Nov 19, 2008 1:20 pm US/Eastern
How To Pack For Your Flight In Just One Bag
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
With the increased security at airports over the last couple of years, and now the new luggage fees, packing isn't just something you can do at the last minute. You need to plan it out strategically.
Many travelers today chose not to check any bags, but can you really bring everything you need in a carry-on? Anne Banas of smartraveler.com is a veteran traveler who says it can be done.
Unpack The Bulk
Her first suggestion is to wear your bulkier items, like a winter coat. If you need boots, you should wear those as well. "Chances are, you are going to need to bring an extra pair of shoes so I like to bring ballet flats for women. There is no heel and they are easier to pack."
Color Coordinate Next, think about the colors of your clothes. "Color coordination is really great because you want everything to go with everything else, and you can bring fewer things. I like to go with a very neutral palette, either blacks or grays or browns."
Vacuum Seal
Banas also says you can vacuum seal your clothes to remove extra air. You can also simulate the effect by placing your clothes in a plastic bag and then rolling them tightly.
Know The RulesIt's also important remember security requirements, particularly the 3-1-1 rule for personal toiletries. "Everything has to be in bottles of three ounces or less, one quart zip lock bag, one bag per person."
There are some items that aren't allowed in a carry-on bag at all. You can find those by following this link to the
TSA web site.
Bring An Extra Bag Most of us enjoy a little shopping when we travel. Banas says that's not a problem if you end up needing to bring some packages home. "What I like to do is bring a little expandable bag where all you do is unzip the little pouch and inside you have another whole bag."
Airline Luggage FeesHere are the luggage fees charged by major airlines as of November 19, 2008. Note, fees are for one-way, prices double round-trip.
Delta: $15 first bag, $25 second bag (as of Dec. 5)
Northwest: $15 first bag, $25 second bag (as of Dec. 5)
United: $15 first bag, $25 second
American: $15 first bag, $25 second bag
Continental: $15 first bag, $25 second bag
Southwest: first 2 bags free
Jet Blue: first bag free, $20 second bag
Airtran: $15 first bag, $25 second bag (as of Dec. 5)
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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