Tips on packing light as airline fees increase

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Vacations and business travel are becoming even more expensive.  Many people were already aware of the baggage fees for the first checked bag on domestic flights.  Now the airlines are charging $50 each way for a second checked bag overseas.  Apparently, not a lot of travelers are aware of this change so consider yourself warned (Airlines pack on luggage fees for overseas flights) 

Get updates on 2010 airline fees for peak travel days and baggage fees - Peak travel day airline fees for Fall and holiday travel 2010

The holidays are a tough time to encounter these extra fees but the costs of flying are adding up.  Airlines are continuing to lose money and are looking for ways to boost revenue.  While this is bad news for those that are traveling overseas, this is the PERFECT time to really become a budget traveler.  With fees for snacks, pillows, blankets, fuel, security, and now luggage, it's time to save wherever possible:

Here are some tips for packing light and helping you avoid domestic and overseas baggage fees:

Pack light - While this may seem obvious, it is amazing how many clothes and items people will pack but never use or use only once while on a trip.  If you are taking a pair of shoes or an outfit "just in case", leave it at home. 

Can you wear the same pants, skirt, or sweater more than once?  Pack with the idea of essentials and think in terms of what you can wear more than once.  After all, you may have a chance to just buy that little extra thing that you need rather than packing more.  It might save you $50 or more (especially if your luggage exceeds the weight limit and you have to pay even more).

Don't check your bags - While this idea may seem shocking to many, it is possible to take a vacation without checking any bags at all.  In four different trips to Europe, ranging from 1 week to 4 weeks, in Spring, Summer, Fall, and (almost) Winter, I didn't check a single piece of luggage.  Everything I  needed fit into a carry-on bag. 

Pack light - 5 shirts, 3 pants, 2 pair of shorts, a few pair of socks and underwear, and a light jacket.  Even in winter, you can fit it all in a carry on (see some tips for packing light below).  Plan on doing some laundry at a laundromat, hotel, your sink, or with family or friends that you may be staying with.  All those options will cost much less than the $25, $50, or more that you would spend checking your bags.

Need some help? -  Try various products out there which can help create some space in your bag.  There are some great packing bags which help organize and compress the size of your luggage/carry-on to create more space.  You can find items for clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other accessories which maximize space in your luggage.  While I am not promoting any particular product, here are some ideas of things that are out there - Packing accessories, Pack-Mate, and more.

What about liquids? - These days, you can find pretty much everything in travel size - shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, hairspray, sanitizier, etc.  Even your toiletries can make it in your carry on.  Remember that you only want to take what is essential and not what you might need. 

If something comes up, go to a local store and pick it up.  Whatever you spend on items you forgot or need will be less than what you would pay to check your bags.  This is even easier to do if your travel plans involve staying with family or friends as you can borrow from them.  Go find the travel size of whatever you need, remember the airlines rules (gels, non flammable aerosols 3.4 oz or less in a clear 1 quart plastic bag), and save a few bucks. 

But I've got kids! - While this can be difficult, it is possible.  A shoulder bag can carry toys, snacks, and some diapers.  You don't need to pack a bunch of diapers as wherever you go, there are kids in need of diapers.  You can go and buy some if needed as long as you have enough to get you by the first few days.  Remember, only take what is essential. 

Even with kids, you can leave behind more things than you think.  Almost all flights still let you check strollers and car seats at the gate.  And there are even places out there where you can rent/buy cheap travel gear for babies and kids or just purchase things as you need them (here is one place - babiestravellite.com).  Is it cheaper to buy or rent it there or to pay to check it in?  Remember that the cost just isn't in money but the effort to carry around heavy luggage.

What about those Christmas presents? - This is definitely an added stress to traveling and luggage around the holidays.  However, it may be cheaper to ship it than it may be to check it on the plane.  Other ideas may be to buy small gifts, fit your gifts in your carry on with all that extra room you now have, or just buy some gifts when you get there.

While this isn't an all inclusive list, these can be very helpful as travel becomes more and more expensive. When you consider the luggage fees along with all the other fees to fly, it can get very expensive for a family to fly, beyond the price of the tickets themselves. There are numerous websites and books out there filled with information on how to travel light, travel with kids, and pack efficiently.

Here are some articles on how to pack light, what to pack, and how to pack for women - Rick Steves' Tips for Packing Light

And some trips on traveling with kids - Travels with Baby, Travels with kids, and Getting your kids to love travel.

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