Things You'll Need:
- Regulation size rollerboard or suitcase OR a carry on bag of some sort that meets airline approval. If unsure, call your airline before packing for your flight.
- Miniature versions of your favorite toothpaste, lotion, mouthwash, hair gel, deoderant and hair spray.
- 3 ounce containers
- 1 quart size zip top plastic bag
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Step 1
On most airlines you are allowed only ONE piece of carry on luggage--a suitcase or other carry on bag that must fit underneath the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bin.
First you need to make sure that everything you plan to take with you meets FAA and airline size regulation. Suitcases should generally be 22 by 14 by 9 inches for a total of 45 inches. While you may sometimes get away with carrying one a little bigger, when you travel on a full flight, you will be stopped.
There is also the 3-1-1 rule which only allows you to bring three ounces of each liquid or gel product. Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag, and each passenger is only allowed one bag.
The good news is that most popular products now make travel or trial sizes that can be easily found at your local drug store. -
Step 2
Now that you have ensured that your packing will meet airline regulations, here's what to pack. If you plan to be gone for a week or two, it is a great time to practice what our parents referred to as mixing and matching. Pack only what you need, not what you want. Begin by picking out your favorite articles of clothing. Of those, decide on a total of three pair of pants, jeans or both, three shirts or blouses, two sweaters or a sweater and light jacket, one suit or dress, two pair of pajamas, seven pair of undergarments and no more than three pair of shoes. Your shoes could be a pair of sneakers or walking shoes, a pair of dress shoes and a pair of sandals. Pick accessories that will go with any of the outfits you chose.
If your trip is longer than a week, chances are you will be doing laundry. Ask about such services at your hotel. -
Step 3
Here's a flight attendant trick to making it all fit and leaving room to spare. You are going to roll the items small and tight as if you are rolling a newspaper. Start with the shoes and bigger items, placing them side by side in the bottom of your suitcase or rollerboard. Fit smaller and softer items in the gaps. Some people like to keep the shoes separate from the clothes and hence store them in shoe bags behind the mesh in the top of the open suitcase. Other people prefer to put their undergarments, or pajamas and toiletries there. Use your judgment to decide what works better for you. Make sure that your luggage closes with ease.
After you have rolled and fitted the clothes and shoes into the suitcase, pack your three ounce toiletries--making sure they are closed securely--into the quart sized ziplock bag and lay it on top. You will need easy access to this to get through the security checkpoint. Please read the tip below about toiletries.
Everything should fit inside the suitcase. If you have outside pockets, save them for other things.
When finished, there should be enough room in your suitcase for purchases you may make during your trip. -
Step 4
Some people carry a laptop and use a briefcase large enough for necessary documents, yet small enough to fit underneath the seat if need be. Others carry a small tote bag which often includes their zip top quart bag of toiletries, snacks, a camera, and a small neck pillow or other comfort item. Nowadays, you should check with your airline to see what size is acceptable as an "excuseable" item to carry on--one that you will not be forced to check.
Pack what you will need to enjoy your flight. As long as it meets with airline regulations, the choice is yours.
Comments
cdclocks said
on 6/2/2009 Step 3 is fantastic...I'll be using your advice immediately. Thanks. 5*
naturallysweet said
on 6/2/2009 Good thoughts on packing. Thanks!
poshadornment said
on 6/2/2009 Good article, well written. Thanks for the ideas.
kselz said
on 1/1/2009 Great tips - I am going to New York for Spring Break and would love to carry on my luggage. Your tips on what clothes to bring are what I really needed. 5*s.
ohgirl67 said
on 7/16/2008 Here is a packing tip I saw on Fine Living Channel...when packing toiletry liquid such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., instead of travel size bottles, us ziplock bags. They won't leak, more room when you come home and you can just cut a corner and dispense it like a pastry bag.
My only thought is how will the TSA react, if at all to this?