How to pack a better carry-on bag

Fees, fees, fees. These days every airline is tacking on more fees to you. Most US airlines have introduced a $25 charge for accommodating your second checked bag and beleaguered American Airlines went one step further by announcing they'll charge you $15 for your first checked bag. As I said in an earlier post, "it's hard out there for a jet."

Since the fee news hit there have been tons of newspaper and blog reports advising you on how to pack a better carry-on and avoid these checked baggage fees altogether. Personally, I try like the devil to never check a bag. It's mostly because my patience level is so low I usually end up blowing a gasket waiting for my bag on the other side. The new fees are just an added incentive for me to travel light.

So, below I present to you my favorite tips:

1. Get a good bag
Be sure to purchase luggage that's big enough to carry your sh&t while still meeting the airline's carry-on requirements. Most airlines allow 45" of linear feet in a carry on. This means that the dimensions of your bag must add up to 45 total inches. If you are flying internationally, the dimensions may actually be less (you'll find out on your return flight, trust me...).

Bag manufacturers usually print on their tags if a bag is legal for carry on. Personally, I prefer a roller bag, but that's just me. Do think about how you'll be able to haul a full bag during your travels - or how you can pay or trick someone else into hauling it for you!

2. Plan your colors and fabrics and accessorize!
Whether it's in style or not, I typically travel with a lot of black. It's easy to match and it hides stains pretty well (yes, I'm a sloppy drunk). You can also dress black up or down depending on the need. Note that you'll be able to pack more clothes if you use lightweight fabrics - cashmere, light cottons, silks, etc. I also tend to pack quite a few necklaces and earrings so I can change up an outfit by changing the accessories. Accessories don't take up a lot of space.

Many will advise that you stay away from packing wrinkle-prone fabrics. I'm pro-iron and rather advise that you become good friends with your hotel iron. If you don't have one in your room already, you can always get one. Every outfit looks better with a bit of ironed in crispness.

3. If you can, wear your heaviest items on the plane
I realize this is not always possible, but do pay special attention to what you wear on your flight, especially your shoes. Wear your bulkiest pair as you travel and you'll save a ton of space in your bag.

4. Have a packing strategy
I always roll my clothes as I find I can pack more. Some advise something called the bundle wrap (click here to see a .pdf demonstration). I think the bundle wrap approach works better for guys who wear more long sleeve shirts and pants. For the ladies, I think the "roll your own" approach works best. Point being, find out what works for you. Utilize all space - every pocket, inside shoes, whatever you can think of.

5. I bet they have laundry wherever you're going
Consider packing three or four color-coordinated and inter-changeable outfits and then doing laundry while on your trip. It works. Or, unless you stink pretty badly, what about wearing something twice? Hotel shampoos also work great for washing small stuff in your hotel sink.

6. If you can't get it in a travel size, I suspect they have that on the other side too
I used to hate those TSA requirements of putting all my liquids in 3oz or less bottles and only taking what can it in a quart-sized zip-lock bag. But I found out the TSA isn't religious on checking these and you can cheat a bit if you must (but I didn't tell you that). More importantly, I found out I didn't need all that crap I was hauling around and that I freed up more room for clothes when I kept my toiletries to a minimum. Message is, think twice on those liquids you pack.

7. FedEx anyone?
I always thought when I "made it," I would FedEx my luggage to whatever destination I was heading to and just collect my belongings on the other side. While I'm still trying to "make it," I think that thought now more than ever... so, if you are skilled and/or lucky enough have that option, consider it. No more hassles!

Back to my lack of patience problem, I have to say that it does concern me that more people are going to be carrying on now which means the overhead bin space is going to be s-p-a-r-s-e. I predict more gate-checked bags in our futures. While I've read if an airline gate-checks your bag you won't get charged a bag check fee, it does nothing to solve my patience problem.

But I'm working on it.....

[Thanks blognonymous for the sweet photo]

Pack your carry-on with ingenuity [Chicago Tribune]
Pack wisely, at it'll all fit in a carry-on bag [LA Times]
Paying for what you pack: To avoid extra fees, know the rules [Seattle Times]