How to pack for air travel

Adhere to airline regulations when packing luggage.

When you're traveling by air, the best way to pack your bags is by following airline regulations. This makes the process easier and faster while preventing items from getting confiscated at the airport. Security measures are in place at airports around the world to discourage terrorism; among those measures are the prohibition of certain objects aboard the plane. When you arrive at a U.S. airport to board a plane, you'll have to pass through security checkpoints operated by Transportation Security Administration agents. When you do, you'll be glad you packed for air travel in an organized manner.

Things You'll Need

• Bags
• Packing items (clothing, shoes, toiletries and so on)
• Travel documents

Instructions

1. Choose the right bag for your items. Get a bag, duffel or carry-on with the appropriate compartment size to fit your needs. Check with your airline baggage size and weight requirements to avoid any additional fees for oversize bags. The requirements may vary depending on your destination.

2. Gather all the items you intend to bring. Pack as light as possible and leave all unnecessary items behind.

3. Use the bundle rolling method for packing. This saves packing space, organizes your clothing inside the bag and minimizes wrinkles. Group all similar items like shirts, trousers, coats, etc. Take the shirts, fold the sleeves in and roll down neatly from the top toward the base. Roll your trousers, coats and other accessories like scarves, ties and belts in bundles, similar to the shirts; then stack them neatly inside your bag. If packing shoes, you can squeeze smaller bundles like socks inside them to save even more space.

4. Pack your liquids and other special items according to the Transportation Security Administration's most current regulations. As of July 2011, only thre, 3.4-ounce liquid bottles or fewer are allowed inside carry-on bags. The TSA recommends putting the three bottles in a 1-qt. clear zip-top bag.

5. Place travel documents, medication, jewelry, keys and other valuable items in your personal bag for safety and easy access.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the weather conditions at your destination so you can pack weather-appropriate clothing.

References

• Transportation Security Administration: Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
• Fox News; How to Pack Your Luggage Like a Pro; Paul Eisenberg; January 2009
• The Weather Channel: Before You Fly -- A Packing Checklist

Resources

• Transportation Security Administration: Travel Assistant
• Transportation Security Administration: Prohibited Items