Traveling by air is an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be stressful and challenging if you don’t load your luggage properly. This article is for those who want to avoid overpacking, paying extra fees, or losing their belongings. To help you pack your luggage for international flights, here are some rules and tips you should know:
Types of Luggage
When traveling by air, you can usually bring three types of luggage: a carry-on, a personal item, and a checked bag. Each kind has different size, weight, and content restrictions depending on the airline and the destination.
- Carry-on luggage: A small bag you can bring with you on the plane and store in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. You should pack your carry-on with essentials, such as documents, valuables, electronics, clothes for one or two days, toiletries, medicine, etc. The carry-on luggage size for international flights is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (equal to 56 x 36 x 23 cm) and 22 pounds (10 kg) for most airlines.
- Personal items: They are smaller bags that you can also bring with you on the plane and store under the seat in front of you. This bag is for personal items, such as a laptop, a purse, phone chargers, etc. For most airlines, a personal item should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (equal to 46 x 36 x 20 cm) and 11 pounds (5 kg).
- Checked luggage: A bigger bag you check in at the airport and receive at your destination. It should contain extra clothes, shoes, sharp items, and anything else that does not fit your carry-on or personal item. A checked bag should not surpass 62 linear inches (158 cm) in total measurements (length + width + height) and 50 pounds (23 kg) for most airlines. You must pay extra fees for exceeding the size or weight limits.
To enjoy your international travel time, ensure to choose high-quality luggage. For example, consider an Eagle Creek suitcase for extra space and fantastic features. Plus, the price is also reasonable and comes with other discounts.
How To Pack Luggage For International Flights?
Know the rules
When you travel abroad, knowing the weight of luggage for international flights is essential. Each airline has its own rules about how big, heavy, and what you can pack in your carry-on and checked bags.
To avoid any problems, check the airline’s website for their specific rules and limits before you start packing. You can also check the size chart and allowances by airline here. That’s how you ensure your bags are the right size and follow all the rules for a smooth journey.
Make packing lists
Before you start packing, list everything you need for your trip. This step allows you to avoid forgetting anything crucial or packing too much. There are many online tools and apps that help you create your packing list in seconds.
Start by thinking about where you’re going and what you’ll be doing there. Check the weather forecast so you know what clothes to pack. Then make categories for your items like clothes, toiletries, and electronics.
Don’t forget to double-check your list to ensure you have everything you need. Start packing early to avoid rushing. And it’s always a good idea to pack some extra essentials, just in case.
Utilize packing cubes
Packing cubes are a terrific way to organize items and save space in your suitcase. You can divide your items by category, such as clothes, pairs of shoes, toiletries, etc., or by outfit, such as daywear, nightwear, etc. Packing cubes also make it easier to find what you need without rummaging through your suitcase. Remember that packing luggage for air travel is all about being organized, efficient, and prepared.
Follow packing tips
There are some tricks and techniques that assist you in packing more efficiently and effectively for long-haul flights:
- Roll your clothing: t-shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, and underwear to save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Fold shirts and other wrinkle-prone items.
- If using packing cubes, fold them to the size of the largest cube for easy packing.
- Fill shoes with socks and underwear to save space and protect shoes.
- Pack heavier items at the bottom for better balance.
- Fill gaps with smaller items like socks, underwear, and t-shirts.
- Never pack valuables in checked luggage; carry them in your carry-on.
- Pack fragile items carefully and use original packaging if possible.
- Keep fragile items away from the walls and densely pack your suitcase.
Packing smartly and with care will make your travel experience much more enjoyable. Knowing how to pack luggage for international flights, you’ll have a well-organized suitcase and peace of mind during your journey. Happy travels!
Helpful Tips Before Heading to the Airport
Once you have packed your luggage, here is what you need to know before heading to the airport:
- Make your suitcase easily visible: Adding stickers, luggage straps, or other colorful elements makes your bag stand out on the conveyor belt. It will also help you describe your luggage to the airline staff in case it gets lost.
- Recheck your documents and valuables: Make sure you have packed all your travel documents and valuables in your carry-on or personal item bag. These include your passport, visa, reservation info, jewelry, medicine, etc.
- Use TSA-approved locks: If you want to lock your suitcase or any boxes inside, use only TSA-approved locks. These locks allow the TSA agents to access your luggage without breaking them.
- Weigh your bag again: Before heading to the airport, weigh it again and ensure it is not overweight according to the airline’s limit. To avoid extra fees, remove some items or divide them into other bags if you have more than one.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you explore all about how to pack luggage for international flights. Packing your suitcase can be a breeze if you follow these tips and rules. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Now it’s time to start packing and enjoy your travel!
