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PACK LIKE A PRO
The Luggage Packing Tips below will help you do everything from reducing wrinkles in your clothes to lightening your travel load.
Before You Start Packing Your Bags...
Pack Light! Make a list of all that you think you will need. Next, lay all of the items out before you. Force yourself to take at least one third less than you've laid out. It's tough to cut back, but you'll be oh-so-thankful during your trip!
Consider the activities you will participate in on your trip as you make your list.
Confirm airline limitations on checked and carry-on baggage. Click here for the carry-on guidelines of most major airlines.
In general, the airline industry standard size is 22" x 14" x 9" for carry-on suitcases and folded garment bags. In most cases, you'll be able to carry cases of this size or smaller on board the plane. However, on very crowded flights, airlines reserve the right to have you check bags even if they meet the size requirements.
Find out the seasonal weather at your destination and pack appropriately.
Bring clothes in basic, versatile colors (black, navy, etc.) which coordinate well into multiple outfits.
Use small, leak-proof containers and bottles for toiletry items to save packing space. Squeeze extra air out of bottles to prevent them from exploding due to the air pressure.
Take along some large, zip-lock plastic bags for wet or heavily soiled articles.
Wrinkling is caused when clothes shift around, so pack tightly to keep clothes from shifting. And choose luggage that you will fill completely.
For Frequent Travelers: Buy duplicates of your toiletries and always keep them packed in your toiletry kit. You'll be ready to go and won't have the hassle of packing and unpacking your toiletries each time. Plus, this insures you won't forget to pack key items.
Now its time to Pack like a Pro
Heres How
Put socks, rolled belts and other small items inside shoes to save space and keep shoes from being crushed.
Use the Overlapping Method for longer items like pants and dresses. For example, when packing long pants in a suitcase, drape the pants lengthwise allowing the bottom ends to hang over one edge of the case. Next, pack other soft items on top of the pants. Then, gently fold the bottom end of the pants back over on top. The idea is to wrap the pants around softer items to avoid sharp creases and reduce wrinkles.
Roll T-shirts, pajamas, undergarments and other casual wear to fit in the corners of your suitcase.
Pack underwear last since it can be stuffed in any available spaces.
Pack hanging clothes in plastic dry cleaner bags to greatly reduce wrinkling.
When using a garment bag, use wire hangers whenever possible instead of larger wooden hangers in order to save packing space.
Double-up pants, ties and scarves under each jacket to reduce bulk.
Pack shoes in fabric shoe mittens to avoid soiling your clothes.
If you need a hat on your trip, pack one that can be folded up in your suitcase and pop back into great shape.
Don't pack your case so full that you have to force it shut. Even the best hinges and zippers can be damaged by overstuffing a bag.
Carry-On Guidelines
Below is a list of the carry-on guidelines for most major airlines.
Air Canada
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 21.65" x 15.75" x 9"
Weight limit: --
Number of checked pieces: 2
AirTran Airways
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 55 linear inches
Weight limit: --
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.airtran.com
Alaska Airlines
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 24" x 17" x 10"
Weight limit: --
Number of checked pieces: 2
American Airlines
Carry-on linit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches (must fit within size-wise boxes at gate)
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.aa.com
America West
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches (9" x 13" x 23" or 8" x 16" x 21")
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.americawest.com
Continental
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 51 linear inches
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.flycontinental.com
Delta
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches (22" x 9" x 14")
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.delta.com
Jet Blue
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: N/A
Weight limit: N/A
Number of checked pieces: 3
Northwest
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches (22" x 9" x 14")
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.nwa.com
Southwest
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 50 linear inches (24" x 10" x 16")
Weight limit: 40
Number of checked pieces: 3
Website: www.southwest.com
United
Carry-on limit: 1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.united.com
US Airways
Carry-on limit:1 bag per person plus 1 personal item
Max size: 45 linear inches
Weight limit: 40 lbs.
Number of checked pieces: 2
Website: www.usair.com
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