How to Pack Your Luggage for a Flight: A Complete Guide

Choosing the Right Suitcase

The comfort of your trip starts with the suitcase you bring. Here’s what to consider:

Size: Choose based on the length and purpose of your trip. For short business trips, a compact carry-on (under 35 cm height) may suffice. Couples traveling together can save money by using one large suitcase (55–70 cm high) instead of two.

Airline requirements: Most airlines require the total dimensions (length + width + height) of checked luggage not to exceed 158 cm, and the weight limit is often 23 kg. Always double-check your airline's rules before booking.

Material: Fabric suitcases are lightweight but prone to tears and hard to clean. Hardshell suitcases are heavier but provide better protection and are easier to clean.

Wheels: Two wheels work best on smooth surfaces. Four or eight wheels offer better mobility across gravel, tiles, and uneven ground.

Handles: Make sure your suitcase has sturdy handles on both the top and side, so you can lift it easily during security checks or when climbing stairs.

Zippers: A good zipper won’t break even if baggage handlers throw your suitcase around. Look for wide plastic zippers with large teeth.

What Clothes and Shoes to Pack

To avoid excess baggage fees, choose clothes that can be mixed and matched easily. For example, a pair of jeans or a skirt and a few t-shirts or shirts.

Before packing, check the destination’s weather and whether you’ll need items like a raincoat, hat, or sunscreen.

Also:

• Make a packing checklist in advance.
• Learn what’s allowed in carry-on vs. checked luggage. For example, power banks go in carry-on, while liquids over 100 ml must be in checked baggage.

How to Pack Your Suitcase Efficiently

Lay everything out on the bed before packing. This helps you assess the volume of items and reduce unnecessary things.

Packing hacks:

• Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles. Delicate items like dresses or shirts can be folded flat and placed on top.
• Use travel-size toiletries and keep them in a zip bag. Most hotels provide essentials like shampoo, soap, and slippers.
• Wear bulky items like jackets during the flight, or use compression/vacuum bags.
• Pack shoes heel-to-toe, and place small items like underwear inside to save space.
• Put shoes and rolled clothes at the bottom, and fragile items on top.
• Fill empty spaces with accessories last to prevent items from shifting.

If everything doesn’t fit, move some things to your carry-on — just make sure it meets airline requirements.

Should You Wrap Your Suitcase?

Wrapping your suitcase with film or using a protective cover isn’t mandatory, but it helps prevent scratches, stains, and water damage — especially when luggage is transported on open-air trolleys during bad weather.

Airline Rules for Packed Luggage

Airlines typically accept suitcases, bags, and even sturdy boxes as checked luggage — as long as:

• They’re strong enough to hold their contents.
• Nothing leaks or damages other passengers' belongings.

3 common ways to protect your luggage:

1. Wrap it with plastic film at home.
2. Use paid wrapping services at the airport.
3. Buy a reusable suitcase cover.

Bonus tips:

• Check weight and content before wrapping. If you need to unpack at check-in, you'll waste time and money rewrapping.
• Add a bright sticker or tag to identify your luggage quickly.
• Reusable covers are faster and more eco-friendly than plastic film — and easier to replace if they wear out.

Travel Packing Checklist: Save or Print This Before Every Flight

• Choose the right suitcase size — don’t use a large one for a short trip.
• Make a packing checklist early. Reuse and adapt it for future trips.
• Roll clothes, put heavy items at the bottom, and fill all space.
• Consider wrapping your suitcase or using a cover for protection.
• Follow your airline’s luggage rules — especially size, weight, and restricted items.