Pack-Perfect

By Sue Armstrong -Owner Uniglobe Sunburst Travel

With more and more restrictions on carry-on luggage, it’s essential not only to know what to pack, but how to pack.

If you travel frequently, getting through security efficiently and quickly is a priority. As carry-on restrictions and security checks become more stringent, it is important to maximize and organize the packing space available to you.

Some airlines in Canada allow 2-piece carry-on allowance, one standard article and one personal article.  Items, which falls within the 2-piece carry-on allowance, include:  carry-on bags, briefcases, laptop computers, diaper bags, camera or other similar items.  Included all airport and duty free purchases in the carry-on allowance.  

Before packing contents into your bag, consider its weight when empty. Some airlines are stricter than others about how much weight you can carry onboard. Canadian allow carry-ons of 22 pounds or 10 kg, others permit only 25 pounds (European domestic and charter airlines vigorously enforce these rules). If you start with a heavy bag, you’ve already reduced your allowable carry-on weight. Not only is a lightweight bag easier to carry as you navigate through the terminal, it also permits you to take more weight in personal items once it’s packed. Many new carry-ons are designed to be lightweight but highly durable.

Remember that weight and item restrictions will vary depending on where your flight originates and where you’re headed. Each country you visit will have its own regulations regarding air safety and permitted weights and items. Check before you go; your travel agent can help you find the latest information on carry-on allowances and prohibited items.

The general rule for carry-on size is that your bag’s dimensions must be no greater than 21.5h x 15.5w x 9d inches or 23d x 40w x 55h cm’s , or roughly 45 linear inches (length plus width plus height). These measurements may vary with each airline, so do check. Ideally your carry-on bag will have one easily accessible compartment to store tickets, passport, reservation data, PDA’s, cell phone and other items that need to be kept handy for inspection. Make sure these items are charged and fully functioning and that you know how to turn them on and off should a screener request you to do so.  Stowage on board:  heavy items are stowed under the seat in front of you and lighter ones in the overhead bins.

Pack your carry-on so that security personnel can easily examine the contents of your bag and so that you can reassemble your bag quickly afterwards. To make packing—and security unpacking—more efficient, use see-through packing cases that allow you to roll up items such as T-shirts, work-out clothes, sleepwear, underwear and socks. Individual vacuum seal or compression bags are ideal for maximizing space in a carry-on. A shoe bag will also help keep your bag organized. With onboard storage space at a minimum, many airlines no longer allow hanging garment bags. As an alternative to the hanger bag, try a garment “roll” that minimizes wrinkles by allowing you to roll up your clothing.  These bags stow in the overhead compartments.

An alternative for rolling or folding clothing is to purchase a small bag designed expressly for the task. These bags come with a folding board that allows you to “stack” your garments inside the bag. Choose those with see-through windows so that you can view the contents. You can purchase bags that accommodate between seven and 15 items, some of which fit into a carry-on or even a briefcase - ideal for business travelers.

By compartmentalizing your carry-on items, you can ease your way through security checks and make the screener’s job easier, too. Always defer to the judgement of local airline check-in agents or airport security officials regarding the contents or dimensions of your carry-on - it all comes down to public safety.

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