subject: Pack Properly For A Trouble-free Trip [print this page] Vacation trips are smoother and more convenient with the appropriate travel bags. You'll have an unlimited variety of choices if you're only going on a road trip, but if you're traveling through the air and sea ports, then you'll have to consider the security and customs checks. You'll be held up for plenty of stops most of the time, and your cumbersome luggage should never be the cause of your delay. Your carry-on and check-in luggage will be subjected to rigorous security checks on all ports of entry, so you'll have to pack your things properly to ensure hassle-free inspections. You'll do better with the task if you choose appropriate luggage. If you don't want to be ushered aside or kept from your flight, then you'd better nitpick at all your packed items, days before you leave for the airport.
You're only allowed to take two items with you onboard the plane, a carry-on luggage and one personal item. You'll have to cuddle your personal item on your seat, so it should offer enough room for comfortable movement. Your carry-on has to go into your overhead compartment. Airports will screen all carry-on travel bags as long as these fit through the X-ray scanners. Your airline will have the final say on the dimension restrictions, though. Airplane compartments have varying size requirements, and you'll know for sure if yours will fit if you contact the airline company prior to the trip. Your carry-on could only get as far as the boarding hall if it doesn't meet the size regulations. The basic rules for liquids and gels apply; containers and bottles should have three-ounce capacities or less. Use a clear, quart-sized Ziploc pouch for storing all of the small containers. Airport security personnel will inspect these separately as your carry-on goes through the X-ray scanners.
Larger containers should be packed inside your check-in bag along with your other personal effects. Check-in luggage have to be durable enough to withstand the handling and transport. Your items should also be packed properly, so the inspection routines are more efficient. Your local airport regulations prescribe the lock varieties you're allowed to use on your luggage. If you don't have the approved locks, then you'd best do away with these altogether. Your check-in travel bags will be inspected, and the locks will be broken or pried open. Don't cram all your items into one bag, but spread these into separate bags for easier inspection. Mind the packing precautions, and you'll go through the security checks quickly and effortlessly.
