Packing Princples

Packing for travel by sea, land, or airplane can require different approaches. Here are key packing principles for any form of travel as well as flight-specific tips.

Before You Pack

Know the airline baggage policy. If you're flying, find out the airline's policy for size, weight, and number of checked bags. If going abroad, overweight bags translate to money out of your pocket. For carry-ons, you're allowed one bag and one personal item, such as a briefcase, purse, or laptop that fits overhead or under your seat.

Know the baggage security rules for flying. Learn and observe the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) latest rules for carry-ons, as well as permitted and prohibited items. Also see the TSA's advice for luggage locks that can be opened by security officers using universal master keys. Otherwise, your lock may be broken. You can buy TSA-approved locks at airports and travel stores.

When You Pack

Minimize your wardrobe and, in turn, your load. Find out your destination's weather forecast, factor in how long you'll be there, and make a list of clothes you'll realistically need so you don't take more than necessary. Keep it simple. Stick with a few basic colors to mix and match and work with one basic shoe color. If you're going to cold or variable climates, a waterproof jacket or poncho and clothes you can layer over long underwear will serve you better than a heavy coat.

Think outside the bag. Lay out everything you're taking before packing to see if you've forgotten anything.

Minimize wrinkles. Instead of folding, lay a couple items on top of one another and roll them up together. Leaving clothes in dry cleaner's plastic bags is even better. Roll and pack them in a suitcase or hang them in a wardrobe bag.

Make the most of every inch. Tuck small items into socks, and tuck socks into shoes. Place shoes in shoe covers or mittens. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, leaving more room in the suitcase.

Prevent a mess. If you're flying, liquid items such as shampoo, hair gel, deodorant, and lotions larger than the 3-ounce items allowed in your carry-on must be packed in your checked baggage. Changes in air pressure can cause bottles containing liquids to expand and leak. Solution? Wrap your toiletries in plastic and isolate them in a toiletry bag with plastic-lined pockets. If the bottles are only about three-quarters full, they probably won't leak. Better yet, use Nalgene screw-top bottles, purported to be leak-and-explosion-proof.

Top it off. After packing bags you'll check, lay a big piece of paper on top of its contents with your name and phone number in case your luggage tag is torn off. Also, attach a luggage tag with your contact information to the handle of each bag.

Don't overstuff it. If a security agent has to open it, make sure it can close.

Carrying gifts? Leave them unwrapped, whether in checked or carry-on baggage.

Tips for Carry-Ons

In addition to following the latest TSA rules for carry-ons and its list of permitted and prohibited items be sure to isolate your most valuable and confidential items in your carry-ons. Example: ID, insurance and prescription documents in one carry-on, photocopies of them in another. Isolate medications, glasses, checkbooks, credit cards, traveler's checks, address books, jewelry, and anything else you can't afford to lose as well. Medications, baby formula, milk, and juice are allowed in quantities exceeding the 3-ounce limit. Any spare lithium batteries (two's the limit) not installed in devices must go in your carry-ons. And remember, high-speed film can be ruined by checked-baggage scanners, so carry it onboard, too.

Do you need it? Think twice before bringing valuable jewelry, as it may be smarter to avoid the worry and risk of losing it by leaving it at home. Word to the wise - wearing eye-catching jewelry, especially in foreign countries, can attract thieves.

De-clutter your carry-ons so baggage screeners can get a clear X-ray image.

At the Airport

Follow the airports's arrival time limits.

Unless you're allowed to check in by phone or online prior to departure, find out if there's a self-service kiosk to check your luggage and get your boarding pass.

Remove any baggage straps, as they can get caught in conveyor belts.

Make sure the agent's destination tags on your checked luggage match your claim tickets.

Be prepared for security with your government-issued photo ID and boarding pass or paper ticket receipt.

At the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove your coat, shoes, belt, and any metal objects in your pockets.

Arrive at your boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure.