Packing and Carry-On Tips
Packing
- Take time to think about your destination, climate and activities.
- Follow weather reports. The Weather Channel is a great source.
- Dress for comfort. Mix and match your outfits
- Divide your clothes into complete outfits (pants, shirt, shoes, sweater) and pack these garments in separate suitcases. If traveling on a cruise, place several formal garments in each bag, with matching shoes and accessories.
- Don't put anything of value in the bags you plan to check. Pack your jewelry, house/car keys, prescription medicines, glasses, small electronics, cameras, film, and binoculars with an emergency toilet kit in a carry-on.
- Avoid packing books in your checked suitcases. X-ray machines cannot see these clearly and this will prompt TSA screeners to have to open your bags
- We encourage you to use a TSA approved Luggage locks. These locks have a pass key slot that will allow screens to inspect your luggage. This will prevent casual access to your bags while you are traveling,
- Place labels and luggage tags on all baggage, especially on laptops. Don’t forget to attach your Travel Guard Bag Track stickers to your luggage.
- Label the underside (where the wheels are) with white tape and write your name/address/phone number in magic marker.
- Finally, I suggest securing your suitcases with bright and study A3" luggage straps.
- Inspect suitcase wheels, and zippers for damage. Sturdy suitcases are essential to survive airport baggage handlers.
- Consider the duration of your flight and expected traveling time.
- Remember to bring a 1 quart zip lock bag to hold toothpaste, lotion and other liquids (less than 3 oz) for use during your flight.
- Many flights are not offering meal service. Consider bringing few snack crackers, granola bars and an empty bottle water. Take an additional lightweight tote bag to hold any meals you may pickup in the airport to eat while aboard, then, re-stash the bag in a side pocket for future use. Ear plugs & sleep masks, can combat long, noisy flights.
Checking your Bags:
- At the flight counter, verify that your bags with be checked to your final destination as outlined on your tickets. If this cannot be done, make sure you clearly understand where you will be picking them up and if you have to take them to another airline yourself to be re-checked to your final destination.
- Make sure you receive luggage receipts (usually stapled to the airline ticket jacket) for each bag you check.
- If your bag is lost, stolen or damaged, file a report with the airline immediately. However, the airline may deny responsibility if TSA has not inspected your bag or multiple airlines on your journey have been involved. We strongly suggest TRAVEL GUARD INSURANCE to protect you from loss if anything is found missing from your bags.
- Plan for the unexpected, it may take you up to 45 minutes to pass thru Security Screening once you have checked in. If you miss your flight due to a delay in screening you may be subject to airline re-booking fees and possible cancellation.
Any questions? Please ask us before you leave.
