How to Pack for Air Travel

How to Pack a Carry-on or Suitcase for Airline Travel

There two thing to consider when travelling by air.  First, how long will you be staying and how fast you want to be out of the airport after you land?  Know the airline’s fees for checked luggage and the maximum allowed per person.  Stay within the limits to keep your costs down.

The answer to these questions will determine your luggage.

If you are travelling for holidays you will probably take more items to wear and thus you are not in so much of a hurry to go or come back.  Stay within the luggage limits of the airline.  This is usually one carry-on and one checked baggage.

If you are travelling overnight and back the next evening then travel light with just the carry-on baggage which will allow you to get in and out of customs and check points faster.  There is also no waiting for luggage.  This is more like business travel and the pace is going to be faster than that of leisure travel.

Plan out what you are going to ware and bring items which you can mix and match which will increase your changeable looks.

Check all government travel sites on what is acceptable for travel these days and then check your airline website for luggage weight and dimensions.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is for the United States and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) for Canada.  Each country has its rules for air travel regulations and you should check the country’s authority for those rules if you are travelling overseas.

So now you know what to take for your trip.  Take every item of clothing and personable items out where you can see it all. 

Put similar items together for easy access.  The saving kit and tooth brush with tooth paste and shaving gel, soap and shampoo in a plastic sealable see through bag, double bag it for safety of accidental leeks.  It should be noted that any liquid, gel and aerosols of volume greater than 100 ml in Canada and total volume amount of 3.4 oz. for the U.S.A  needs to go in your checked luggage.  Also, note that when carrying on board the cabin label your liquids, handle and store them in large sealable plastic bags, and declare them with customs.

Clothing travels best with the rolling packing technique.  Just roll your clothes tightly and line the item side by side evenly across the length of the carry-on.  This method keep your items from wrinkling and allows for more space in the carry-on.  Portable Travel Clothing Steamers

When packing make sure to spread heavy items in your carry-on or checked luggage, balance is going to make your luggage more manageable.

Pack items which are prohibited on the cabin in your checked luggage.  These include sharp objects like box cutters, knives, scissors and cork screws, but not limited to tools, and sports equipment like bow and arrows.  Note:  cross bows are prohibited from both the cabin and checked luggage.

Pack foot ware at the top of the baggage.  Customs might want to look at these items carefully, thus give them easy access.

Get a doctor’s note for medications you are travelling with and any metal implants you many have to clear the metal detectors.  You really don’t want to be striped searched.

Finally, after packing make sure to measure the dimensions of your luggage and weigh it to insure you meet the airline requirements for carry-on and checked luggage.

Now you are good to go.  Bon Voyage!
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