For many of us, packing is the worst thing about traveling, as it can be a struggle to fit everything and it’s very easy to get caught out by the things you’re not allowed to take in your carry-on luggage.
Read on to discover some of our best packing tips which are sure to make your life much easier the next time you jump on a plane. They are particularly good for Baby Boomers who travel frequently!
5 Great Packing Tips
Don’t Pack Liquids, Gels & Aerosols in Your Carry-On
There are strictly enforced restrictions on what quantity of liquids, gels and aerosols you can pack in your carry-on luggage. Specifically, all liquids, gels and aerosols brought onto a plane must be in a 3.4 ounce bottle or smaller and put inside a single, clear plastic bag.
If you need to take a full-sized bottle of shampoo or any other liquid or aerosol with you, you should pack it in your checked luggage. Otherwise, it’s almost certain that it will be confiscated when you go through security.
Layer Up
If you’re traveling to a place with a cool climate, layering up not only helps you stay warm, but also allows you to take more pieces of clothing with you without using precious space in your carry-on or checked luggage.
Pack Strategically
You should always try to pack strategically and place items which you are likely to want to use in the airport or on the flight in your carry-on luggage. However, make sure that you follow the TSA’s rules on what you can pack in your carry-on luggage to avoid delays and potential confiscation.
Roll Instead of Folding
Rolling your clothes is typically the most compact way to pack them. So, by rolling your clothes instead of folding them, you can maximize and make the best use of your baggage allowance, potentially saving you from having to buy additional allowance from the airline you’re flying with.
Pack Dual Purpose Garments
Dual purpose garments, such as trousers that have a removable element which allows them to be turned into a pair of shorts, can help you make the most of your baggage allowance.
However, be sure to double check that whatever dual purpose garments you plan on taking with you are suited to the climate of the place you’re visiting.
A Quick Summary
- For many people, packing is the worst thing about traveling, as it can be very stressful and difficult to fit everything in your baggage allowance.
- Following our packing tips will help you make the best use of your allowance and avoid getting caught out by the TSA’s packing guidelines.
- Firstly, you should make sure that you follow the TSA’s guidelines on what you can’t pack in your carry-on luggage.
- Packing dual purpose garments and rolling your clothes instead of folding them are two great ways to make the most of your baggage allowance.
- Layering up, especially if you’re going to a cold destination, can be a good way to take additional items with you without using up your allowance.
- Lastly, you should try to pack strategically and place items that you want easy access to in your carry-on luggage (but make sure it doesn’t breach the TSA’s rules.)