The Luggage Blog

Message In a Carry-On - TSA Communication Plates [Evolution of Security]

Image by Evan Roth

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Packing to Avoid Airline Fees & Stress

• Pre-Packing Tips
  
• Packing tips for guys
• When packing for two seasons, how can I avoid airline baggage fees?

Frequent Fliers

• Signs That You Travel Too Much
• What it’s like to be a Flight Attendant

Airport Security

• New TSA Uniforms cost taxpayers $12 million
• Congress questions why TSA agents are no longer screened
• US Develops Mind Reading Airport Screening Device

Photo by Andrew Currie

Nothing’s worse than forgetting the memory stick for your camera… except maybe forgetting your passport! CNN posted a really helpful checklist of things to do before you start packing.  Our favorite tip:

Record the contents of your suitcase
Take pictures of your clothes, shoes, and jewelry, which will serve as documentation if your bag is lost or stolen. Download the shots onto your home computer, just in case.

Check out CNN’s entire list and make your trip go a lot smoother.

More great packing tips:

• Packing Tips from the Pros
• How to Get it All in One Carry On
• Free Downloadble Packing List
• Packing Tips for 1 Bag Trips (video)

Seriously, has anyone (who doesn’t write professionally for a blog) tried to keep up with these airline fees?  If you haven’t been paying attention (and even if you have) here’s some stuff you may have missed:

Latest Fees

• U.S. Airlines Now Charging As Much As $400 To Carry Surfboards
• JetBlue Charges $7 for Blanket/pillow Set
• US Airways Now Charging $2 For Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Avoiding Fees

• Four new airline fees — and how to avoid them
• How To Get It All In One Carry-On
• Packing Tips for One Bag Trips (Video)

Controversy?!

• Airlines’ rising fees confuse and anger their passengers
• Airline Fees - Paying By The Pound? (Video)

Share!

• Poll: Airline Fees Effecting Your Packing Habits?

Photo by Allerina & Glen MacLarty

By now you’ve probably heard of  the list of fees for checking your luggage.  So now your trying to figure out “How to get it all in one carry-on”? Well, here are some helpful tips:

 1) Prepare

• Make a packing list, then try to cross off half of it!
• Be realistic. Think about where your headed and rule out anything that you won’t need.
• Use a less structured bag (Ex: a bag with flexible fabric or without a frame) 

2) Pack Less

• Sure those heels make your legs look longer, but they’re hard on your feet. Stick to one pair of comfortable shoes.
• Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes to save space.
• Use travel size bottles…which of course takes up less room.
• Remove interior accessories from suitcase that are not needed…such as suiter sleeve.
• Think 2-in-1. Get yourself a pair of convertible pants-to-shorts and that’s one less thing to worry about.
• Use ExOfficio buzz-off clothes so you don’t need to pack bug spray.
• Also use ExOfficio undergarments…they air dry within hours. You can wash as you go, so you only need one pair!
• Pack crushable hats (Ex: Wallaroo) and travel jackets (Ex: UBU) Both are a must!

3) Pack Smart

• Color coordinate your accessories to match all outfits
• Use the space inside of your shoes to pack belts, socks or other accessories.
• Use Packing Folders …they keep you organized, wrinkle free and compress air..which takes up the most space.
• If you use an Expandable suitcase, pack it full expanded, then sit on it and crush it and zip it back shut! This will eliminate any extra space.

Photo by Decor8

If you haven’t heard of the outdoor and travel clothing company,, you have got to check them out!  ExOfficio is dedicated to making clothing as adventurous as you and if you’re the outdoor or travel enthusiast then you may just have to try it out!  ExOfficio undergarments have innovative features such as built-in UV protection and bug repellent.  ExOfficio undergarments are odor resistant, eco-friendly and packable; so if your planning on taking that cross country adventure or want to pack less…try ExOfficio and you won’t be disappointed! 

View ExOfficio on Luggage Online.