passport. This time, I told him to check the bin of things he had to take off to go through the scanner and metal detector. His passport was under his shoes.
Put all souvenirs in your carry-on
-We've all seen how careless airport employees are with luggage. They throw luggage onto the airplanes without a care in the world about the fact that the people whose luggage that belongs to have bought souvenirs that they don't want broken. If you bought souvenirs, and there's no doubt that you did, the best place to put them would be your carry-on. So that there's no chance of them getting broken when these careless airport employees simply throw your luggage onto the airplane. Their mindset is, more or less, "Not my luggage, not my problem". Yet, if it was their luggage that got tossed onto the airplane, there'd be holy chaos rising. Simply put, put your souvenirs in your carry-on so that they'll not get broken and they'll also be with you.
-And if TSA stops you because of something suspicious in your carry on, just tell them the truth-they're souvenirs that you don't want the careless airport employees breaking because of their inconsiderate attitude towards luggage. And also, tell the truth on what you bought overseas or in another country. All they're trying to do is make sure you aren't bringing in anything bad. Any kind of food item is usually prohibited, unless it's been safely processed. Any kind of wood item is usually inspected for insects that could prove to be invasive species. If TSA clears these items and declares them safe, they hand them back to you and you're free to go. Certain food items are allowed, but other food items, such as certain types of fruits, meats, vegetables or fish, are usually not allowed because they can bring in insects that often prove to be invasive species. And you'll get a fine for violating that law if you don't initially declare it.
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