Being stuck in a line can be nerve-wracking, especially during the holidays at the airport. A long line could also result in a missed flight. Lines are inevitable, but with some helpful packing tips, you won’t have to check any bags, and avoid an extra line and fees.
Bringing the Basics
Basics are the key to packing light and looking chic and understated. Knowing what color scheme works best on you and sticking to it can prevent you from over-packing. If you feel best in red, simply don’t pack the blue shirt. It will just take up extra room that could be used for something you know you’ll wear for sure.
Examples of basics:
- 2-3 cute tops
- A pair of dark (slim) jeans
- A fail-safe LBD (little black dress), or an equivalent
- Something to sleep in
- A “wear-with-everything” slim coat or jacket (trench or plain black coat)
- 2 bras (nude and black) and panties for the trip, in a lingerie bag
- 2 pairs of socks
- A mesh laundry bag
Smart Layering and Transforming
Take advantage of layering to avoid over-packing and checking bags. Get some insight on what to bring by checking the weather of your destination beforehand. Dark, opaque tights can dress up your LBD and keep your legs warm. They can also add an extra layer underneath your skinny jeans. A cardigan can be layered underneath a coat when you’re outside and taken off inside.
Pashmina-type scarves can be worn in many ways; wear it as a scarf when it’s cold, or transform it into a shawl for a day-to-evening look. Pieces that layer and transform well can prevent you from packing sweaters you won’t wear or having to borrow an ill-fitting coat.
Examples of pieces for layering and transforming an outfit:
- 2-3 basic tank tops
- A basic cardigan, or an equivalent
- 1-2 pashmina-type scarves in a neutral shade and/or a colored one
- A pair of dark, opaque tights
Shoes You'll Use
Consider shoes that work well with your basics to get the most wear out of them. Don’t bring shoes you’ll only wear once; they’ll just take up space. A pair of flats, heels, and flat or low-heeled, knee-high boots is enough. Put them in a shoe bag to prevent damage to your shoes and protect your clothing while in flight.
Also, wear the bulkiest items on the plane, (i.e. jeans, boots, coat), to leave valuable space for packed items. Your coat can easily be taken off and stowed once you board the plane.
Accessories in Mind
Keep your basics updated or dress up an outfit by changing your accessories. For a dressy-casual outfit, pair a top and dark jeans with some dangling earrings or by layering necklaces and switch to a hand-held clutch for a low-key evening.
Pack a few pieces of jewelry into a small drawstring jewelry pouch, which doesn’t take up a lot of room and can easily be thrown into your carry-all bag. A sleek clutch, a neutral purse with minimal hardware and a low-slung belt can fit easily into a compartment of your luggage.
Packing Flat Keeps Clothes Fabulous
Keep your clothes looking fresh by packing your pilot case as flat as possible by decreasing the amount of folds. This way, clothes won’t bunch up and wrinkle during flight. Decreasing folds also maximizes space. Place your shoe bag on top and zip up without having to sit on your luggage.
This should leave enough wiggle room for some light shopping. If you’re prone to bringing back more than what you left with, invest in an expandable pilot case. If you tend to do heavier shopping, mail the items to yourself.
The 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids and Gels
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids is “3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); one quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag; one bag per passenger placed in a screening bin.”
Bring only the essentials, such as eye and facial cream; the amount is printed on the bottle. Otherwise, use clear travel-sized bottles or go to a pharmacy when you reach your destination and buy smaller versions of what is needed.
The quart-sized bag can be put into your oversized carry-all, stowed underneath your seat of the plane. You don’t want make it all the way through the security line only to have your beauty regimen taken away.
Pack your basics, shoes and accessories in your pilot case and your jewelry pouch and liquids in your carry-all, along with your wallet and itinerary and you're ready for happy holiday jetsetting.
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Regina Panis - Regina Panis is a freelance writer in New York City. As a former Fashion Design student, she realized her desire to write, not sew. She ...
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