Travel is expensive right now, so it pays (or rather, saves) to keep a few travel hacks in mind. One of the most obvious tricks is to travel with only carry-on luggage. Who better to share tips for travelling with a carry on than the Corporate Traveller?
As part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, Corporate Traveller caters to professionals who travel a lot for work. Read: the people who, other than flight staff themselves, probably spend the most time in the air.
According to Global Managing Director Tom Walley, astute travellers are avoiding checking their bags to reduce the risk of any issues. And let’s face it: we’ve seen a lot of those with air travel lately.
“Some forms of disruption are likely to continue for at least the remainder of the year as airports around the world slowly return to normal efficiency levels,” says Tom. “Fortunately, there are myriad ways to pack lightly and strategically to avoid checked baggage.”
Here are Tom’s tips for travelling with a carry on.
Get the maximum carry-on baggage allowance
One of the most obvious yet important tips for travelling with a carry on is to choose an airline that allows up to 14kg in carry-on baggage, either as part of the airfare or by purchasing additional carry-on allowance. Remember: paying for extra baggage fees online will be cheaper than doing it at the airport.
“While the International Air Transport Association prescribes the maximum dimensions for carry-on baggage, both international and domestic, to be 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, dimension and weight requirements can differ across airlines,” says Tom. “14kg is generally the maximum allowed.”
Domestic and international flights also allow one personal item that can fit under the seat in front. Some airlines even allow passengers to take a garment bag. Tom says to use this allowance to pack more essential items in a small backpack, or your laptop.
Book a hotel with a good range of amenities
Reduce the need to pack all your essentials by booking a hotel with premium toiletries, skincare, and hair appliances. You may also want to look for gym and pool facilities or spa services to give you everything under the one roof. Pack any further essential toiletries in travel sizes, ensuring they adhere with airline guidelines on liquid items.
Avoid technology and bulky hard-copy files
Take an ultra-slim, lightweight laptop or tablet on the trip. If you need to take hardcopy documents, books or other files, consider digital copies – saved on a device, USB or on the cloud – and organise to have them printed at your destination hotel (if necessary).
“Kindles are another storage idea for reading materials on your flights,” says Tom. “They are ideal for storing large files and weigh no more than 188g, with a charge that can last weeks.”
Pack multipurpose items
Pack clothing that can transition through different settings or events and try to stick to neutrals. Consider taking loungewear that can be worn both on international flights and for sleep. Packing three tops for every bottom can also help you transition the same items from day to night.
Utilise empty spaces in your luggage items
When packing, cleverly place smaller valuables inside other items. For instance, jewellery or phone chargers could be stored inside shoes or coat pockets. Tightly roll clothing items to allow for more compact packing and prevent creasing. Some experienced travellers, however, prefer folding clothes and prevent creasing by placing tissue paper between each fold to ensure items remain neat.
Wear your bulkiest clothing on board
When travelling to colder destinations, consider wearing bulky outerwear or boots in transit to avoid wasting limited luggage space. Another clever space-saver is to place loose items such as wallets, passports, and pens into your jacket pockets, provided they have a secure zipper. Many flights have hooks on seats for passengers to hang jackets.
Consider using a packing app
Free apps like PackKing or PackPoint can generate a packing checklist based on your destination, duration of stay and planned activities, along with information on laundry amenities and other essentials in proximity to your accommodation. If you’re using a travel management company, take advantage of the expertise of their travel advisers and innovative technology. They can provide in-depth information that can assist with planning your travel, including packing strategically.
After you pack, try to reduce your luggage by another 20 per cent
When you’ve finished packing, step back and consider whether every item in your carry-on is essential. Ask yourself whether they will be used well and remove items that will not be. Remember that you can purchase additional essentials at your destination, and plan to use your hotel laundry service to wash clothing items that you will wear more than once.