It was easy to ignore airline bag restrictions in the past. As long as there were no prohibited items in the luggage, most airline employees flashed a fake smile, turned the other way, strapped one of those ridiculously hard to rip apart tags on the handle, and sent your suitcase onto the mysterious carousel which magically deposits your bag in the airplane cargo bin.
Then they started charging for luggage. No more "airlines be damned" exclamations when it's time to pack. Here are some Leith Honda Raleigh top space saving packing tips to keep your luggage light and your wallet heavy.
- Bring the right bag. Find out what the airline permits and what they charge per bag. Get a space efficient suitcase, one with compartments. Make sure it meets airline standards. if you're traveling by automobile, make sure it fits in the trunk.
- Gather everything you think you will need and lay it all out. It probably won't fit. Take the least necessary 25% and set it aside. Start with clothing. Keep the stuff that can be worn in different combinations; that is, the polka-dotted blouse and the plaid pants stay home; the tan pants and the solid colored shirt go in the suitcase. Apply the same principle for shoes. Keep hair care products and other grooming items to a minimum. If you're staying at a hotel, find out what they provide or what can be obtained cheaply.
- Maximize space by eliminating air. Unless you’re smuggling your pet hamster through baggage check, air in your suitcase serves no purpose. Roll up shirts and pants; stuff socks and underwear in shoes. Cram liquids in to plastic baggies and roll them up in a shirt or set them on top. Let no space go unclaimed.
- Unpackage items. Packaging is an important part of marketing. Unpackaging is an important part of creating extra space in your suitcase. It doesn't matter why a 2-inch bottle of Advil needs a 6-foot tall box. Remove the bottle and save six feet. Take it one step further and remove individual pills from the bottle and put them in a plastic bag.
- Wear bulky items. You need sneakers for sight-seeing, sandals for the beach, and slippers for the morning. Save space by packing the latter two and wearing the bulky sneakers. You can always take them off on the airplane or car ride and set them under your seat. Same goes for jackets and sweatshirts.
- Get rid of the non-essentials. Be realistic. If you haven't exercised in thirteen years, leave the set of dumbbells in the garage. Three outfit changes per day is not necessary. If it is, there are washers and dryers in most of the world now.
You'll be glad you didn't go overboard when you are breezing through the airport and easily stowing your bag in an overhead compartment.
