Are you a seasoned traveller? If so, you will already know that what you pack and how you pack it can make or break your trip. Whether heading off for a weekend getaway or boarding a flight for a longer holiday, flying light is the way forward in 2025! Are you wondering why? Well, it will lead to less chaos and fewer extra baggage fees and prevent fumbling through your bag at the gate! But doing it right takes more than just stuffing your bags with essentials.
This brings us to the not-so-fun part: airline baggage rules! Knowing the baggage rules in advance is prudent if you are flying with a budget airline. For instance, understanding the Jetstar Airways baggage allowance can help avoid last-minute charges or awkward repacking in the departure lounge. These rules vary from airline to airline. So, checking your allowance before you unzip your suitcase to pack your stuff is worth checking. If you want to know how to pack smartly, without missing out on your essentials, read on!
Don’t Pack for ‘What Ifs’
Are you travelling somewhere remote with limited access to essentials? No? Then do not pack for what-ifs! Most of us are guilty of packing ‘just in case’ items, which you probably won’t ever need during your trip. Instead, focus on the basics that you will actually need.
Some of the essential items every traveller should pack are a clean change of clothes, travel-sized toiletries, daily medications, and a phone charger. Keep crucial items, including money, payment cards, travel tickets, or any critical medicines, within reach.
Choose Clothes That Work Hard
Packing smartly doesn’t imply that you have to sacrifice on style. However, you can pack stylish clothes that can multitask. For example, carry a couple of neutral-hued shirts and T-shirts that you can wear with different bottoms.
Also, choose fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily and dry quickly. Choose smart footwear that is suitable for diverse weather conditions and occasions. And always keep room for one comfort item, such as a jacket or a scarf that feels like home on long travel days.
Know The Difference Between A Cabin Bag And A Personal Item
Many travellers get caught off guard by this issue. While some airlines permit a cabin bag and a personal item, others enforce stricter policies, especially on short-haul or regional routes. Just because your last flight allowed you to squeeze a bulky bag under the seat doesn’t guarantee the same leniency next time.
Travel like a pro by opting for soft, compact bags that maintain shape and fit under the seat to be safe. A slim crossbody tote, small backpack, or structured laptop bag typically meets personal item criteria without issue.
Skip The Fancy Gear, But Do Organise Your Bag
You don’t need to invest in ‘ultralight’ gear unnecessarily. A simple pouch system can prove to be a game-changer. For example, keep all your cables in one pouch, medicines in one, toiletries in one, and documents in another folder.
Use the pouches that you already have to segregate different stuff. This way, your luggage won’t be messy. It will be well-organised using optimal space, and you can reach out to whatever you need without fumbling.
Avoid The Airport Rush By Flying Smart
No rule says you must travel on a Friday night or Saturday/Sunday at noon. These are peak times, when there’s no dearth of crowds, long queues and even short tempers! If your schedule is flexible, flying midweek or in the early morning can lead to smoother check-ins and fewer delays. Also, avoid travelling on the busiest days during holidays. It also gives you time to adjust if something changes, because we all know that flight plans rarely go exactly as expected.
Packing light and smart is not just about carrying less and cutting out on the essentials. Instead, it means carrying your essentials smartly, such that you have everything you need, reducing the stress of carrying excessive luggage, and minimising the risk of extra baggage charges. It also implies more room for shopping for souvenirs you’d like to buy during the trip. A little planning on the ground will help you have a better experience in the air!