ExpertFlyer Hot Topics — Where the rubber meets the runway
The simple act of packing a suitcase has taken on some weighty consequences. Today, business travelers need to consider a host of issues as they neatly fold and stack items for their trip. Weighing and gauging, detaching oneself from emotional favorites and bad packing habits is the order of the day as corporations increase travel policies to cut costs.
Anne McAlpin is a luggage packing guru and travel expert for the Oregon/Idaho branch of the Automobile Association of America (AAA). She has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, Rachel Ray, CNN and many others. We asked her to give us her hottest tips for business travel packing in 140 words or less.
“Travel for business can be stressful, so to make it easier, I always travel with just a carry-on.” Here are Anne’s top packing tips:
. Always confirm in advance what size carry-on bag is allowed on your airline. It varies.
. Most airlines allow a carry-on (usually 22″) and a personal bag
(tote/briefcase).
. Tip for women travelers: Pack your handbag inside your personal bag = three bags (but only counts as two.)
. If you need additional items, ship them to your destination in advance. This saves valuable time, money & stress in case of delayed flights, bags,etc.
. Keep a quart size plastic bag filled with all your liquids (3.4 oz or less in each container) in your carry-on bag for last minute trips.
. Pack less by packing around one basic color so the same shoes, belts, accessories, etc. can be worn with everything.
. Avoid packing the outside pockets of your carry-on, it might not fit into overhead bins.