How to Pack Smartly for a Plane Trip
Make a list., Pick out your bags., Pack it all up the day before your trip., Recharge all your essential devices., Pack your carry on., Weigh your suitcases., Take care of last-minute items.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make a list.
You can use a generated list to make things easier.
You fill out where you're going, what the temperature is going to be around, who you will be traveling with, and what size suitcase you will bring, then it creates a packing list for you.
Search online or use an app for such a generated list.You could copy-and-paste this into a word document then changing it to meet your needs.
Remember, the less you pack, the better.
If you're not using a generated list, here are the basics:
Toiletries.
You don't need everything (hotels have shampoo and the like), but bring your toothbrush and more personal items like deodorant.
Medications.
Bring any prescription medications, and don't forget any occasional medicines you personally use, like ibuprofen or Claritin.
Clothes.
Try to bring versatile clothes, like pants that match multiple shirts.
Don't forget enough underwear and socks.
Specialty items.
Are you going swimming? Hiking? Pack any items you need for activities like these. -
Step 2: Pick out your bags.
By picking two smaller bags (ie. a roller bag that can fit in the overhead bins and a backpack for under the seat) you eliminate having to check any luggage at all, and that also eliminates lost luggage and finding luggage at the baggage claim! However, if you are unable to carry-on your suitcase, some important things to remember are:
Most airlines charge per bag, so aim for big suitcases if you need to to cut down on number.
However, overweight bags typically cost more than additional bags, so be careful! Choose unique bags.
You want to be able to spot it quickly at the pickup carousels.
If you have a generic bag, put a marker like a ribbon on it.
Aim for at least one roller.
You can stack a duffel bag on top of a roller bag, but carrying multiple duffel bags is a drag.
Check for damages to your suitcases/bags before you go. , In the rolling suitcase, pack all of your clothes, toiletries, and items you won't need until you arrive.
There are many different ways to pack, but many people find that rolling up your clothes keeps clothes from wrinkling and saves space in your suitcase.
If you don't like that method, do some research to find other ways to pack your clothes.
As you pack, check things off of your list to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. , The day before your trip, plug in all the devices you will be traveling with, such as cell phones, iPods/MP3 players, portable game systems, digital cameras, and any other device that require charging.
Remember to bring your chargers with you if you think your devices will run out of battery while you're away. , Bring things to entertain you while on the flight, like books, electronics, etc.
Put your chargers in your carry-on in case you need to charge up at a layover.
If you get hungry a lot, avoid high costs by packing a snack.
Remember that you can only bring 3 oz. of liquids in a 1 quart bag through security.
Double-check TSA guidelines before packing something in your carry-on.
You don't want to have to throw anything away. , Each passenger gets a baggage allowance, which is usually determined by fare, destination, date of travel and how frequently you fly.
To make sure that your suitcase doesn't exceed the weight limit, weigh your suitcase beforehand.
There are gadgets to do this for you, or you can use a bathroom scale.
If you are having problems with your scale, first weigh yourself, then weigh yourself with the suitcase, and subtract the the weight of you alone.
Find out your baggage allowance, and if you luggage exceeds it, consider taking out some items. , As you're packing, make a list of things that you don't have or need to pack last-minute.
If you don't have a travel toothbrush, or you had to use your phone charger the night before, write it down and put the note in a noticeable area for easier remembering. -
Step 3: Pack it all up the day before your trip.
-
Step 4: Recharge all your essential devices.
-
Step 5: Pack your carry on.
-
Step 6: Weigh your suitcases.
-
Step 7: Take care of last-minute items.
Detailed Guide
You can use a generated list to make things easier.
You fill out where you're going, what the temperature is going to be around, who you will be traveling with, and what size suitcase you will bring, then it creates a packing list for you.
Search online or use an app for such a generated list.You could copy-and-paste this into a word document then changing it to meet your needs.
Remember, the less you pack, the better.
If you're not using a generated list, here are the basics:
Toiletries.
You don't need everything (hotels have shampoo and the like), but bring your toothbrush and more personal items like deodorant.
Medications.
Bring any prescription medications, and don't forget any occasional medicines you personally use, like ibuprofen or Claritin.
Clothes.
Try to bring versatile clothes, like pants that match multiple shirts.
Don't forget enough underwear and socks.
Specialty items.
Are you going swimming? Hiking? Pack any items you need for activities like these.
By picking two smaller bags (ie. a roller bag that can fit in the overhead bins and a backpack for under the seat) you eliminate having to check any luggage at all, and that also eliminates lost luggage and finding luggage at the baggage claim! However, if you are unable to carry-on your suitcase, some important things to remember are:
Most airlines charge per bag, so aim for big suitcases if you need to to cut down on number.
However, overweight bags typically cost more than additional bags, so be careful! Choose unique bags.
You want to be able to spot it quickly at the pickup carousels.
If you have a generic bag, put a marker like a ribbon on it.
Aim for at least one roller.
You can stack a duffel bag on top of a roller bag, but carrying multiple duffel bags is a drag.
Check for damages to your suitcases/bags before you go. , In the rolling suitcase, pack all of your clothes, toiletries, and items you won't need until you arrive.
There are many different ways to pack, but many people find that rolling up your clothes keeps clothes from wrinkling and saves space in your suitcase.
If you don't like that method, do some research to find other ways to pack your clothes.
As you pack, check things off of your list to make sure that you haven't forgotten anything. , The day before your trip, plug in all the devices you will be traveling with, such as cell phones, iPods/MP3 players, portable game systems, digital cameras, and any other device that require charging.
Remember to bring your chargers with you if you think your devices will run out of battery while you're away. , Bring things to entertain you while on the flight, like books, electronics, etc.
Put your chargers in your carry-on in case you need to charge up at a layover.
If you get hungry a lot, avoid high costs by packing a snack.
Remember that you can only bring 3 oz. of liquids in a 1 quart bag through security.
Double-check TSA guidelines before packing something in your carry-on.
You don't want to have to throw anything away. , Each passenger gets a baggage allowance, which is usually determined by fare, destination, date of travel and how frequently you fly.
To make sure that your suitcase doesn't exceed the weight limit, weigh your suitcase beforehand.
There are gadgets to do this for you, or you can use a bathroom scale.
If you are having problems with your scale, first weigh yourself, then weigh yourself with the suitcase, and subtract the the weight of you alone.
Find out your baggage allowance, and if you luggage exceeds it, consider taking out some items. , As you're packing, make a list of things that you don't have or need to pack last-minute.
If you don't have a travel toothbrush, or you had to use your phone charger the night before, write it down and put the note in a noticeable area for easier remembering.
About the Author
Anthony Shaw
Enthusiastic about teaching hobbies techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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