Pack Your Luggage Like a Pro.
There are countless ways on how to pack your luggage for travel, but the best methods make sure your bag feels lighter while actually fitting more. Whether you’re packing a carry-on for a quick trip or organizing your checked luggage for an international adventure, mastering the internal layout is key.
From leak-proofing your toiletries and sunscreen, to securing fragile makeup and essential medicine, these pro tips will help you stay organized while packing your luggage.
The Main Principles of Packing Your Luggage.
Follow these simple steps when packing your luggage:
- Check airline limitations for weight and measurements
- Envision your days away and what you will need
- Make a packing list
- Lay out your clothes and gear, then pick and choose
- Prepare your carry-on in case of delayed or lost luggage
- Pick between rolling or folding your clothes
Align Your Essentials With Your Journey.
The airline you choose can directly impact how you pack. While airline limitations in regards of dimensions are mostly standardized, weight limits can shift significantly from one airline to the next. Before you start packing, check your specific airline’s restrictions for both carry-on luggage, and checked luggage to avoid unexpected fees at the gate.
Restrictions for Carry-on and Check-in Luggage.
General airline restrictions for international and domestic flights can be:
Carry-on luggage.
- 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm)
- 11-22 lbs (5-10 kg)
Checked luggage.
- 62 inches (152 cm) in total linear dimensions.
- 50 lbs (23 kg)
For more information on size limitations, check out: How big can a carry-on suitcase be?
Avoid Surprises Upon Arrival.
We have all experienced opening our bag only to realise our favourite shirt is covered in sunscreen or moisturiser. Checked luggage faces heavy impacts and cabin pressure shifts that can lead to messy leaks. Packing smart isn't just about space, it’s about protecting your gear.
Leak Proof Packing in Checked Luggage.
There are some great ways to avoid liquids ruining your essentials. We have gathered everything you need to know to make sure your toiletries, tech, and liquids arrive exactly as you packed them, avoiding any unwanted surprises.
How to Pack Toiletries and Sunscreen in Checked Luggage.
For liquid items, follow these steps to prevent air pressure pushing the contents out.
- Eliminate excess air: Before sealing your toiletry bottles, give them a gentle squeeze to remove any trapped air. This prevents your liquids from exploding inside your bag.
- The double-seal method: Unscrew the caps of your liquid bottles, then place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the lid back on tightly. As an extra layer of security, place the liquids into zip lock bags, or plastic bags.
- Be creative: For the transit, place your toiletries in zip lock bags and fill your washbag with clothes or other essentials for the journey. When arriving, you can place all your toiletries back in your washbag.
Pro tip from Db.
Save weight and space by skipping the big sunscreen and shampoo bottles. If you’re heading somewhere with shops, buy your heavy liquids at your destination. It keeps your bag light and eliminates the risk of a messy leak during your flight.
Secure Makeup and Fragile Cosmetics in Checked Luggage.
To protect pressed powders and eyeshadows from cracking, place a flat cotton pad inside the compact before closing the lid to act as a shock absorber. If the case won't close with the pad inside, wrap the pad around the compact and secure it with a rubber band. Make sure to place your fragile items in the middle of your luggage, with soft materials around it for best protection.
Pro tip from Db.
Keep non-liquid powders and palettes in your small carry-on luggage. You’ll have more control over how they’re handled than in a checked bag, ensuring your favorite shades don't arrive as dust.
How to Pack Medicine in Your Checked Luggage.
We always recommend keeping important medicine close by in your carry-on. Unpredictable situations can happen during transit, where luggage gets delayed or even lost.
If you have to bring medicine in your checked luggage make sure it is in the original packaging with all the information intact, and keep a couple of days worth of medicine in your carry-on.
How to Pack: Carry-on Luggage.
When packing your carry-on, you want to have the most important essentials available. For a seamless experience at the security checkpoint, always pack your liquids and essential medicine at the very top or in an external pocket. Keeping your "3-1-1" bag of essentials easy to grab ensures you move through the terminal quickly without having to unpack your entire carry-on in line.
Carry-on Packing List.
- Important medicine with original packaging
- Fragile items like powdered makeup or tech gear
- Liquid toiletries under 3,4 ounces (100ml)
- Passport
- Important documents
- Chargers
- A day worth of clothes and underwear
How to Pack: Checked Luggage.
When packing your checked luggage, the goal is to create a stable, balanced load that protects your gear.
Start by placing your heaviest items near the wheels to keep the center of gravity low, preventing your bag from tipping over when it’s upright. Whether you use the rolling method, or you fold your clothes is completely up to you. For smaller pieces of clothing, the rolling method can help save space, but for larger items like jeans or sweaters, the folding method is better.
To ensure nothing shifts during your journey, use internal packing cubes for structure. Maximize every inch by tucking socks and underwear into small gaps, inside shoes or hats. This technique not only optimizes your space, but also acts as extra cushioning for your more fragile essentials. To make sure nothing gets dirty, pack your shoes in a dry bag.
Your Questions Answered.
How to fold clothes to save space in luggage?
When it comes to saving space, the best technique depends entirely on what you’re packing. For casual clothing like T-shirts, pants, and base layers, the rolling method is good for minimizing volume and preventing wrinkles. For larger sweaters or jeans, the regular fold takes up the least space.
How to pack frozen food in checked luggage?
To transport frozen food safely, ensure they are deep-frozen before packing. Use an insulated bag or a compact cooler, and wrap the items in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent condensation from soaking your gear.
How should I pack electronics?
Secure your devices and cables in dedicated packing cubes to make sure you can grab them as a single kit through security. Safety regulations now prohibit lithium batteries in checked luggage due to fire risks, therefore you should make sure your tech stays in your carry-on or underseat bag.
