It’s easy with these seven packing tips
Several major airlines in the US increased their checked baggage fees earlier in 2024. Carriers like American Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines all increased their fees by $5 or more for checked baggage on many routes both domestic and international flights blaming rising costs like fuel and operation expenses for the hike. This leaves many meeting and event attendees left holding the bag when it comes to packing to attend a conference, trade show or incentive.
So here are seven packing tips planners can send their attendees to help them to fit everything they’ll need for the event into one carry-on. Come to think of it, planners should follow these tips as well.
1. Make a list. Before you start throwing things in your suitcase, make a list of everything you think you’ll need. This will help you avoid overpacking and ensure you bring everything you need. Consider the weather, activities, and dress code of your event and the destination.
2. Buy an updated carry-on in a standard airline size. Upgrading your suitcase is the key to making the just-a-carry-on idea work. New designs are lighter in weight but sturdier and easier to lift and drag, even when fully packed. Size matters and varies airline to airline (so check your airline for exact specs when booking), but know that 22 by 14 by 9 inches fits in most overhead bins and holds plenty. The new carry-ons feature telescopic handles that adjust to your height, and most have expansion capabilities, so purchases made on your trip are not a problem. Look for a “spinner” with four wheels for quick turns, a secure stand-alone, stress-free maneuvering down narrow plane aisles, and dashes to the gate.
3. Roll your clothes. Rolling clothes can save space compared to folding them. Rolling clothes can also help minimize wrinkles.
4. Utilize all the space. Fill in empty spaces with socks, rolled belts, or scarves. Shoes can be used to store smaller items like socks or delicates.
5. Use compression cubes to pack. This is the best way to stay organized and make every inch of your carry-on count. Compression cubes — a variation of packing cubes — expand as you fill, then condense your clothes with zippers designed to neatly press your stuff flat as they squeeze out the excess air. You can group similar items together in different cubes. Shoes can lie flat against the perimeter of the case and they can be used to store smaller items like socks or delicates.
6. Use your body and travel outfit as extra luggage. Wearing a pulled-together, neutral-toned outfit of your bulkiest items (including shoes and coat/jacket) saves suitcase space and offers climate control for freezing airports, planes, hotel lobbies and inclement days. Staying stylish en route can also help you snare upgrades and better service both on board and on arrival. I often see 50-plus women wearing super casual outfits or leggings to fly. That’s a mistake. Airlines may hassle over carry-on weight but never on how much you’re wearing to board the plane. It’s easy to look polished but stay comfy with a layered combo that lets you add or subtract warmth.
7. Choose a secure hands-free handbag. Make your allowed “personal item” a shoulder bag, hobo or crossbody that’s lightweight, fits easily under the seat in front of you and has a secure closure to keep valuables safe. It should be large enough to fit essentials including your iPhone; wallet; meds; sunglasses; Kindle; a face mask; sunscreen (UV rays penetrate plane windows); and, if applicable, your passport.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Unsplash+ In collaboration with Kateryna Hliznitsova
