16 Tips for Packing a Suitcase

Whether you're on your way to a wonderful vacation somewhere warm or traveling on business, packing a suitcase can be a hassle for many. Learning how to maximize that space that you have in your suitcase is critical. With record high fuel prices, many airlines have instituted strict rules regarding how much luggage you can bring. If you are not able to maximize the space available and need to take more baggage, it could end up costing you.

1. Lay out all of the items that you would like to take with you. Only choose stuff that is absolutely necessary, not just things that you "might" need. Depending on your mode of travel, you will need to decide how many bags you are allowed to take. Consult with specific airlines for their baggage limits.

2. Pack all our valuable items in a carry-on bag. Also place any crucial items like prescription drugs (in their original bottle), contact lenses, toothbrush and a light change of clothing in your carry-on if you're traveling on a plane. If your luggage is lost, at least you will have the essentials to get by for a little while.

3. Be sure to check with the airlines regarding carrying liquid items on the plane. You may have to hand over that expensive bottle of shampoo if its too large, or pack it in your checked luggage.

4. Any item that you will need to get you from the airport to your destination such as other tickets, maps, phone numbers, directions or notes should be carried on the plane as well.

5. Roll your clothing when you're putting it into your suitcase. You will be surprised at how much space you will save by rolling your clothes, and it will help to prevent wrinkles. Try to roll them as tightly as possible. For anything that can't be rolled, place those items on the bottom of the suitcase, as flat as possible. Items like pants or jeans may need to go in the bottom.

6. Place your shoes on top, but make sure you wrap them in a plastic bag to avoid marking your clean clothes.

7. Look for empty spaces that you can tuck little items after the suitcase is packed. Use up all the available space and don't forget about the outside pockets of the suitcase.

8. If traveling on business and you have to take large books or papers, place them at the bottom of the suitcase. However, if it would cause major issue if you lost the book or papers, make sure you take them on the plane with you.

9. If traveling by car, you likely think that you can take as much luggage as you want, and that's true. But remember, the heavier the car is, the more fuel it will take to get to your destination.

If you're traveling on business and must take formal clothing like suits or dresses, place them in an appropriate garment bag so that they will not get wrinkled or ruined.

10. Like many vacationers, if you plan to do some shopping before you go, make sure to take an extra bag with you so you won't have to buy another. Again, remember you luggage limits imposed by the airlines.

11. Don't pack your suitcase too heavy. It will make it difficult to get in and out of vehicle trunks and off the baggage claim at the airport.

Bag solid colored items that can be easily mixed and matched so that you have the appearance of a new outfit everyday while reusing some pieces.

12. Take colorful accessories to help add a touch of color rather than bringing a large number of colored items. This can cut down on the amount of luggage that you will need to take.

13. For men, take a blazer that matches with a number of items that can easily dress up any outfit.

14. When choosing your outfits, try to think about what shoes go with the outfit. If you pack outfits that require you to bring several pairs of shoes, try going with outfits that will allow you to take only 2 pairs of shoes with you.

15. Place socks in the toes of your shoes to keep them from being crushed.

If you're going on a trip where you will be quite active (ie. theme parks, hiking etc), use a backpack as your carry-on and then you can use it when at your destination.

16. Don't buy gigantic luggage! I once traveled with my parents and they were determined to buy a piece of luggage that would suffice for 2 people for 2 weeks. Needless to say, the suitcase was so large that the two grandkids could have fit in it with room to spare. It was very heavy to get in and out of the car and off the luggage claim at the airport.

Carry-On Luggage Size Information

If you're like most travelers, you might try to stuff as many items in your carry-on as possible. To avoid a possibly embarrassing or frustrating time at the boarding gate, don't try to bend the rules.

For many airlines usually a bag cannot exceed 22 inches by 14 inches or weigh more than 40 lbs. Some airlines allow a larger bag in size, but limit the weight. Even if an airline does allow you to take a heavy bag, consider whether you want to lug around a 40 lb. bag all day! Some airlines restrict carry-on luggage to a tiny 11lbs, so make sure you check with your specific airline. Keep in mind that the bag must fit either under the seat or in the storage overheard. Be courteous of other travelers. If you're in a row with two other people, remember that 3 bags need to be able to fit in the overheard compartment, not just yours!

The standard carry on luggage rules are 22" X 14" X 9" for a total of 45". Again, these carry on luggage dimensions vary both by airline and shape of the bag. Even if your carry on luggage doesn't exceed the allowed dimensions, the airline can make you prove that the bag will fit by putting it in a box, and if it won't fit, your luggage will be checked.

See below for airline specific carry-on luggage size information and regulations.

Airtran
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Continental
Delta
JetBlue
Northwest
Southwest
Spirit
United
US Airways