Reduce Airline Hassles By Learning to Pack Efficiently

By Jennifer Sterba, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson

Jul. 19–Getting your luggage organized is the key to avoiding security-line stress and checked-baggage fees at the airport this summer.

With some airlines now charging fees for fliers’ first checked bags, the incentive is to cram as much as possible into carry-ons.

American Airlines charges $15 each way for the first checked bag for travelers who booked on or after June 15. Northwest Airlines still allows one free checked bag per domestic traveler.

Most domestic flights allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a laptop or purse. But American Airlines travelers whose carry-on bags don’t fit the specified size limits will be forced to check their luggage — and pay that fee.

Watch out for weight restrictions, too. American Airlines, for example, won’t allow carry-ons weighing more than 40 pounds. Checked bags more than 50 pounds are assessed a fee, and no bags weighing more than 100 pounds will be checked.

Now, how to squeeze that carry-on into a 22-by-14-by-9-inch wire cage at the gate?

“The biggest piece of conventional wisdom that I can supply for packing better is organization,” said Sharon Scott, a buyer for local outdoor and travel outfitters store Summit Hut.

Scott suggested travelers strategize what they plan to wear on the plane, donning bulkier jeans and tennis shoes, and save lighter-weight clothing for their carry-on bag.

“A lot of people wait until the day before to pack,” said Stacie Minopoli, store manager for Shapiro Luggage, Gifts and Leather at Park Place mall. “There needs to be a little more of a thought process, especially now if you want to save some money.”

Minopoli suggested mixing and matching fewer pieces to yield more outfits. A neutral jacket that goes with everything and jewelry and accessories can change the look of any outfit, she said.

“Most places have a laundry room open to the guests,” she said. “While you’re at the pool, throw a load in. A little packet of Woolite is easier to pack than twice as many clothes.”

Minopoli said she avoids packing liquids, due to strict Transportation Security Administration guidelines. Instead, she uses the soaps and shampoos provided by the hotel.

Illustration by Angela Pittenger / Arizona Daily Star Photos by A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star Photos by A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Where to buy

Luggage products are available at:

–Shapiro Luggage, Gifts and Leather

5870 E. Broadway in Park Place

745-0829

www.shapiroluggage.com

–Summit Hut

5045 E. Speedway

325-1554

and

605 E. Wetmore Road

888-1000

www.summithut.com

–Samsonite Company Store

7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. in Foothills Mall

498-0125

www.samsonite.com

Other travel-size toiletries:

Several grocery and drug stores offer an expanded selection of travel-size soaps, shampoos, toothpastes — even hairspray, mousse and gels — sure to meet the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines.

–Walgreens offers — online (walgreens.com) and in-store — a variety of travel-size, name-brand personal items for $1.99 or less, including a Dr. Fresh Dental Travel kit, Dove Deep Moisture Beauty Body Wash, Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo and conditioner, Secret Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant and Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream.

–CVS Pharmacy offers online (CVS.com) a variety of name-brand, travel-size hairstyling products for less than $5 for the hair-obsessed traveler. Christophe offers a volumizing hairspray and mousse in 2-ounce containers.

These items will help you cram your carry-on:

Packing folders: They are 15 to 20 inches in length and help fold and organize clothing for travel. Offered by JanSport and Eagle Creek, they range in price from $22 to $28.

“Rather than rolling things up or using disposable plastic bags, it’s an aesthetically pleasing way to organize your stuff and help compress your clothes,” said the Summit Hut’s Sharon Scott.

The other nice thing about the folders: If you press and fold according to the directions, you won’t have to press your clothes once you arrive at your destination, said Stacie Minopoli of Shapiro Luggage, Gifts and Leather.

“You’re just shaking it out, and it still looks great,” she said.

Packing tubes: These soft-sided nylon bags have a see-through window or mesh window on top. Use them to organize things you don’t want everyone else standing in the security line to see.

“When you go through, they can tell there’s nothing else in there,” Minopoli said. “It helps you get through TSA challenges a little smoother and with less exposure and embarrassment.”

JanSport and Eagle Creek offer variations on the idea for $20 to $25.

Packet compressor: It’s a heavy-duty, semi-rigid bag with a zip top and air vents at the bottom. You put your stuff in (like dirty laundry for the trip home) and squeeze the air out.

It’s also great for if you want to pack your special pillow. Sold individually or in sets for $10 to $30.

Minopoli brings two on trips: one for clean clothes and one for dirty clothes on the return trip. That leaves room in her carry-on for souvenirs.

Carry-on luggage: For domestic flights, carry-on luggage must fit in a 22-by-14-by-9-inch space, which airlines display at each airport gate. If your bag doesn’t fit, you could be paying to check it.

Luggage guidelines vary for international travel, so check with individual airlines prior to your trip.

“Wheeled luggage is really where people are these days,” Scott said.

Summit Hut pieces range from $100 to $290.

A 22-inch expandable upright from JanSport goes for $100, while Eagle Creek offers models worth substantially more. The higher-end models come with a “no matter what” guarantee, Scott said.

“So if you run it over and break the wheels, Eagle Creek will repair or replace it,” she said.

Liquid gel containers: The Transportation Security Administration requires travelers not carry more than 3 ounces of any liquid/gel — and all liquid/gels must fit in one 1-quart plastic bag. It’s called the 3-1-1 rule.

Summit Hut offers a $15 set of containers from Eagle Creek. The set comes with four or five 3-ounce bottles with a sticker on each saying “3 ounces.”

–Contact reporter Jennifer Sterba at 573-4179 or e-mail jsterba@azstarnet.com.

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