Carry-on Rules to Follow For Easy, Breezy Travel.
Make sure you’re carry-on bag is compliant for TSA screening and organized for your flight. This is your first step! While TSA does not offer a particular size, your bag will have to fit through the screener. If you stick to the standard size carry-on bag, it will fit. That’s 22X9X14. Anything larger may not fit. You are allowed one carryon bag and one personal item like a laptop bag, purse, small tote, etc. Organize your bag for the screening process and for the flight by neatly packing it and having those things that need to come out easily accessible.
Remember the 311 rule. That’s no liquids more than 3 ounces, 1 quart sized bag for your toiletries and liquids and 1 carry-on bag. All other liquids must be checked. If you have medicines that are liquid and exceed 3 ounces, go to www.tsa.gov for instructions for allowance.
Get the right size bag for the airline! The standard size is 22x9x14, however, that varies per airline. It must fit underneath the seat in front of you, in the overhead bin and the airline’s tester at the gate. Note that some airlines have a weight maximum as well. Visit the airline’s website and review their baggage policies. It’s also a good idea to look up the aircraft type. This is important as not all overhead bins are the same size. In some cases, if the aircraft does not have sizeable overhead storage, they will gate check or valet check your bag. A gate checked bag will have to be picked up at baggage claim and the valet checked bag will be brought to you on the jetway upon disembarking the flight.
Secure your Toiletries. There’s nothing worse than spillage, lotions, gels or shampoos, all over everything! You can do two things to protect your items and bag against this mishap. 1. Put a piece of plastic wrap over the opening and then cap them. 2. Place all of your liquid products in a separate zip-lock plastic bag. If spills happen, it will be contained in the ziplock bag and not all over everything.
Protect Your Jewelry. If you travel with more than what you’re wearing, make sure it is properly contained so it won’t break, bend or tangle. I haven’t tried this trick myself, but I found on a travel blog that you can use a plastic straw to loop necklaces through to avoid tangling. Once you’ve had to untangle a chain necklace, you’ll do anything not to have to do it again. I once spent over an hour detangling. I find that if you keep your rings and earrings in a pouch, they’re easier to find and less likely to get damaged, just be sure not to place heavy things on top. You can also get a hard case to travel with.
Have a change of clothes. This rule is especially important if you checked your main bag. If your checked bag is lost or delayed, you still have a fresh outfit for at least another day. And, if you’re on a long flight you might want to change before you land.
Bring Snacks. Even if the airline will serve a meal or you get on at the airport, sometimes you’re just a bit peckish and when you are, you’ll want your favorite snacks. Be mindful of your snacks and go healthy with foods that will give you energy like, nuts, dried fruits, and fresh fruits. Pre-slice your fresh fruits for easier consumption.
Check with the airline for their inflight entertainment. Longer flights will have their own, but you may have specific shows you want to see, so you may want to bring your own. I also like to have a playlist ready for my own listening pleasure. If you are traveling with children, it’s imperative that you bring the entertainment. The airlines typically will list their flight entertainment on their website under in-flight amenities.
Organize! It’s very frustrating when you can’t find something. Organizing your bag when you pack it will make it easier to unpack and find things when you need them, especially at the airport or on the plane. One word, compartmentalize!
Happy Travels!
Ja’Vonne, The Traveling Culturati