How to Pack for Airline Travel

Packing for airline travel today requires some strategic planning. You must maximize the space available in your luggage, and still keep the weight and number of suitcases and bags to a minimum. Here are a few tried-and-true tips that will help.

Instructions

1

Pack dress clothes such as suits, sports coats, evening gowns and dresses in a garment bag. Check this bag for a small fee when you arrive at the airport, or at the check-in desk. This way, you will avoid having to cram your outfit into an overhead luggage compartment and wrinkle the clothes inside.

2

Put aside the items you will need when you arrive at your destination. These items should be packed last in your suitcase so you have access to them as soon as you land.

3

Store large-size toiletries in a plastic bag to prevent them from leaking in your suitcase. You are allowed to bring small containers of liquids on the airplane in your carry-on, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Each container can be only 3.4 ounces or less. Passengers can have a single 1-quart-size sealable plastic bag with as many of these small containers that fit inside.
The exceptions to this policy are medicine, breast milk and baby formula. When you arrive at the security checkpoint, you must inform TSA officers that you have these items.

4

Check your airlines regarding their policy for checked luggage. Some airlines will allow a passenger to check one piece of luggage for free, others charge for every bag. Inquire about the weight limits as well, and try to pack your luggage to stay below the weight limits.

5

Pack items in your carry-on bag that you know you will need when you land at your destination. If you wear contacts, tuck your glasses and an extra pair of contacts with solution in this bag as well. This will be a fallback in case your luggage is lost. It's also a good idea to pack a change of underwear and shirt in your carry-on as well.
Other items to stow in your carry-on bag include reading material and laptop.

6

Finish your packing by picking up a sandwich or snacks if the plane ride is more than two hours. Airlines have cut back dramatically on the snacks and meals they serve. Don't worry about finding a decent sandwich, because airports now have plenty of restaurants that will pack an order to bring on the airplane.