After a long wait before we could travel again, this year everything has not exactly been running smoothly.
Instead, a shortage of baggage handlers among other staff, has resulted in travel chaos and even a pilot being spotted loading luggage onto a plane.
So for now, it might be a good idea to opt for hand luggage only and travel light
I know it is not always possible to do this but it does have it’s benefits. Not only is it usually cheaper but saves time at the other end waiting at the conveyor for your luggage to arrive. Never mind wondering if there were any baggage handlers in the first place to have even loaded it.
Providing it is not too long a trip you can either just opt for hand luggage which goes underneath the seat and is included in the ticket cost. Or pay a little extra and take another bag too, this will go in the overhead cabin above your seat
All bags do have to be no bigger than a specific size and this is where it can get confusing, as airlines can differ slightly. Ryan Air currently seems to have the smallest size configuration; so the best bet is to go by that size and you wont go wrong.
Ryan air configuration is 40cm x 20cm x 25cm for the small under seat bag and 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (maximum weight 10 kilos), for a bag that would go in the overhead cabin; but remember the actual wheels and handles have to be included within that configuration. Do always check the size with the specific airline you are using.
I do remember a time when we didn’t have to keep our hand luggage to such a bare minimum and there was not a specific size we needed to adhere to either, within reason of course.
We were certainly not charged extra to put anything in the overhead cabin, that was just unheard of.
They were the days when it wasn’t unusual to see someone board a plane, laden with bags, sometimes at least one over each shoulder, maybe a small daypack on their back too; and even carrying an additional bag in their hand or a duty free carrier. It could certainly make the board game Buckaroo come to mind.
They would then confidently and somehow successfully squash them into the overhead cabins.
The smaller, under the seat bag is included with your basic ticket cost but there is a charge for a second overhead cabin bag. This varies depending on the airline and although not all will charge for this, the more budget airlines do.
However, in order to be able to even have this second piece of luggage, you usually need to purchase an upgrade on your ticket; such as priority boarding and that includes the overhead cabin bag allowance within it.
Whether you opt for just the free under the seat bag or a slightly bigger luggage allowance ticket there are a surprising amount of ways to pack that can help you travel light. I have set out my tips below -:
Start by placing everything out on the bed first, so you can see it all together and then work from there.
You may know this old favourite – roll your clothes, they fit in so much easier and you really can get more in. They often crease less this way too.
Place any socks into shoes.
Buy your toiletries locally. You can only take small containers on the plane anyway at 100 mls each and no more than a litre in total.
If you are doing any kind of hiking or walking consider a roll up backpack that folds into a tiny pouch. They do not hold as much and may not be quite as strong but depending on the hike it may be sufficient.
Raincoats that fold into tiny, compact pouches are also a good idea.
For the beach or pool, instead of one of those oversized, bulky beach bags, use a tote bag. This can be rolled up easily and squashed in among your clothes.
Instead of packing flat sandals just for the beach, consider picking up a cheap pair of beach flip flops locally.
Take a sarong instead of a beach towel. It is much less bulk and fits better into that tote bag too.
Travel in your bulkiest outfits. So include that jacket or a sweater, and try to travel in your heaviest shoes also, such as trainers.
Opt for shoes or sandals that are multi purpose, one pair that goes with everything.
Try to pack more wrinkle resistance clothes where ever possible, for less crease when they have been packed tightly.
Today packing cubes have become popular and I must say I find it does mean your clothes are organised so much better. Plus you can squash them into a more confined space. There are even vacuum compression bags which are great for any bulky items.
A collapsible water bottle goes without saying and is environmentally friendly.
Try to pack items you can mix and match, and if need be, some darker ones you may be able to wear more than once.
If you do need to take a towel, although most places provide them, then purchase a light microfibre, travel one. They are also better for your hair, to help combat frizz.
Put underwear and other small items in last, squashing them into any remaining little gaps or along the sides.
If there are any clothes that are not absolute essentials but you want to take if you can, then leave till last to pack, just in case there is not enough room.
Do you have any other packing tips? If so please leave a comment below.