Use your measuring tape to compute the suitcase size by adding length, width and height, including rollers and handle. If checking your bag, it must measure 62 inches or less to avoid an oversize baggage charge. If you wish to carry on, it must measure less than 45 inches. Clothes for one week of travel can fit in a carry-on bag.
Lay pants, dresses, skirts or jackets lengthwise flatly in the bottom of the suitcase with arms, legs, hems sticking out over the edges. This method helps avoid wrinkling.
Lay long-sleeve or short-sleeve button-up shirts (already buttoned) in next with ends and sleeves laying out over the edges.
Roll up less wrinkle-prone items such as knit shirts and shorts and place them side by side on top of the shirts.
Tuck in shoes (enclosed in separate plastic bags) along the sides of the suitcase. Also place rolled undergarments, socks, phone charger and other small accessories along the inside perimeter.
Place toiletry bag (if checking luggage) with liquids in plastic bags to ensure against leakage if the bottles open under pressure.
Fold up the parts of the clothes hanging outside the suitcase, starting with the inner layers first.
If carrying on, lay your quart-size zipper bag with 3-ounce-sized liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste and mouthwash on the top or in an outside pocket for easy access when going through the security checkpoint.
Close the suitcase. Stand on the scale and record your weight. Return to the scale holding the suitcase. Subtract your weight from this total to determine the weight of your suitcase. To carry on, it must be less than 40 pounds. It must be less than 50 pounds in order to check the suitcase without excess-weight charges.
Make a list of items that you need to add at the last minute like toothbrush, phone charger or medication. Place the list on top of the suitcase so you don't forget those items.
