The type of luggage one plans to pack for a trip is dependent upon the duration of travel, the season at the target destination, and what types of activities are going to be involved. Economics are also playing an increasing role in luggage choices as many airlines are not only adding additional charges per bags checked but are also imposing fees on oversize pieces that exceed a certain weight. For an overnight business trip, a traveler will probably need nothing more than a carry-on bag that provides space for a laptop computer and a change of shirt and underwear. A soft backpack or duffel bag is a good choice for a globetrotting student. Garment bags are ideal for wedding dresses, formal attire, or suits that don't pack well in traditional suitcases; these can either be hung up by airline attendants or laid flat on top of existing items in the overhead rack. For extended vacations, a sturdy bag that can stand up to a lot of transport abuse and has rolling wheels will be a traveler's best bet. When completely packed for the trip, the bag should be two-thirds to three-fourths "full." Less than that and all of the contents will get jumbled around in transit; more than that and everything is likely to get horribly wrinkled and require ironing.
Carry-on bags cannot exceed the conventional measurements of 24 by 14 by 9 inches. If a piece is larger than that, it will need to be checked through. Checked bags range in size from 24 to 35 inches, and are manufactured by companies such as Samsonite, Skyway, Delsey, London Fog, High Sierra and American Tourister. In addition to numerous compartments, zippered dividers, and stretch straps to help organize one's belongings, many of these have an expandable feature that allows a traveler to add 1 to 2 additional inches of depth. Keep in mind that anything over 30 inches (such as a Pullman) is likely to tip the scale and carry a fee anywhere from $50 to several hundred. Garment bags and carriers range in length from 40 to 60 inches and can accommodate 4 to 8 items on hangers. The only "iffy" factor on using them to transport suits or ballgowns is if you're traveling coach and are booked on a full flight; closet space is woefully limited. More accommodation is generally made for first class and business passengers but it's always best to notify your carrier in advance if you're bringing something voluminous like a wedding dress. Weight restrictions vary with different airlines but the average tends to be 50 lbs. per checked bag (2-bag maximum) and 40 lbs. for carry-on items. Note: A hard-sided suitcase will offer more protection but will also add to the overall weight of what you're checking.
Whether it's a dream vacation or a business trip, don't wait until the last minute to start assembling your travel wardrobe. As soon as you know when and where you're going, start composing a checklist of shoes, tops, bottoms, underwear and accessories. If children are traveling with you, get them into this time-saving practice, too. Borrow a tip from frequent business fliers who always keep an extra set of toiletries in their flight bag as well as at least two fresh shirts hanging in the closet that can be packed in a hurry. Check the 10-day forecasts of your destination city so you'll have an idea what to expect from the weather. If it's a long trip and you're not going to have access to a laundromat or dry cleaner, factor this into choosing outfits that are wrinkle resistant, can be mixed and matched in new combinations, and that are either dark or patterned prints that will hide dirt or stains.
Gauze, spandex, wool and microfiber travel knits built around one basic color are choices that will provide you the most flexibility. Minimize the number of shoes you pack since footwear tends to be heavy; always place these at what will be the bottom of the bag when it's standing upright. Stack two to three folded items at a time and slip them into a medium or large plastic bag and tuck the open end underneath; the kind of bags that come from department stores are ideal for this purpose. The slick plastic surface makes for a "fluid" environment when you have multiple layers of these mini-bundles in your luggage; this results in a lot fewer wrinkles. Whenever possible, wear or carry your bulkiest item when you check in. Although you'll have to remove a jacket, heavy sweater or boots before going through security, these items aren't counted toward your allotted weight limits. Ensure that any checked toiletries involving liquids (i.e., hairspray, perfume, suntan lotion) are placed as far away from your clothing as possible and are in waterproof travel pouches or zip-top plastic bags. Liquid items that you need to carry on the plane with you (i.e., saline solution, nose spray, mouthwash) cannot exceed 3 oz. and must all be presented in a clear, quart-size plastic bag. Make sure you have a luggage tag for each of your bags (even carry-ons) and that you have also placed a sheet of paper with your contact information inside each suitcase.
Homeland security has significantly impacted the rules regarding what can and can't be taken aboard commercial aircraft. The restrictions in place regarding the transport of dangerous objects and substances are for the purpose of ensuring as safe a flight as possible for all passengers and crew. Carry-ons and checked baggage are both subject to X-ray and search and inappropriate items will be confiscated. This also applies to purchases made during the course of your travels that you decide to pack in your bag rather than have shipped home; even if you thought that ornamental replica of a Medieval dagger was a pretty nifty memento of your trip, airline authorities aren't likely to view it as just a harmless souvenir. Nor should you pack anything in your checked baggage that would be too expensive or problematic to replace. Examples include jewelry, cameras, cash, electronics, breakable items and prescription medications. If you're traveling abroad, it's also a smart idea to tuck a photocopy of your passport into your underwear bag in the event your purse or briefcase is stolen. If you're a married couple that happens to have two different last names, be sure to carry a photocopy of your marriage license; in the unfortunate event that something happens to one of you, the other will need to be able to provide proof of the relationship. Travelers should further take note when returning from abroad that authorities take those declaration forms seriously; lying about the value and nature of items purchased overseas will result in confiscation and severe fines if you get caught. The risk is not worth it.
If you're going on a weekend trip and only want to take just a carryaboard, you have three alternatives if you want to carry liquids that exceed the 3-oz. minimum. The first is to buy these items at the airport gift store once you clear security. This strategy, however, only works if you only have direct flights or you are staying on the same airline for the entire trip. If you are changing carriers or flying international flights, you will need to go through multiple security checkpoints and whatever items are not contained in a clear, quart-size plastic bag will need to be relinquished (even if they were purchased at airport vendors). The second choice is to mail your items ahead to your destination. While the U.S. Post Office has restrictions regarding the mailing of liquids, you have the alternative of going through UPS or FedEx. To save shipping costs, it's always a good idea to send containers that are almost empty and can be discarded prior to your return. The third choice is to simply buy whatever you need at a drugstore or hotel gift shop upon your arrival. Helpful hint: Whenever you receive cosmetic or perfume samples in the mail, tuck them away for future short-trip flights.
Many people assume that if their luggage gets lost in transit, the airline will reimburse them 100 percent for the loss of contents. Further, they believe that if their luggage somehow trails behind them, it is always the airport's responsibility to safely deliver it to them, no matter where they are. In the first place, there is a set maximum that airlines will pay for any lost or damaged luggage unless you have taken out extra insurance and/or your individual homeowner's policy covers this scenario. Again, it can't be stressed enough not to put irreplaceable items in your checked bags. Additionally, if you are using different airlines, you can't always count on the initiating carrier to check your bags all the way through to your destination. In the case of international flights, a bag that misses a connection will still have to go through customs, a procedure that will require the owner of the bag to be physically present during inspection. While airlines are still pretty good about making home or office luggage deliveries for domestic flights, problems can occur if you proceed to subsequently travel more than 3 hours from the airport or you're traveling internationally and your destination is a remote, rural locale. Many passengers also assume that whatever they take on a plane as a carry-on is perfectly safe and, accordingly, store their belongings in the bin directly above their seats instead of in the opposite compartment or under the seat in front of them. Even in the air, travelers need to maintain a vigilant eye on their possessions. As for the transportation of gifts, many people assume that a beautifully wrapped package won't be tampered with. To the contrary, it's smarter to take an unwrapped gift along with tissue paper and a flat gift bag than to endure the aggravation of having it all all torn apart in airport security.
