Typically, airlines permit each passenger one carry-one bag and a personal item, such as a briefcase, laptop, purse or camera case. Check with the airlines for their policy on baggage dimensions and weight. Travel with a light and durable carry-on bag for valuables, travel documentation and other items needed during the flight. Place items like snacks, tissue, reading material or slipper socks in the personal bag to make them easy to retrieve. In addition, consider packing items that will enable you to "survive" a day or two should checked baggage get misplaced. The baggage must go through the X-ray machine and be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on the plane.
Air travel rules require travelers older than 16 to have an approved ID, such as state or federal photo identification, driver's license or passport. Military and tribal IDs also meet the requirements. The identification should contain your name, date of birth and gender and its expiration date. Place identification tags containing name, address and phone number on and inside of all baggage, including briefcases and laptop computers. As a precaution, some travelers put another form of identification in check-in luggage.
Pack as lightly as possible. Do some research to determine your destination's expected weather and base your decision-making on those factors. Rather than pack a lot of clothes, pack only a few articles of clothing in a color scheme you've chosen around two flattering colors to mix and match and create a variety of outfits. The Transportation Security Administration recommends packing items in layers, including tops, skirts, pants and undergarments.
In addition, decide on evening wear, sleepwear, swimwear, toiletries, battery chargers and comfortable shoes for walking. Sporting equipment, tools and sharp objects should go in the check-in baggage. Do not put electronics, cash, jewelry or laptop computers in checked baggage. Spread out heavy items like books along the luggage's perimeter and place shoes on top.
As of 2010, TSA regulations permit each airplane passenger to carry aboard aerosols, gels and liquids in bottles with a maximum volume of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Air travelers cannot bring half-filled containers. Place the items in a clear zip-top bag. Travelers who need to travel with liquid medication in volumes exceeding 3.4 ounces must declare the items with TSA verbally or in writing. Do not place the items in a clear bag and keep them separated for the X-ray process.
