Airport Luggage: Efficient Carrying Techniques For Travelers

When it comes to air travel, it's important to know the difference between a carry-on bag and a personal item, as well as the specific rules and restrictions for each. A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that you can take into the aircraft cabin, typically measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm, and must fit in the overhead bin. On the other hand, a personal item is an additional bag that you can take on board, such as a laptop bag, purse, or backpack, which must fit under the seat in front of you and usually has a maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. It's essential to check with your airline for their specific size and weight restrictions before packing your carry-on and personal items.

Choosing the right luggage

Type of Luggage

There are three broad categories of luggage: wheeled luggage, travel packs, and travel duffels. Wheeled luggage, including rolling luggage, wheeled duffels, and wheeled backpacks, offer the convenience of easy transport through airports and smooth streets and sidewalks. Travel packs are ideal for travellers who want mobility and are comfortable carrying their luggage on their backs. Travel duffels are simple in design, with one large space for packing gear and clothing, and they are available in various sizes.

Size of Luggage

The right size of luggage depends on the length of your trip and the type of trip. For a weekend getaway, a compact bag that can accommodate 20-50 litres will suffice. For longer trips, consider bags in the 50-75 litre range. If you're going on a serious adventure requiring lots of gear, you might need multiple large bags that can hold 75 litres or more. Keep in mind that most airlines have restrictions on the size of carry-on luggage, typically limiting it to around 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Weight of Luggage

When choosing luggage, consider the weight of the bag itself, especially if you'll be lifting it into overhead compartments or carrying it up flights of stairs. Bags with wheels tend to be heavier, so if your trip involves lots of travel over rough surfaces, you might want to opt for a duffel or travel pack without wheels.

Durability

Luggage can take a beating during travel, so consider the durability of the materials used and the sturdiness of zippers, wheels, and handles. Hard-sided luggage, often made from lightweight, impact-resistant plastics, provides better protection for fragile items but can be more prone to scuffs and scratches. Soft-sided luggage is more pliable, making it easier to stuff into tight spaces like overhead bins, but it's more vulnerable to ripping.

Features

When choosing luggage, consider the features that are important to you. Some options include:

• Wheels: Two-wheeled luggage allows you to pull the bag behind you, while four-wheeled luggage offers more mobility and can be moved in any direction.
• Carry-on size: Ensure your luggage meets common airline size guidelines for carry-on bags.
• Laptop and tablet compartments: Dedicated compartments provide padding and protection for your devices during transport.
• Organiser pockets: Built-in organiser pockets allow you to store frequently used items like passports, pens, and keys.
• Removable daypack: Some travel packs offer a removable daypack for excursions once you've reached your destination.
• Backpack straps: Duffel bags with dedicated backpack straps make carrying heavy loads more comfortable.

Cost

While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper luggage, investing in a higher-quality piece can save you money in the long run. Cheaper luggage may need to be replaced more frequently due to wear and tear, whereas a more expensive, durable piece can last for many years.

Packing light

Clothing

• Plan your wardrobe in advance and pack mix-and-match items. This will give you more outfit options and help you to pack light.
• Limit yourself to no more than seven days' worth of clothing. It's fine to wear items more than once.
• Wear heavier items, such as jackets and boots, on the plane.
• Pack versatile layers that can be added or removed as the temperature changes.
• Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Merino wool is a great option, as it's lightweight, odour-resistant, and breathable. Synthetic fabrics are also good for packing as they dry quickly.
• Stick to a simple colour palette so that you can easily mix and match your tops and bottoms to create multiple outfits.
• Pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. This should be enough for two weeks.
• If you're going away for longer than two weeks, plan to do laundry. You can wash your clothes in the sink or shower, or find a laundromat.

Toiletries

• Leave most of your toiletries at home. You can usually buy what you need at your destination, or get it from your hotel.
• Only bring sample-size or travel-size toiletries. The TSA only permits containers of 3.4oz or less in carry-on bags.
• Consider switching to solid toiletries, such as a solid moisturiser or lotion bar, to save space.

Luggage

• Choose the right luggage. Opt for a lightweight, roomy bag with expandable options. A bag with spinner wheels will be easier to manoeuvre.
• Use packing cubes to save space and keep your items organised.
• Aim for one carry-on bag if possible. The less luggage you have, the easier it will be to move through crowded spaces and the less likely you are to incur excess baggage fees.

Other Tips

• Make a packing checklist and then cut it in half. If you're not sure you'll need something, don't take it.
• Make sure every item does double duty. For example, a sarong can be used as a towel, picnic blanket, or skirt.
• Pick multifunctional shoes that can be used for multiple activities, such as running shoes that can also be used for walking and hiking.
• Bring a lightweight, zippered collapsible bag that can be used as a beach tote, shopping bag, or extra bag for souvenirs.
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to save space in your luggage.
• Keep your valuables and important items with you in your carry-on bag, such as your passport, money, medication, and eyewear.
• Always be prepared for lost luggage by keeping essential items with you in your carry-on.
• Pack a buff to protect your face, neck, and head from the elements, and to use as a neck warmer or mask on the plane.

Understanding carry-on liquid restrictions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. This means that you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of these items through the checkpoint, with no container larger than 3.4 ounces (or 100ml). This rule was created by explosive experts and is an international guideline.

Any liquids larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including certain medically necessary liquids, baby food and drinks, and duty-free purchased items in sealed bags.

It is important to note that the rules are constantly changing, and some airports may be more lenient with the policy than others. For example, some European airports have eliminated the restrictions altogether due to the advent of computed tomography (CT) scanners at airport checkpoints.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to check the latest guidelines from the TSA and your chosen airline before packing liquids in your carry-on luggage.

Knowing what to pack in your personal item

Documents and Valuables

Your personal item is typically the bag you keep closest to you during your journey, so it's the ideal place to store important documents like your passport, ID, travel insurance, and travel visas. It's also a good idea to keep your wallet, phone, keys, jewellery, cash, credit cards, and any other valuables in your personal item, as they are less likely to get lost or stolen compared to checked luggage.

Electronics and Entertainment

Some airlines require travellers to carry electronic devices in their personal item. Even if this isn't a requirement, packing your laptop, iPad, Kindle, or handheld gaming device in your personal item ensures they are easily accessible during your flight and less likely to be damaged. If you're planning on working or want some entertainment during your flight, don't forget your chargers and charging cables.

Health and Comfort

Any health-related products such as prescription medication, inhalers, EpiPens, diabetic supplies, and over-the-counter medications should be packed in your personal item to ensure you have immediate access to them. You may also want to pack some comfort items like a neck pillow, travel blanket, eye mask, or earplugs to enhance your travel experience, especially during long flights or delays.

Food and Drink

Having snacks and water on hand is essential to avoid dehydration and hanger during your flight. Pack some trail mix, granola bars, or your favourite snacks, and bring an empty water bottle that you can easily refill at a water station.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene

It's always a good idea to pack personal hygiene items like hand sanitiser, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush, lip balm, feminine products, and face wipes in your personal item, especially for long flights or in case of travel delays. Remember to pack travel-sized products (3.4 ounces or 100ml) to comply with TSA regulations and save space.

Clothing

Packing extra clothing in your personal item can be a smart choice, especially for longer flights or in case of unexpected delays or lost luggage. Prioritise versatile clothing that can be worn in different situations and pack efficiently to maximise space.

Packing Tips

• Use compression packing cubes or roll your clothes to maximise space.
• Wear bulkier items like jackets and boots instead of packing them.
• Plan your wardrobe and pack mix-and-match items.
• Decant toiletries into smaller travel-sized containers or buy them when you arrive at your destination.

How to avoid overweight/oversized baggage fees

When travelling, no one wants to pay for unexpected baggage fees. Here are some tips to help you avoid overweight or oversized baggage fees:

Pay for additional weight in advance

It is almost always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance than to pay excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines encourage travellers to plan ahead by selling extra weight online, often at a discount. Sometimes, travellers can save up to 50% off what they would pay at the airport. Some airlines allow travellers to buy by the kilo or per piece when booking their flight, and some offer the option to add it on to the ticket right up until the day of departure. For example, budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet charge £11-£12 per kilo at the airport, so it is worth buying extra weight upfront.

Weigh your luggage as you pack

By weighing your luggage as you pack, you can avoid nasty surprises at the airport. If your luggage is looking heavy, you could save money by double-checking the weight and adjusting the contents. Portable luggage scales are cheap and easy to come by, and this way, you can pack your own weight monitor for the return journey, too.

Pool baggage with a travel buddy

If your luggage is deemed overweight at the check-in desk, you can avoid excess baggage fees by collaborating with your travel partner to spread the weight across your checked luggage. Ask the airline staff to weigh your bags together, and you might not even have to move any items between bags.

Use lightweight luggage

When it comes to excess weight, your luggage might be the culprit rather than its contents. Older suitcases often have heavy frames that make a big dent in your total allowance. For example, the average medium-sized suitcase weighs 4.1kg, while a lightweight model can weigh as little as 2.2kg. Upgrading to a lighter case could give you a few extra kilos to play with.

Maximise your hand luggage allowance

A cunning way to avoid excess baggage fees is to make the most of your hand luggage allowance. Some premium airlines allow passengers to bring two items on board, while budget airlines offer the ability to upgrade your in-cabin allowance to a larger bag that sits in the overhead locker. For example, if you upgrade your seat with easyJet, you can bring a bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25cm on board. Just remember to leave liquids, sharps, tools and bats in your hold luggage, or you may have them confiscated at security.

Frequently asked questions