If you read my last post on looking and feeling fresh on a long-haul flight, you’ll realize that I mentioned packing smartly for the long-haul flight as well. Packing effectively is key to having a stress-free journey. We’ll focus on packing for an international flight but these tips work for any layover flight. I want you to use these tips to ensure that your flight is as stress-free as possible. So grab a snack and some coffee, and let’s dive right into it.
Figure Out What You Need to Pack for a Long-Haul Flight
The first thing to consider before packing anything is to know how long you’re traveling. Are you going for 6 months? or 1 month? Once you have an idea, then think about what you’re planning to do. Are you visiting family or taking local tours?
Pack Smartly for a Long-Haul Flight By Knowing The Climate!
Once you know for how long you’re traveling, chances are you’ll have activities planned, or if you’re like me, going to visit family, you’ll need to understand the local climate. For example, Mumbai in May, (when I went) is very hot but not at its hottest. There are also a few months of rain but that doesn’t mean that the temperature dips much at all.
In this case, I knew I wanted to pack light t-shirts, shorts, cargo pants, dresses (if that’s your thing), and sandals. Try to have a color theme when it comes to your outfits because it makes it that much easier to accessorize and pack.
Pack clothes that can be “recycled” into other outfits. Get creative! For example, a tank top and jeans can be one outfit, but use the tank top with a track jacket and shorts, to make another!
Shoes are tricky to pack because comfort and style rarely go hand in hand.
Wear sneakers on the flight and carry 2 neutral sandals. I’m not a fan of wearing heels but if you must carry them, especially on an international flight, stick to something neutral so you don’t overpack your shoes.
Know How Many Bags You Can Check-in
In most cases, you’re allowed to have 2 checked-in luggage and 1 carry-on bag with a personal item. This rule applies to most flights but be sure to double-check. Each bag is allowed to be 50 pounds and while that sounds like a lot, once you start packing, it starts to add up.
Invest in a scale from Amazon and avoid paying fees!
If it’s a shorter trip, like a couple of weeks to a month, people opt to carry only one piece of luggage. My advice? Carry both. Why?
There’s a high chance you’ll be shopping for friends, family, and yourself! No matter how many times I’ve been to Mumbai, I always tell myself, you won’t be buying anything right? Wrong!
It’s better to have two bags and not have to deal with paying for an overweight bag. Plus you’re already paying a baggage fee for two bags anyway, so make use of it!
If you had a short stay and didn’t have the chance to do laundry before leaving, you can use the other bag to pack your “dirty” clothes. That way when you’re back home, it’ll be easier to keep them separate from the clean ones.
Pack Your Checked-In Luggage Smartly for a Long-Haul Flight
If you’re traveling alone, first off, good for you! Enjoy your adventure! If you’re going as a family or as a small group of people, keep your stuff in your own bag!
Nothing is more annoying than reaching your destination and going through your bags to find your toiletries and clothes.
Organize Your Outfits
If you’re planning a short stay, try to organize your outfits, especially for the day or two after you arrive. Not only is it a great way to save time and space in your luggage, but you’ll also be prepared for the first few days.
Pack your outfits together. How? Take your top and the matching bottom you want, and fold them together. Keep your undergarments and socks (if you need them) folded with each outfit. Not only does it make it easier to keep your outfits together and organized, but you can also shower and change right into them and save time. Plus you don’t need to unpack your whole bag!
Keep your loungewear and your formal clothes separate. This is when I’d pack them separately into the two bags you’re allowed to carry.
Watch What You Carry!
If you’re like me, traveling for a longer stay, you don’t need to carry as much as you think. Save space and be smart!
Do not carry:
Body Wash: Buy local and save space in your bag. Also, prevent a mishap from happening. Cleaning up soap off of your shoes and delicate clothes is not fun.
Shampoo/Conditioner: Buy local. If you want to wash your hair immediately, then you can opt to carry a travel-sized bottle. But trust me, most if not all of the drugstore brands are available overseas.
Sanitary Napkins and Liners:
I made the mistake of carrying pads and liners and it weighed my bag down! If you’re traveling for a long period of time, carry one pack of sanitary pads and liners, because you can purchase them locally if need be. Do not waste your baggage allowance!
Plus, the adhesive of the products wears off at different temperatures. Who knew? Most of my stuff wouldn’t stick!
Pack Smartly For a Long-Haul Flight Using Pouches
You’re probably thinking I’m out of my mind. Pouches?
Hear me out.
When it comes to carrying your tech with you, think about one thing: What’s really necessary?
If you’re going on vacation, you don’t need to carry your laptop. Carrying a laptop means more stress (you’ll worry about how you’re packing it, and what other carry-on bags to use) and it means a longer time at security. Carry a tablet instead and besides, you’ll have your phone.
Use a tech case, or an organizer to keep your charging cables and bricks together. Unless you’re planning on using your laptop on board, you might be able to get away with checking in your cables and making sure your tech is fully charged before boarding your flight. But keep your phone charger with you at all times! Nothing sucks more than having a dead phone during a layover while your charging cables are traveling to the destination.
Note: Make sure you check the voltage used at your destination and carry an adapter.
Do not pack your electronics into your checked-in luggage and that rule also applies to power banks. Carry a power bank if you feel you’ll need to be entertained on board so you can charge your electronics. In most cases, you can charge your devices on the entertainment gadget in your seat (by USB cable).
Pack Smartly Using Hard Cases
When it comes to carrying makeup, there’s a limit as to how much you can carry on board. If you’re staying for an extended period of time or feel that you need to carry a variety of makeup, especially liquid-based makeup I have an idea for you! Use hard cases like the ones on Amazon–they look like small rolling luggage.
I packed my foundation, concealer, and even some roller ball perfumes into these cases and threw them into my checked-in luggage. Seriously!
With everything my bags went through (the conveyor belt exploded and fell apart when we were at baggage claim), my bottles were in perfect shape. No leaking, no cracking, and ready to be used! I used these cases to carry my serums (they’re in glass bottles too!) and some essential oils.
I can’t recommend those cases enough! Grab them for your next trip!
How to pack perfume bottles?
Because of their shape, your perfume bottles might not fit into those hard cases from Amazon, but if you have knee-length socks, especially thick ones, you’re in luck!
Grab a pair of socks and place your bottle inside the sock. Place that sock into another one for added cushioning and roll it into itself. You’re not wasting space and you don’t have to worry about not having enough perfume while overseas.
But honestly, stick to carrying one scent that you can layer with body sprays. I usually carry a few different body sprays from Bath and Body Works. One perfume and a few sprays lasted me about 8 months.
Pack Smartly for a Long-Haul Flight: Medication
Always carry your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor if you need to carry a syringe or an insulin pen on board. Carrying pills isn’t an issue (if you’re carrying your prescription) but if you need to carry liquid, be sure to follow the TSA guidelines. Be sure to keep all medications in their original packaging.
Keep the number of medications you need for two days on hand with you in your carry-on luggage and keep the rest in your checked-in luggage.
If you’re like me and get motion or air sickness, try Dramamine! It’s over-the-counter and great at preventing nausea and vomiting on board.
Packing Valuables
If you’re thinking of carrying any luxury items or jewelry, keep it at a minimum. When it comes to fine jewelry, try to wear what you plan to wear for the trip. You can carry jewelry onboard in your carry-on but be careful that you don’t leave your bag unattended. The worse thing would be to have it stolen. So carry a minimal amount or better yet, wear a set that can go well with your outfits.
Carrying luxury handbags is another thing I would avoid unless the bag itself is your carry-on luggage. If you’ve checked in your bags and you’ve carried luxury handbags in them, you can risk losing them if your baggage gets lost! Keep it simple and safe. Carry the bag you want to bring with you or pack your luxury handbag into your carry-on.
In the end, traveling can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Packing smartly for a long-haul flight can save you time at security and lessen the stress of traveling altogether. Know the rules and follow the guidelines for your destination and airlines. Be organized and make lists and be sure to keep your documents with you at all times. Make sure your visa (if needed) and passport are up to date! And most importantly, enjoy your trip!
