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With all the new regulations and security and baggage changes, it’s hard to keep up with what you can and can’t take with you.   It is also hard to know what airline is charging for checked bags and what airline allows you the first bag free.  It’s a good idea to check on the airline’s baggage policy even before you buy your ticket.  For instance, if   USAir is $10 cheaper than Alaska, you might be tempted to purchase that ticket.  That would not be the best choice.  USAir charges $25 for the first checked bag and Alaska does not.  So that $10 cheaper ticket will actually end up costing you an additional $40 if you are checking just one bag.  Another airline that does not charge for the first bag is Southwest Airlines.  When price comparing, keep that in mind.  It’s also a good idea to check out your airline’s most up to date baggage rules the day before you leave.  Just go on their website and read the baggage page.

You also need to be careful about the weight of your bag.  Most airlines now only allow 50lbs per bag.  If your bag is overweight, they will charge you at least $25 additional.  So it is a good idea to weigh your bags before you get to the airport.  That way you can choose to remove some items to get the weight down.

One thing that is often the weightiest is cosmetics.  It is a good idea to get the small travel sizes for your trips.  Or use small containers for your shampoos/conditioners, etc.   For carryon bags remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
Nothing bigger than 3 ounces in liquid or gel.  One quart size clear zip lock bag to hold your 3oz containers in.  One bag per passenger.  Be very careful with following this rule, as security can and will confiscate and throw away anything they deem constitutes a violation or possible threat.  Make sure to take all your prescriptions in their original bottles and put these in your zip lock bag.  You should never, never, never check your prescriptions! If you have something you want to take that is over 3 oz, then put it in your checked luggage. 

Also, wait until you are past security to buy that bottled water or coffee.  Otherwise it will get taken away and tossed.   

If you are taking a laptop or any other kind of electrical device, it needs to be put in the basket so that it can be easily x-rayed, separate from it’s case.  You must also remove your shoes and coat and put them  in the basket to be x-rayed.  Remove any keys, coins, metal jewelry, belt buckles and put them in the basket also.  Women should try not to wear underwire bras, to avoid having to be wanded. Thinking ahead and not wearing the above items, can make for an easier time of getting thru security. 

Susan Foster, smartpacking.com, shows another way to pack on her website.  She also has more tips there.  Check her out.

It’s a good idea to only take 3 pairs of shoes.  One good comfortable pair of walking shoes, one dress up pair and a pair of athletic shoes or sandals.  Wear one pair of shoes and pack the other two.  I put my shoes in plastic bags and put them closest to where the wheels are on my bag.  This way they won’t crush my clothes or get dirt on them.  I put my heaviest items on the bottom and work up to the more delicate items at the top. 

When packing my carryon luggage, I put in a change of underwear, swimming suit, one change of clothes or at least a shirt, prescriptions and whatever I think I cannot live without.  Luggage gets lost, even when you have done everything right.  With a little planning, you can have what you need to get by with until your luggage is found.

When traveling internationally, it is a good idea to make copies of your passport, front and back of all credit/debit cards, itinerary, and traveler’s checks.  I make two copies of everything and put one copy in my check in luggage and one copy in my carryon luggage.  I will usually find a way to hide the copies in my checked luggage so they aren’t readily found. 
This way, if my purse is snatched, I have all the information to cancel my cards and be able to get my passport replaced faster and my traveler’s checks replaced.  I  also hide some emergency money in the carryon bag.

Thinking and planning ahead make for much easier packing.  Don’t wait till the last minute, as you will tend to over pack then.  I pack 2-3 days ahead and then go and take at least a third out the day of departure. 

Happy traveling!