Packing Tips for Airline Travel
A wedding! My daughter’s wedding! So many things to do. So many things to remember. It is a mother’s dream to watch her daughter walk down the aisle with the love of her life. Such joy to share. But as with all weddings, there are so many things to think about. I am flying to Mexico for my daughter’s dream wedding. Where to start? I need a packing plan. This starts with a What to do / What to Bring list.
One of the biggest issues when traveling is packing luggage. Here are some helpful tips I use for packing luggage effectively for air travel and making sure I don’t forget a thing!
Best Practices When Traveling
Know the Airline’s Baggage Policy: Check your airline’s website for the weight and size limits for both carry-on and checked luggage. Be aware of any baggage fees and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected charges. Be sure to keep your baggage claim tag in a safe place just in case you get to your destination, but your luggage does not. If you use an airline mobile app, you should be able to track your luggage - well, should. Your baggage claim tag is all that’s between you and your luggage. You will need it for making a claim if your luggage is somewhere, someplace, but not at your place.
Choose the Right Luggage: Select luggage that is both durable and lightweight to maximize the amount of weight you can carry. A sturdy piece of luggage is a travel essential. Adding luggage straps offers an additional layer of peace of mind.
Decide what items to place in your carry-on versus checked luggage based on importance and accessibility. Your carry on may be tagged at the gate and travel with checked luggage, so be sure you have a durable carry-on, as well.
Be sure to Create a Packing List: List essential items first, including travel documents, medications, and electronics.Organize your list into categories such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, and miscellaneous items.
Use large clear zip bags for packing outfits. This organizes your daily attire for events and weather, reducing the stress that comes with any travel.
As an alternative, use packing cubes. Packing cubes for suitcases are organizational tools that help keep clothing and accessories neatly separated and easily accessible during travel. They maximize suitcase space and simplify the packing and unpacking process by allowing travelers to group items by category or outfit.
Rolling clothes can save space and reduce wrinkles, especially for casual wear and soft fabrics. Fold structured items like blazers and dress shirts to maintain their shape.
Importantly, use Airtags when traveling. AirTags provide valuable tracking capabilities for travelers, allowing them to monitor the location of their luggage and other important items in real-time. This added layer of security can reduce stress and aid in quickly recovering lost or misplaced belongings during a trip.
Click a product image to learn more about it and to purchase it on Amazon.
Pack Strategically
Heavier Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase (near the wheels) to ensure stability and ease of transport.
Fill Gaps: Use small items like socks, underwear, and accessories to fill gaps and spaces between larger items.
Shoes: Pack shoes along the edges of your suitcase or place them in a shoe bag or packing cube to prevent dirt from spreading. Stuff them with socks or small items to save space.
Carry-On Essentials
Limit Liquids: For carry-ons, follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4-ounce bottles in a 1-quart bag, 1 bag per passenger). Ensure all liquids, gels, and aerosols comply with this rule. Use travel-sized containers for toiletries. Consider solid alternatives like bar soap and shampoo bars.
Important Documents: Keep passports, tickets, ID, and travel itineraries in a dedicated, easily accessible pocket or travel wallet. Here’s where a passport holder becomes an essential travel item. It helps to organize those important documents so they are easily found.
Medications: Carry all necessary medications in your carry-on, along with copies of prescriptions.
Valuables: Place valuables like jewelry, electronics, and essential items in your carry-on to keep them safe and accessible.
Change of Clothes: Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Organize Electronics: Use a small organizer bag for chargers, cables, and other electronic accessories. Place laptops and tablets in protective sleeves and position them in an easily accessible part of your carry-on for security screening.
Prepare for Security: Keep items you need to remove at security (like laptops and liquids) at the top of your carry-on. Wear slip-on shoes and avoid wearing excessive jewelry or items with metal thread (those lovely tops that sparkle) to speed up the security process.
Don’t forget a water bottle. Purchasing water at the airport is expensive. I always bring along a water bottle, fill it up after going through security, and tuck it into my backpack. Staying hydrated while flying is very important. If you are traveling across several time zones, hydration tends to minimize jet lag.
Enjoy your next travel adventure. Pack well. Have fun!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.