Air Travel Tips: Packing Light Versus Packing to the Limit

When planning a trip that involves air travel there can be added stress to the journey by the worries of what to pack and how to pack. Packing light brings greater ease and simplicity to the trip while packing to the limit allows a person to bring just about everything they can think of and provides a sense of security in their travel. I have traveled by air using both styles and have found beneficial factors to each method. A traveler needs to weigh the pros and cons of packing heavy versus packing light and base their decision on what is best suited for that particular trip.

Packing Light Pros

Packing light means just that, less weight! By packing light you lessen the load that you have to tote around in airports, train stations, bus terminals, metros and city streets. This is a big deal if you plan to travel on a budget that would include these other modes of transportation to get you to your final destination. Believe me when you have the largest size suitcase allowable on an airplane and you are lugging that beast of burden up flights of stairs to your metro platform it will certainly build up your arm muscles!

Packing light can save time in the airport by avoiding the checked baggage process. If you can pack light enough to only have a carry on bag you will not have to deal with the checking of bags, picking up checked bags or the possibility of trying to recover a lost bag.

Packing light can save you money. Most airlines now charge a checked baggage fee. Some allow your first checked bag for free, but will have a $25 and up fee for multiple checked bags.

Packing Light Cons

Packing Light takes considerably more planning. Packing light means you have to decide what is only absolutely mandatory that you bring with you. There is not room for the thought that you might need a certain item with you, it is; you definitely need that item on your trip.

Packing light brings up the possibility that you might really need an item that you don't have. When this happens you are stuck trying to figure out how to manage without it or trying every way possible to make a purchase of the much needed item. This can also cause an added expense to the travel budget.

Packing Light Tips

Carry on baggage only allows 3 ounces of any given liquid through security. You can purchase travel size items or the small 3 ounces containers to fill with your favorite product. Place all items in clear plastic zip lock styled bags.

Pack plenty of underwear. When backpacking on a train across Italy for 5 days all I packed for clothing was 2 pairs of shorts, 2 tops and 5 changes of under clothes. Clean and fresh underwear makes the outer clothing wearable for multiple days.

Bring a small fold up tote or duffle bag that you can pull out in emergencies for those must have souvenirs.

Packing to the Limit Pros

Packing to the limit allows the traveler to bring items that provide a sense of security and the lack of need or want on their trip. That sense of security can also provide less stress by not having to worry or wonder if an item will be missed.

Packing to the limit reduces the need for spending valuable time do laundry or the cost of having someone else do your laundry. The more clothing you are able to bring the less time will be spent at the Laundromat.

Packing to the limit allows you to bring more of your favorite toiletries. With checked bags there are no liquid amount restrictions, such as the 3 ounce maximum that applies to carry on baggage. Be sure to secure liquids in sealed plastic bags in case of breakage.

Packing to the limit also allows room for small gift items to be given to friends and family at your final destination.

You will have more packing space for bringing special items home to friends and family who are expecting more than a T-Shirt.

Packing to the Limit Cons

The more you pack the more you have to tote around.

Checking bags can take considerable time in the airport to complete the process. There are also the extra fees and the possibility of lost bags.

Packing to the Limit Tips

Try to save some room for packing souvenirs for the trip home or as mentioned above, pack a small foldable tote or duffle to pack items for the return trip home.

Watch your weight on large suitcases. Most airlines allow 50lbs. maximum and if you go over you will be charged an overweight fee. Over sized suitcases are subject to extra fees as well.

Remember that airline personnel literally throw your baggage onto conveyors, trailers, and in and out of planes. Take great care in packing items that can break easily.

Here is a helpful website with useful information on packing for air travel:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/pack.shtm

Sources:

My own experience