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Editor's Top Tips for Packing Smart this Holiday Season
Holiday Edition 2005
Editor’s Note: Whether you realize it or not, the way you pack often effects security efficiency and wait times at the airport. Here are a few tips on how to pack smart and pack less.
Carry-On Baggage
One carry-on is allowed in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.
TSA will screen all carry-on baggage and personal items.
Each airline has its own size restrictions for carry-on baggage. Verify your carrier’s policy prior to proceeding through security checkpoints.
Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.
Tape a business card or other identifying information on your laptop and other belongings.
Checked Baggage
Leave all checked baggage unlocked or use one of the following TSA-recognized locks: Travel Sentry (www.travelsentry.org) or Safe Skies (www.safeskieslocks.com). All other locks may be broken for screening purposes.
Do not pack valuables such as jewelry, cash or in your checked baggage.
Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
Pack all footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection.
Check with your airline for maximum weight limitations.
Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
Baggage Restrictions
Check ahead of time with your airline to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations.
On most airlines, two checked bags at 62 inches each are allowed with a maximum weight of 50 lbs per checked bag.
Also on most airlines, one carry-on bag at 45 inches is allowed with a maximum weight of 40 lbs.
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