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How to Pack for Your Next Trip Without Checking Any Luggage

By Joshua Seth |

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As I write this, I’m sitting in a hotel near the airport in Atlanta. I wasn’t supposed to be here today but the winter storm that’s raging through the Northeast caused many flight cancellations including mine.

 

I arrived in Atlanta only to find that my connecting flight had been cancelled and that I would have to find a hotel room for the night.

 

I’m kicking myself right now because I checked my luggage!

 

I haven’t checked a bag since I flew from Jamaica to Tokyo for a TV appearance. My luggage was put on the wrong plane and I almost had to go on the air with a  borrowed suit that was about two sizes too big for me. 

 

It ended up getting delivered to the studio about 5 minutes before we started shooting in front of a live audience, but I vowed never again to check my bags if I could help it.

 

This morning I forgot that lesson and now I’m left without a change of clothes or decent toiletries or any of the work I was intending to do.

 

Don’t let this happen to you! 

 

The only way you can make sure this never happens is to carry on your luggage. 

 

I could have carried my luggage on the plane this morning, it was small enough to fit in the overhead compartment, but I didn’t. Maybe that was so I’d be inspired to write this carry-on packing list for you :-) 

 

How to Pack for Your Next Trip Without Checking Any Luggage

 

1. Get luggage with a total dimension of 45″

 

Most airlines currently allow you to carry on 1 piece of luggage with a total length, width, and height of 45″. So the first thing to do is make sure you have a suitcase that maxes out this limitation without exceeding it.

 

2. Get a catalogue case

 

Most airlines also allow you to carry on 1 personal item like a purse or a laptop bag. I carry a catalogue case. Airline pilots typically carry these for their flight manuals. They are big enough to store your laptop in the outer accordian compartment and then fill the inner compartment with clothes or shoes or toiletries or whatever didn’t fit in your suitcase. Ladies can also stuff their purses into the center compartment of the catalogue case along with everything else.

 

This is what my case looks like: http://tinyurl.com/26qrqe

 

3. Don’t overpack

 

Almost everyone packs far more clothes than they need.

No matter where you are going, you can probably get by with:

 

• a single pair of jeans

• a single sweater

• a white dress shirt

• a dark pair of slacks

• a pair of sweatpants or shorts

• a few t-shirts (you’ll buy more when you get there anyway)

• a dark jacket and tie for men or a little black dress for women

 

4. Only pack two pairs of shoes

 

Men – a pair of sneakers and a pair of dress shoes. 

 

Women – a pair of sneakers and a black pump with a low heel. 

 

Trust me. It’s enough.

 

4. Buy toiletries and extra socks at your destination

 

They’re cheap. They’re easy to find. And not packing them will free up a lot of extra space in your luggage.

 

5. Only bring one book.

 

That’s all you’ll read anyway so why weight yourself down with a lot of extra paper. Enjoy the change of scenery and save the book for the plane.

 

6. Photocopy your important documents

 

Bring a copy of your Driver’s License, Passport, and phone numbers for your Credit Card companies and leave it in the safe at your hotel. It can come in handy if your purse or wallet disappears. 

 

7. Bring a laptop, an iPod, and noise canceling headphones 

 

OK, so not everyone will need all of these, but they’ve become a must for me. I never travel without any of them.

 

In one sense, they’re toys that help pass the time. A way to watch movies and listen to music while on long flights.

 

They also increase productivity. You can go through all of your email and respond to them while on the plane without interruption. You can listen to a seminar on your iPod a the double speed setting and take notes on your laptop. You can catch up on your work without your cellphone ringing or the Internet beckoning.

 

The noise canceling headphones block out most of the ambient noise and the drone of the engine too so you can really focus without becoming fatigued. (I have the ones by Bose and they’re amazing!)

 

———————–

 

In my next article I will give you some specific techniques for relaxing on a plane, even if you hate flying and have never been able to sleep once you’re in the air.

 

Until next time, may your next trip be safe and fun and may you arrive with your luggage in hand.

 

Joshua Seth

 

NOTE: Comments are now closed. Here is what was posted…

 

Dawn


Hi Josh,
I too believe there are only two types of travelers – those who pack light, and those who wish they had!
One question though. Will the airlines actually let you bring both your carry-on bag and your catalog case? I thought they would consider your catalog case your carry-on? That would be great to be able to carry on both bags. No more baggage claim!!

 

Joshua Seth


Hi Dawn,
yep, I just flew to Dallas this morning on a tiny little plane and had no problem bringing both a small suitcase and a catalogue case. The suitcase had to be gate checked, but that never bothers me since it’s right there waiting for you as you deplane. Sometimes I get asked about the catalogue case but I just explain that it’s my “laptop” case and then it becomes a non-issue.

 

Barbara

Great Blog!
Just as I was wondering what that case looked like you added< “this is what my case looks like”…
Now I am very eager to read how to relax on a plane even if you don’t like to fly (I don’t)!
Very interesting and very helpfulIt takes alot of discipline to pack what you need versus what you think you’ll want, especially the one book concept. I always bring more thatn I need or use. Thanks for the tips!

 

Albert | UrbanMonk.Net

A very nice selection of tips. I tend to travel very light, but now I’m starting to see how some of these things you mentioned will be awesome. Especially photocopies.

Cheers,

 

George Thing

Hi Josh,
I know how much you travel for your fun job!
We saw you on the Majesty in dec of 06 and flew to boston in the seats behind you in the plane.
I always wondered how you traveled lite all the time,now I know!
We love the cd’s from the cruise and relax with them alot!
By the way, we do walk alot like you do in the airport though we get some funny looks at times.
Best regards and holiday season,
George Thing


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