Know baggage-fee policy
Airline bag fees have become more tricky now than ever before. Most airlines do not include bag fees in their ticketing prices, and others do not note anything except on their website. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge over $50 each bag on domestic flights. Although some domestic U.S. airlines offer at least one free checked bag and a carry on on their flights. Be sure to take a look at your airline’s policy before you being packing.
Start with a list
Jot down what you need the moment it comes to you and start weeks in advance. This way you will be sure to remember everything you think you’ll need and what to take with you. You will have enough time to buy any additional items you need for your trip. Creating a packing list is a safe way to ensure that you never forget something important.
Pack early
Following suit, start your packing process weeks ahead of your departure. This way you can organize and check off items on your packing list a few days prior your trip. This will ensure any problems in the long run like, forgetting things, luggage being overweight and the stress of rushing on the night/day of flight.
Pack light
This step will get rid of a majority of luggage issues during your travel. Simply because the less you pack, the less you have to worry about; both before and after your trip.You can pack dual-purpose items, such as a jacket that turns into a pillow, or pants that turn into shorts. Remember, no matter what you think, personal items are going to be far from your mind when you enjoying the culture and scenery of another country.
Roll, don’t fold
This technique saves up to two-thirds of luggage space according to experts. Many organizing specialists and travelers agree that this is the correct way to pack a suitcase. A bonus is that the clothes are less likely to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases and stacks of other items.
Use packing aids
If you are traveling for a long period of time and want to carry minimum luggage possible, you should consider compression sacs. These packs are exactly what their name says, they compress garments in a sac by using a vacuum suction to remove all the air out of the pack. The best thing about this is that you can roll these sacs up too! If you do not have time to grab one of these packs, packing enveloping can work just as well and ensure a wrinkle-free garment.
Follow the 3-1-1 rule
TSA officials released their 3-1-1 rule years back and some travelers still do not follow the rule because they just do not know. This can be frustrating for both TSA agents and travelers alike: the long security lines, the messy opened bags, and items being confiscated or thrown away. All liquids, gels, creams brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles (100mL) or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
“It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This isn’t as simple as it sounds. Foods such as peanut butter, pudding, mashed potatoes, and icing are classified as gels. Mascara, lip gloss, and aerosol items are also classified as liquids or gels. But keep in mind that liquid prescription medication is exempt. (Read more on that on The TSA Blog.) See a more complete list of liquids and gels that are not permitted in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces here” says USA Today.
Choose your personal carry on wisely
“It’s standard for airlines to permit each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes” says USA Today. Each airline has different specifications for their carry ons including quantity and size measurements. Usually standard laptop bags, backpacks and most purses are acceptable.
Layer your clothes
This goes hand in hand with packing light. Assemble your airport outfit a few nights before your trip, and make sure to layer. Keep in mind you are saving room in your luggage and keeping warm for the rising temperatures while your in the plane.Your on-the-road layered outfit will help you jetset through different climates. Be sure to stay comfortable! Secondly, TSA recommends packing in layers; “shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.” The easier your bags are screened, the faster you’ll get through security lines.
Keep your valuables at hand
Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, cellphone, laptop and other valuables should always be on hand and the on the plane with you. Bring a organized bag to carry on all of your essentials and make sure it is small enough to fit under your seat on the plane. If you rather have one large carry on you can stow it up on the compartments above your seat.
Source: USA TODAY