Ten Tips to Avoid Luggage Surcharges

Before You Pack:

#1 Think Strategically. Jot down each day you’ll be gone and the number of outfits you’ll need. Keep in mind the activities you’ll be doing, the image you want to project and the climate you’ll be visiting. Lay everything you want to take on your bed and then pack half of it. You never need as much as you think you do, especially when you pack versatile separates and limit the amount of color you take.

#2 Check In with Your Hotel Before You Arrive. Check your hotel’s in-room amenities such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. so you’ll know what to leave behind. On-site dry cleaning services can also help you cut down on the amount of clothing you need to bring.

#3 Understand the 3-1-1 Rule and Consolidate Your Toiletries and Cosmetics. In our post 9/11 world, passengers can’t carry on liquids or gels in amounts larger than 3-ounces. In addition, all your mini-containers of gels and liquids must fit together in 1 single clear, 1-quart size zip-top bag (not fold over) which you will need to remove from your carry on and put through the X-ray machine for easy inspection. Powder-based cosmetics, tooth pastes and even shampoos are handy on the road as they are not considered liquids. Small, plastic bottles are readily available at drug stores and travel websites to help you comply with the 3-ounce rule.

#4 Look up the weight and size restrictions for both carry on and checked luggage on your airline’s website. Whenever possible, stick with carry on luggage. Most airlines allow you to enter the aircraft with one carry on suitcase and a tote for such things as wallets, cell phones, computers, travel documents, reading material and in-flight entertainment items and snacks. Neck wallets and pouches that you wear on your body are handy for travel documents, money and the like and are not considered baggage.

#5 Opt for Soft-Sided Luggage. Whether you are planning to carry on your luggage or check it, soft-sided bags are the way to go. Weighing less than hard-sided bags, you can get more clothes in them without tipping the weight requirements at the check-in counter. They are also easier to fit in an overhead compartment. Those with rolling wheels and retractable handles are the best to consider for mobility and comfort.

As You Pack:

#6 Divide and Conquer. Categorize the clothing you plan to bring and give them their own home before they go in your suitcase. New on the market are individual packing folders and cubes for specific categories of clothes and accessories such as shirts, socks and undergarments. These products keep personal items neatly folded, compact, wrinkle-free, and they open up space in your suitcase. Many feature mesh panels for visibility, a plus when passing through airport security.

#7 Roll and Compress. Rolling your clothes is another great way to maximize space. This technique can be combined with other forms of packing to fill in dead space in your bag. If the items are freshly pressed before packing, they will also have a better chance of remaining wrinkle-free. Compression bags also reduce volume in your luggage. They are ideal for packing bulky items like sweaters that take up a lot of room.

#8 Use Tissue Paper. If you end up with extra room in your suitcase, fill in the dead space with tissue paper to avoid things from shifting too much and wrinkling or breaking during your flight. If you plan to shop while you are away, replace the tissue with your new purchases on the way home you’ll save a bundle on shipping fees!

Extra Tips:

#9 What to Wear in the Air. On a business trip? Plan to wear your power suit on the flight. Pack extra shirts, blouses, ties and accessories to get extra mileage from it when you arrive, especially if you won’t be meeting with the same people each day. On a pleasure trip? Women, opt for a versatile black dress. Layer it with a cardigan that you can wear with other things you have packed. Men, a versatile navy blue blazer is the way to go. It can be dressed up and down and may even get you upgraded!

#10 Store Your Packing Lists on Your Computer and Update them Frequently. We all have our favorite items that pack well and serve us well on the road. Although there are many downloadable packing lists available on the web, creating your own and updating them frequently is the best way to manage your own travel needs. Print it out and keep it with your “travel only” items so you’ll be ready for your next trip!

For additional tips, visit www.dressingwell.com.