If you find yourself stuck in a metal tube thousands of feet in the air for hours on end, you don't want to be bored. A perfectly packed tote bag is the only thing that stands between you and your boredom. wikiHow is here to help you pack both your bag and your suitcase so you have everything you need to make your flight as easy and comfortable as possible.
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Method 1 of 2: Packing Your Bag of Goods for the Day of Departure
A carry-on bag will be stowed under the seat in front of you, while items in your suitcase or large bag will be stored in a separate room. You are usually allowed to take two small luggage bags on board with you. However, you can also choose to bring a larger suitcase and will only carry one carry-on bag in the aircraft cabin. For how to pack things into a suitcase, you can look down at Method Two.
Step 1. Choose the right bag
Make sure it's durable, easy to carry, and that it can hold everything you need. More importantly, make sure the bag meets your airline's sizing requirements. Check your flight's FAQ section for the largest bag size you can carry. If you fly with several different airlines, check the flights you use the most and choose a bag with a size that will meet all the requirements of the flight. A good way to find out if the bag will fit or not is to consider whether it will fit under the airplane seat in front of you.
- Holiday Goods Bag: The ideal bag is one that has one large body with many pockets. Pockets are a fantastic thing to use to store all your belongings separately - one pocket for your wallet/mobile phone, one for your makeup kit, one for your books, etc. Large purses, messenger bags, or backpacks are some of the options that can provide plenty of room for your belongings, and generally have large pockets.
- Briefcase: As you might have guessed, a briefcase is a very suitable bag for the career man or woman. Find a bag to sling over your shoulder in case you need to run to catch your flight. A bag that has storage space and pockets for your wallet/phone/keys/other essentials is a great choice.
- Kids/Teenagers/Student bags: Think, backpack. A fantastic backpack for storing laptops, school books, last-minute exam notes, and toys too. Because of the zipper, it also ensures that all your belongings stay in one place so you don't lose your GameBoy or any very important notes.
Step 2. Make a list of everything you need to bring
Start with the essentials, then move on to your entertainment or work gear. These essentials include a license or passport (depending on whether you're flying domestically or internationally), a wallet with your money or credit card in it, a cell phone, and any medications you may need, and of course, your plane ticket. Other items to consider in your bag include:
- Work or school supplies: These items can include your laptop, your phone and laptop charger, business notes, class notes, homework, reading you have to do for class, etc.
- Entertainment: books, headphones and iPods, cameras, game consoles, DVDs to watch on your laptop, magazines, touring destination travel books, toys, etc.
- Medicines and toiletries: It is best to take the medication you need with you on board. You might also consider bringing an extra pair of contact lenses, mouthwash, etc.
- Equipment that helps you sleep: These items include neck pillows, eye masks, ear plugs, etc. Inflatable neck pillows are best because they will take up very little space when deflated.
Step 3. Calculate the equipment in the worst condition
If you are stranded overnight in your stopover, or if your luggage is lost (pray not to) you may need to consider bringing some items with you on the plane. You may want to place these items in a separate small bag in your carry-on bag. These items include:
Toothbrush and toothpaste, comb or hairbrush, a new pair of underwear, socks, and deodorant
Step 4. Ensure all electronics and software are protected
Your carry-on bag tends to get knocked around a lot, so a safe check of your valuables is generally a good idea. If you bring a laptop or tablet, make sure you have good security for the item.
Step 5. Package your fluids properly
Keep in mind that most liquids are not allowed through security. You need to pack liquid items in one liter sized clear, plastic bag, and also tightly sealed on top. Each passenger is allowed to bring one bag of this size. In the bag, your fluids are limited to a volume of about 3.4 ounce bottles, so don't plan on bringing a bottle of sunscreen with you.
You can also pack your larger bottles in your suitcase, or buy the liquid items you need when you arrive at your destination. Purchase bottled water and drinks after you have passed the security check
Step 6. Store your essentials in an easily accessible location
You will need to present your license and ticket at least twice when you travel, so it is important to keep them in an easily accessible place. Put the essentials first but don't put them in the bottom of your bag.
When packing your laptop, keep it easily accessible so you can easily take it out when you have to go through security checks. Most of the time you have to take your laptop out of your carry-on for it to be scanned. This also applies to plastic bags containing toiletries, if you decide to take them with you
Step 7. Enter some boredom entertainment
Once you have packed your essentials, put the entertainment items in your bag. Putting them last in order to ensure that the things you need are already in your bag. Don't overcrowd your bag with stuff - you certainly don't want to carry a bag that weighs around 25 pounds. Make sure that your bag's zipper (if it has one) is working properly so you know that none of your belongings will be spilled.
Conduct an investigation into your airline. Some planes are equipped with entertainment systems, some have in-flight movie viewing, and some don't even provide food service. Put in your appropriate boredom items
Step 8. Wear warm clothes on the plane
Wearing a t-shirt or jacket is a good idea on planes, as they tend to keep the plane at a cooler temperature. In the worst case scenario, you can tie your jacket or T-shirt around your waist to protect your belongings.
Method 2 of 2: Packing Luggage
Step 1. Choose your suitcase wisely
While each airline has its own rules about the size of your suitcase, most airlines follow a rough guideline of about 45 linear inches (14 x 9 x 22 inches). However, if you can find a 20-inch (50.8 cm) carry-on suitcase, you'll be safe to go – as nearly every airline considers it the perfect size to put in the trunk. Check your airline's website for the specific needs of the airline.
You should also look for a suitcase that only has two wheels, as luggage with four wheels has a tendency to roll all over the place (especially if you leave it when the bus picks you up for your flight)
Step 2. Arrange all the clothes you want to bring
Once you have laid them, subtract half from the existing number. Think lightweight, as you will be packing all your belongings in a small suitcase. Do you really need three pairs of pants and 10 shirts? Chances are, maybe not. Only pack what you need. Aim to bring lighter material that you can carry. Denim is heavier than other materials like cotton, so consider the weight of your clothes when packing.
- Coordinate the colors of your clothes. This will help you to stretch the clothes you are carrying. Remember that black will go with everything.
- If you're really having a hard time limiting the amount of clothes you carry, try following these rules: shirts can be worn for two days each and pants or shorts can be worn for three days. Apply this rule to the clothes you've styled and see if it reduces the total amount.
Step 3. Design your toiletries
Since you have a carry-on bag, you'll most likely be limited to standard one-liter, plastic, and re-sealable bags for your liquid items. You can also carry a bag for dry items like makeup, deodorant, etc. For larger liquid items, consider buying them when you reach your destination, or using the freebies you get at hotels and motels.
Step 4. Design clothes for your trip before you put everything in your suitcase
You should wear your heaviest items on the plane so you don't put them in your suitcase. Wear jeans and a jacket or T-shirt, as well as your heaviest shoes, so you have more room for other items in your suitcase.
Step 5. Pack your entertainment equipment, electronics, and other smaller items in your carry-on bag (not your suitcase)
However, you are allowed to bring two luggage bags, one that will be stored in a separate overhead room (your suitcase), and one (your bag) which will be stored under your seat. See Method One for tips on the correct way to pack things in your bag for flights.
Step 6. Use well-known packaging techniques
There are many different ways to pack efficiently. Use either method, or try a combination. Make sure to keep anything you need to take out on security check (like your shower) located right above. Some of these techniques include:
- Rolling Method: Roll, roll, roll your pants down like a little tube! Rolling your clothes into a tube is a great way to save space, especially when compared to folding all of your clothes. It also reduces wrinkles.
- Use a compression bag. This bag can be purchased at almost any store-such as Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Fill your clothes into the bag, close them, and then squeeze them so all the air is gone. You will be surprised how small this bag can be filled with clothes.
- Fills something into every nook and cranny. Tuck your socks into shoes, dresses into nooks and crannies - whatever you can fit. This suitcase won't be the most organized of suitcases, but you'll definitely have everything you need.
Tips
- Consider bringing snacks on board your flight. As long as it is wrapped and not liquid, it will certainly be able to pass security checks.
- Bring a light blanket or t-shirt if you feel cold easily.
- Make sure to bring electronics and enough money for emergencies.
- Make sure that you check with your airline beforehand, to find out the requirements for the size and weight of your baggage. There are usually size and weight limitations.
- Know the restrictions on the carriage of goods on the airline. Some airlines may allow you to carry a carry-on bag along with a laptop bag, purse, or other personal item. While others may only allow one bag and sometimes there are very strict size restrictions. Know this beforehand rather than having to check your bag at the last minute.
- Roll up clothes – This saves a lot of space.
Bottled water - The humidity level on the plane is 15% lower so it will tire you out. Put a piece of notebook paper in your bag with your name, home address, phone number and where you will be in the next few weeks -So in your bag, if you leave your identification tag behind, the airline can open it to check if there is an identification tag on it and it will be your info. •You can feel the most turbulence if you are at the back of the plane-and the best place to be is on the wings. So if you get motion sickness easily, buy a seat that fits. •Even if you go on a long trip package for a maximum of 2 weeks – you will need to do laundry and if you are not planning on doing laundry, you will of course have to pay attention to lots of clothes. Make doorstops -To prevent someone sneaking into your room at night, and taking things, put a doorstop on the door and it will make it more difficult for intruders to break in.
