I have always been challenged in packing for airline travel. I haven’t yet flown under new airline tariffs charged by the bag, so I don’t relish having to scale down while abiding by all rules applying to packing for airline travel that I had already mastered. But I have prepared with lots of tips to make packing for airline travel much less painful.
From experience, I would advise wearing comfy slippers or mules for flight. Not only is it common knowledge that, during longer flights, your feet may swell; but now one is required to show that nothing illegal or threatening is present in the foot area (airlines check shoes for our own safety). You can help to speed your way through this check point if you’re snappy on the shoes and follow the “bag” rule.
Use no larger than a quart-sized plastic bag to store shampoos, lotions, creams, toothpaste, gels, and other items of similar consistency. Have this bag at moment’s reach so that, while barefoot, you can pull it out for inspection. After you have passed through security, you may buy anything to eat or drink for the flight.
So serious are the airlines these days that I was once asked to take a drink of my water by airline personnel after my baggage was checked : but this just goes to show that no matter how innocent-looking and beautiful you are suspicion may follow you. Packing for airline travel is no joke.
Don’t forget to weed out your handbag for lipstick, other cosmetics, deodorants, and the like. For optimal packing for airline travel, these must be in solid form; else they should be stored in the quart plastic bag, taking up valuable space. If you don’t want to carry these, store them in checked baggage (if you still want to go that way–$15 per bag).
While packing for airline travel, keep in mind that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) bans the following kinds of items from being carried on board: bats for sports, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, ski poles, spear guns, bows and arrows, and pool cues. These must be checked baggage. Also check sharp items such as straight razors and anything else of that kind. If you have anything not addressed here (and I would do this in any case) check the TSA website.
Of course, there are some other common sense things to keep in mind while packing for airline travel: pack light and “recycle clothing” (you can wash it or have it laundered on your trip). Take locks for your bags—these must be removed at check-in, but you can lock your bags once you claim them at your destination.
While packing for airline travel, include an all-purpose and low-maintenance outfit, as well as comfortable shoes. And always plan ahead when packing for airline travel.
