How to Pack a Suitcase Like Flight Attendants Do

Successful packing equals travel ease.

Flight attendants travel often and move quickly. They roll carry-on bags filled with strategically packed belongings because traveling with only the necessities is the easiest way to go. Flight attendants know strategies for successfully combining their clothes, jewelry and toiletries all while maximizing suitcase space. With careful planning and the right packing method, you can pack your suitcase so that traveling is stress-free and your belongings remain secure and in the best condition upon arrival.

Things You'll Need

• Rolling suitcase

Instructions

1. 

   Your destination will help you decide what to bring.

   Consider where you are going and what you will be doing. This information tells you what exactly you'll need and which belongings stay home.

2. 

   A color scheme lends inself to interchangeable outfits.

   Plan for a wardrobe that is uniform-like, with either solid colors as your base or color-coordinated separates that pair together in different ways. Key garments, such as black pants, or a color scheme, such as brown and cream, will easily tie the entire wardrobe together. Women should consider dresses instead of separates to save space. Choose clothes such as knits, wools and cottons that resist wrinkles.

3. 

   Wear your heaviest shoes while traveling.

   Decide which three pairs of shoes (maximum) you'll bring and wear your heaviest on the plane. For a cooler destination, wear boots while traveling and pack tennis shoes and dressier shoes in the suitcase.

4. 

   Mix shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle.

   Combine toiletries in a small kit. Hand, body and face lotions can be combined into an all-purpose moisturizer in order to eliminate three separate items. Store shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. Women can purchase small compacts of color-coordinated make-up, for example, instead of packing separate items. Consolidate vitamins and pills into one container instead of packing each bottle.

5. 

   Thin items can be eaily rolled.

   Roll your clothes. Lay out a t-shirt and fold in half vertically. Fold again horizontally and carefully roll the shirt taught until it looks like a paper towel roll. Use this method with each piece of clothing. Fold pants in half and begin rolling from the bottom upward.

6. 

   Use your shoes for storage.

   Tuck underwear, t-shirts, knitwear, jewelry, sunglasses, electronic chargers, scarves and toiletries into shoes. The inside of a shoe saves suitcase space and provides protection for thin, smaller items. Wrap belts once or twice around garments and fasten as you normally would.

7. Arrange rolled items in the bottom of the bag to make up the first layer. Find the bottom of a rolling suitcase by holding the bag upright. The bottom is above the wheels. Place shoes next, then add stiffer, folded items toward the top of the suitcase near the handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Slip socks over coarsely bristled brushes that can snag clothing.

• Wear precious jewelry while traveling and place others in a plastic pillbox in suitcase.

• Check current flying regulations for liquids.

References

• New York Times: Packing Tips from Travel Pros
• Real Simple: The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase