Tips on Luggage Packing

Luggage & Packing

Well, the latest is that airline security asks you not to lock your checked luggage. For many, that is not a problem, but for the rest of us who llike our luggage to arrive in tact, it could cause a little upset. There are a few options to a lock. One is the zip tie. This is great, unless you are arriving somewhere that does not have a pair of scissors ready to cut the tie. Remember, scissors and knives can't be carried on and must be placed in your checked luggage - you know, the one closed with the zip tie! A new alternative is a security tag - it is similar to a zip tie where it "zips" into place, but the difference is that it has scored lines on the plastic which allows it to be broken open. It you get your luggage off the belt without it broken, you know nobody has been in your lugagge. The down side to this neat thing is that it is more expensive than the zip ties. If you are interested in the security tag, check the revolving stand near the luggage area of a store.

Don't pack sharp objects in your carry on luggage unless you want to give them permenantly to the airline security. Sharp objects, depending on the airline, could include metal nail files, mini pocket knives (this is the one many forget and hate to lose) and pointed tweezers. On the the FAA site, some other items to avoid carrying on are baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks. If you are unsure, check with the counter before you check your luggage through. Once you get to security and they nix an item, you either check your carry-on to fly in the cargo load, or give up the item in question, permanently.

Leave home with one large bag packed with diapers. As the diapers are used, you have room for purchases.

For a quick exit out of baggage claim, get on odd or obnoxious colored bag - one that you can spot a mile away and a thief would be embarrassed to steal. I have a client with an Ochre colored suitcase - ugly as sin, but she can spot it a mile away.

Another tip for spotting your luggage: Securely tie a brightly colored string or rope to the handle or zipper pulls (or wrap around the entire handle). This will help easily find your luggage amonsgt all the look-alikes on the conveyor belt!

DO NOT let anyone take your luggage without their showing you proper identification. Thieves impersonate tour guides and cruise representatives ALL the time and can make off with your luggage before you know what has hit you. I have personally seen this happen at LAX to a travel agent!

If you want extra room for souvenirs, pack several sets of clothes for the kids that they are just about grown out of. Donate the clothes to a local charity in the area before you return home or leave the clothes with a note in your room. There is someone in every town that can use the extra help (especially children).

Never pack valuables in checked luggage - this includes favorite stuffed animals, blankets, as well as medicines, cameras, purses, glasses, contacts and jewelry. Always put them in a carry-on bag.

Speaking of carry-on's - put an emergency set of underwear and toiletries (mainly toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, comb and travel bottle(s) of hair & body wash) for the family on a carry-on, just incase your luggage is lost. Jeans can be worn for a few days, but underwear....

Most tour companies provide a suggested packing list when final payment is made. Make sure to read this carefully so you don't over pack or forget important items - like bug spray and malaria tablets.