How to Pack Luggage for Air Travel

Packing your luggage for a plane trip can be easy. Efficient packing, including getting ready for tight airport security checks and restrictions, will allow you to bring more items you'll need on the flight and at your destination. Making a checklist before you begin packing also will help you remember everything you need.

Instructions

1

Follow federal Transportation Security Administration regulations on airline luggage. The TSA prohibits explosives and flammable items, for example, from being packed in all luggage.

2

Check the weather report for your destination. Based on what you find, gather everything you think you need to bring and organize it. If the weather will be warm, for example, grab a few pairs of shorts and put them next to each other. Don't forget a few pairs of gloves and warm socks if snow is in the forecast. Keep similar items near one another so you can find them easily later.

3

Stash items in your carry-on bag that will be handy to have on hand during your flight such as chewing gum, magazines or crossword puzzles, and a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player. While you can't bring a bottle of water through the security checkpoint, purchasing a bottle at an airport vendor to have on the flight is also a good idea.

4

Edit down your items. Overpacking is a common mistake among air travelers. The Real Simple website recommends leaving at home at least half of what you wanted to pack.

5

Pack items you can use more than once. Real Simple calls these double-duty garments, such as sweatpants and comfortable T-shirts, that you can wear during the day and to bed.

6

Roll your clothes to save space. Fold the wrinkle-resistant clothing into a rectangle, then roll them. Also roll your jeans.

7

Iron your clothes that wrinkle. Fold them neatly, then place on top of your rolled items.

8

Lay larger items such as windbreakers across the top of your folded-clothes layer.

9

Add small essentials to the bag. Stick socks inside a pair of shoes, for example, or slide a flat iron between a layer of clothing.

10

Seal liquid items such as shampoo, lotion or perfume in plastic zip-top bags. Changes in pressure on the plane can sometimes cause bottles to open in flight.

The TSA also has restrictions on the amount of liquids that can be carried onto a plane. The 3-1-1 rule is an easy way to remember those restrictions. Liquids must be packed in 3.4-oz or smaller containers, and those containers must all fit into one quart-size, clear zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed to carry on one zip-top bag of liquids.

11

Weigh your bag on your bathroom scale to make sure it does not weigh more than your airline's specified weight limit to avoid being charged extra. Airlines usually impose weight limits between 50 and 60 pounds for each checked bag. Airlines also impose size restrictions on luggage, so be sure to check with your airline to make sure your suitcase falls under its guidelines.