Buzz
If you’ve never flown or rarely travel by plane, you might feel anxious and confused about packing your luggage. Airline regulations can add to the confusion, and sometimes you may even end up paying extra fees. Many people face similar challenges when flying. Check out the guide below to learn how to pack efficiently, whether you’re taking a long-haul or short-haul flight, traveling for business or leisure; this article has everything you need.
Steps
Packing Your Carry-On Luggage
Pack only the essentials in your carry-on. Essentials include undergarments, shoes, one or two casual outfits, electronics, medications, and for longer flights, basic personal hygiene products. Some people fear losing checked luggage and try to cram too much into their carry-on, which isn’t always necessary. However, it’s wise to pack only the basics in your carry-on in case your checked luggage goes missing.
- Make sure to bring medications and items that keep you comfortable. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed on planes. You can also carry small amounts of liquids, such as saline solution, if they’re medical necessities.
- To reduce the number of clothes in your luggage, choose versatile outfits. Pick items that can be mixed and matched instead of entirely separate outfits. Use accessories to enhance your look. For example, a scarf is compact and can be worn around your neck, as a headband, or even as a belt.
- Pack a swimsuit when flying, especially if you’re a woman, and include it with your vacation essentials. If your checked luggage is lost, other clothing items like shorts or T-shirts can be easily replaced at your destination. However, women’s swimsuits are often harder to find in such situations. Without a swimsuit, you might miss out on beach trips, hot tubs, or other fun activities.
Pack valuable items in your carry-on luggage. Anything of value should be kept in your carry-on. If your checked luggage is lost or damaged, your carry-on will still be safe. Include items you’d be heartbroken to lose in your carry-on if you plan to bring them.
- Pack larger electronic devices last for easy access. This way, you won’t have to rummage through your bag during tight timeframes.
Keep all electronic devices in one place. This is helpful for two reasons:
- You might get bored during the flight, even if it’s just a short 30-minute trip; having all electronics in one spot ensures you know where everything is, making it easy to grab your iPod, iPad, Kindle, or anything else you need quickly.
- At security checkpoints, electronics must be scanned separately—keeping them together and easily accessible saves time for you and others waiting in line.
Ensure you have all necessary documents. To board the plane, you’ll need identification like a passport or ID card. Don’t forget your ATM, credit, or insurance cards. However, it’s best not to carry all your cards to avoid the risk of losing them.
- Keep your flight information in an easily accessible compartment of your carry-on, such as airline details, flight number, booking code, and departure time. This is especially useful when using self-check-in kiosks at the airport.
Do you really need all those personal care items? If so, don’t overpack. Your relatives likely have shampoo, and toothpaste is readily available at your destination. While you might need to stop at a store during your trip, reducing the number of bottles, lotions, and tubes will free up space for more important items.
- If you must bring personal care products, follow airline regulations. Transfer them into 100ml bottles and place them in a 1-liter zip-lock plastic bag (one per passenger), which must be presented at security. Check the airline or airport website for specific luggage rules.
Prepare a basic first-aid kit, especially with pain relievers. Flights can sometimes cause headaches, so keep a strip of medication handy just in case. Here are a few essentials to include:
- Painkillers
- Band-Aids
- Sedatives (if you get anxious during travel)
- Anti-nausea medication
- Chewing gum (for air pressure changes)
- Tissues
- Headphones (useful for travel in general)
- Medication for specific conditions, such as allergies.
Wear it instead of packing it. Remember, you don’t have to pay for the weight of the clothes you’re wearing on the plane, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit. Layer your clothing to carry more without adding bulk. Instead of just a T-shirt and jacket, wear a T-shirt under a long-sleeve shirt and add a pullover hoodie on top. Wear your shoes and pack flip-flops in your luggage, especially if you’re traveling for business.
Packing Checked Luggage
Avoid checked luggage if possible. You can pack for a three-month business trip without checking a bag if you really want to. Many find checked luggage to be a hassle. You have to worry about packing, transporting it to the airport, ensuring it meets weight and size limits, potentially paying extra fees, and hoping the airline doesn’t lose it. If your trip is under two weeks, consider skipping checked luggage. It might be a challenge, but it’s entirely doable.
- Flight crew members do this all the time. They can work for a week with just a carry-on. If they can do it, so can you. This way, you’ll save on fees and have more flexibility for other things you might want to bring.
Pack as light as possible. Besides meeting luggage regulations, traveling light is easier—you’ll lose fewer items (if your luggage is lost or left in a hotel room), move around more easily, and have room for souvenirs and other purchases. And you’ll spend less time repacking when you return.
- While you shouldn’t overpack shoes, bring a few pairs. Wrap them in plastic bags to avoid dirtying other items, unless they’re brand new. Also, stuff socks inside your shoes to save space.
Include photocopies of important documents in your checked luggage. In case something happens to your carry-on, you forget to pack certain documents, or an emergency arises during your trip, having photocopies of essential papers in your checked luggage is a smart move. Scan your passport, visa, and any other critical items for worst-case scenarios. Being prepared means you might never need them, but if you do, you’ll be glad they’re there.
Liquid products can leak during flights. Personal care items you bring along are often prone to leaking. Therefore, each product should be individually wrapped and placed in a plastic bag to prevent spills on your clothes. Additionally, store these items in a separate section of your luggage.
- Unscrew the bottle cap, wrap plastic around the opening, and then reseal the cap. This way, even if the cap loosens, it won’t cause any mess.
Roll your clothes. If you haven’t tried rolling your clothes yet, now’s the time to start. This method helps avoid unsightly creases and saves space in your luggage, so don’t hesitate to give it a shot. Heavier items should go at the bottom, as lighter items can easily conform to the shape of the bag.
- The tighter you roll your clothes, the more space you’ll save. Compressing them from either end will also help maximize efficiency.
Bring one or two plastic bags. Some airports provide plastic bags, but if yours doesn’t, it’s wise to bring your own. These are always handy, especially when traveling in a group—someone is bound to forget. Plus, if the bag you’re using gets dirty, you’ll have a spare ready.
- Choose bags with zipper seals. While any sealable bag is better than an open one, zippered bags are ideal—they’re less likely to burst under pressure.
- Packing items in high-quality zippered plastic bags can make your luggage more compact. Sometimes, you can save up to a third of the space by squeezing out air when sealing the bag. This also keeps your clothes dry during outdoor adventures and prevents clean items from mixing with dirty ones.
Pack items like a puzzle. To maximize space, arrange items based on their shape and size. Start with the largest, heaviest items at the bottom, and place lighter items on top—this makes it easier to zip up your bag when everything’s packed. For oddly shaped items, pack clothes around them—or consider leaving them behind if flying.
- Generally, long, cylindrical items are easier to pack than bottles or boxes with unusual shapes. For future trips, choose items with standard shapes and sizes to save space and keep your luggage organized.
Don’t pack things you plan to buy. If you’re planning to shop at a French fashion boutique during your trip, don’t fill your luggage with clothes. Leave room for the items you’ll purchase.
You can send your luggage ahead. In certain situations, mailing your luggage via postal services or companies like FedEx or UPS can be more convenient. This is particularly crucial if you're preparing for a long trip or need specialized equipment, such as winter camping gear.
Preparing for your trip
Be aware of the duration of your flight and trip. Your destination will dictate what you should pack, while the length of your journey will determine the quantity of items needed. Are you attending a special event on a specific day? How often will you reuse a particular item?
- If possible, avoid checking in luggage. More airlines are charging for the first checked bag, and a budget flight can quickly become expensive. If flight attendants can manage a week-long trip with just a carry-on, so can you.
Check the weather forecast. Reviewing the weather before packing can help you identify what you truly need. For instance, a location might generally have a cool climate but experience 'heat waves' typical of subtropical regions. Use the forecast to decide if you really need to pack a breezy t-shirt or an umbrella.
- Bring versatile items to adapt to the climate at your travel destination. For example, a waterproof windbreaker takes up less space than a raincoat and a jacket.
If traveling abroad, check if you need to bring a plug adapter. When visiting another country, things can be quite different from home. Find out if you need to bring a plug adapter for your electronic devices.
Understand the prohibited items regulations. For instance, you cannot bring a bottle of wine as a gift to friends in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, certain types of seeds are not allowed into Australia.
Tips
- Always keep valuables in your carry-on luggage in case your checked baggage gets lost.
- If you're packing a belt, avoid rolling it up. To save space, simply wrap it around the outside of your luggage.
- It's best to pack a little extra underwear or more than you think you'll need. Jeans and t-shirts can be re-worn, but clean underwear is essential for a comfortable journey.
- If you're a backpacker traveling across Europe, pack frequently used items at the top of your backpack to avoid digging through a full bag in a busy airport.
- Don't pack too many shoes in your carry-on. Remember, two pairs are the maximum, regardless of the trip's length. Shoes take up valuable space and add weight. Choose one pair for everyday activities and another for special occasions. Wearing one pair to the airport saves luggage space.
- Bring headphones for music and an eye mask for better sleep.
- Golden rule: if an item can serve three purposes, pack it. If you're thinking of bringing diving gear 'just in case you go swimming,' it's unnecessary.
- Transfer liquids into smaller bottles instead of carrying full-sized containers.
- Pay attention to luggage weight: with some airlines, the fine for an overweight bag can be more expensive than the fee for two smaller bags. 'Overweight' typically means over 23kg, but check the specific airline's rules.
Warnings
- Certain items are prohibited from being carried on board according to aviation regulations. Research which items must be declared and which are banned.
Essentials You Need
- Soap (bar or liquid)
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Deodorant for underarms
- Facial/body moisturizer
- Contact lenses, lens solution, and glasses case
- Makeup (if needed)
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
- Prescription medications (if needed)
- Vitamins
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Dress shirts
- Fleece jacket (depending on weather)
- Sleepwear
- Jeans
- Pajama pants
- Long underwear (depending on weather)
- Walking shoes/boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Zippered toiletry bag (for 100ml bottles)
- Camera and video recorder
- First aid kit
- Small backpack/tote bag
- Passport, driver’s license, student ID
- Cash/credit cards/traveler’s checks
- Credit card loss reporting phone number
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Headphones
