As fuel costs soar (no pun intended) airlines are scrambling to find ways to offset higher costs of doing business. For many, charging passengers for checking one or more bags is becoming a new revenue stream. In order to avoid these costly extra bag fees, follow these space saving packing tips. Remember, if you can get everything into your carry on bag, you never have to worry about lost luggage!
PACKING THE SUITCASE
Place your items in the suitcase as it will sit when standing on its wheels. First in are the heavy items so that they are on the bottom, making the suitcase more stable and protecting crushable items.
Above the heavy items place your compression bags or rolled clothing in the suitcase.
Next place your Pitotubes Travel Kit, cosmetics bag, shaving kit.
Lastly, line the sides with the shoes. Nest smaller shoes, like children's sizes, within the adult shoes, eliminating the wasted hollow space.
Utilize the top pocket for things like socks and underwear, bathing suits and those little items that can easily squish down when the suitcase is being closed.
Before zipping up, place an expandable checkable tote bag under the top where it can be easily taken out. In the event your bag is too heavy or you need an extra bag coming home, you can pull it out & move some items from one bag to another. Depending on the airlines checked bag fees, it might be less expensive to pay for a second bag instead of one overweight bag. Plus you’ll have an extra tote bag at your destination for shopping, picnics and so forth. Be sure to secure an ID tag on it.
Outer pockets are a good place to keep the emergency sewing kit, over the counter medications, magazine or book, pens and pencils, or other items you might need to get to in a hurry, but are not valuable or fragile.
Avoid packing money, expensive jewelry, travel documents, prescription medication, keys and other valuables in your suitcase. Carry these items with you.
