Luggage can be a hassle when you’re traveling by plane because there are so many airline and TSA requirements. For instance, you have to worry about weight and size but you also have to worry about not packing restricted items. So, here are five tips to help you prepare your suitcase.
If you can manage to travel light, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle at the airport. It doesn’t cost any money to bring a carry-on bag. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it getting lost once you check it. Carry-on bags can be surprisingly large, too. Each airline has its own height and width requirements, but if it your luggage fits in the overhead bin, you can typically use it as a carry-on bag.
It already costs a lot of money to check a bag at the airport. However, you’ll be charged extra fees if your suitcase goes over the weight limit for your airline. So, remove any unneeded items that are adding too much weight. If possible, weigh your luggage before you go to the airport so you know you won’t go over the limit. Also, remember, there are different weight limits for international travel, so get informed.
You should leave extra space in your luggage to bring home souvenirs if you’re traveling for recreation and staying in Sweden hotels. If you pack too tightly, it may be difficult to fit everything in your suitcase for the return flight. There are also other packing strategies you have to worry about. For instance, you should double bag all of your shower and beauty products. There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to discover that your shampoo bottle wasn’t closed tightly and now it is all over your clothes.
If you have the same standard black luggage everyone else has, you should do something to make it stand out. Attach a brightly colored ribbon to the handles or use colorful tape down the side. This will help you spot your luggage quicker when it comes down the chute. You should also remove old luggage tags so you don’t confuse the baggage handlers and write a phone number on the luggage tag so you can be contacted in the event of a mix up.
Some suitcases have built-in locks, but if yours doesn’t you should buy one to attach to your zippers. This is an important safety measure because it deters thieves from leaving with your suitcase. The TSA has requirements on suitcase locks, so check those out before buying some for your suitcase. Otherwise, you take the risk having your lock broken if they need to search your luggage.
Luggage makes travelling so much more complicated. However, you’ll be better prepared if you follow the tips in this article. Do you have any other advice for preparing a suitcase for travel? Leave a comment.