Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Pack a bag as hand luggage
• Method 2 of 2: Pack a briefcase as hand luggage
• Tips

If you have to spend hours in an iron pipe at a height of thousands of meters, you don't want to get bored. Well-packed hand luggage is one of the only things that can combat boredom. wikiHow teaches you how to pack a bag and suitcase as hand luggage so that you have everything you need to make your flight enjoyable.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Pack a bag as hand luggage

You can put a bag under the seat in front of you, while a briefcase or a larger bag should be put in the overhead compartment. You are usually allowed to bring two pieces of hand luggage. But you can also choose to check in a large suitcase and take a smaller bag with you as hand luggage. If you want to know how to pack a suitcase that you can take with you as hand luggage, scroll to Method 2.

1. Choose a bag of the correct size. Make sure the bag is sturdy, easy to carry and that all necessary things fit inside. But especially make sure that the bag has the dimensions that are allowed by the airline as hand luggage. Check the company's website for the dimensions of the largest bag that you can take with you as hand luggage. If you have to fly with multiple airlines, make sure you take a bag of the smallest size allowed. A good way to tell if it will fit is to consider if it will fit under the seat in front of you.
   • Hand luggage for vacation: The ideal bag is one with a large main compartment and lots of small compartments. Boxes are very useful for keeping your things apart - one for your phone / wallet, one for makeup, one for your book, etc. A messenger bag or a school bag are good options with lots of space and lots of compartments.
   • Hand luggage for a business trip: As you may have thought, a briefcase is very good for the business traveler. Look for one that also has a strap to wear over your shoulder, in case you have to run to catch your flight. Briefcases with built-in folders and a pocket for your phone / wallet, keys and things like that are totally awesome.
   • Hand luggage for a child / teen / student: Think of a backpack. Backpacks are great because they can hold a laptop, books, drawing supplies and toys. Because it has zippers, everything stays in place, so you can't lose your GameBoy or tablet.
2. Make a list of everything that needs to be taken along. It is best to start with the most important things and then move on to entertainment or work items. The most important things are of course your passport, your wallet with credit and debit cards, your telephone, your charger, any medicines, and of course your flight ticket. Other items you may want to pack include:
   • Stuff for work or school: for example your laptop, telephone, chargers, notes, homework, textbooks, etc.
   • Entertainment: books, headphones and iPod, camera, game console, DVDs to watch on your laptop, magazines, travel guide to where you are going, toys, etc.
   • Medicines and toiletries: It is best to keep medicines at hand on the plane. You may also want to consider bringing an extra pair of contact lenses, mouthwash, etc.
   • Stuff to help you sleep better: such as a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, etc. Inflatable neck pillows are best because they take up little space when empty.
3. Think about things you may need if you have a long transfer. If you're stranded at an airport in the middle of the night, or if you lose other luggage (which hopefully won't happen), you might find it helpful if you've brought some other items on the plane. You may be able to put these things in a separate bag in your carry-on. For instance:
   • A toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb or brush, clean underwear, socks, deodorant.
4. Make sure all electronics are well protected. Hand luggage is often thrown, so make sure your valuables are safe. If you are bringing a laptop or tablet, make sure you have a good cover.
5. Pack liquids properly. Remember that you are not allowed to bring a lot of liquids in the cabin. Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and collected in a transparent plastic bag of 1 liter. Each passenger is allowed to bring one such bag.
   • You can put larger bottles in your luggage when you check in, or you can buy it when you get to your destination. After the security check you can buy bottled water again.
6. Put the most necessary items in places where you can easily reach them. You need to show your passport and tickets at least twice, so keep them where you can easily reach them. Put the most important things in your bag first, but don't put them at the bottom.
   • When packing your laptop, make sure you can easily take it out if you need to go through security. Usually, your laptop has to be taken out before your bag is scanned. This also applies to the plastic bag with toiletries.
7. Pack plenty of entertainment to avoid boredom. When you have packed all the essentials, put things in your bag for entertainment. If you put it in last, you know how much space you have left. Don't overfill your bag - it's not nice to have to walk around with 12 kilos. Make sure the zippers on your bag (if you have one) are still closed, otherwise things could fall out.
   • Research your airline. Some planes have entertainment systems, some have screens showing movies, and some don't even serve a meal anymore. So, depending on that, pack things to pass the time.
8. Wear warm clothes on the plane. It is always a good idea to bring a jacket or a vest as it can be very cold on the plane at times. In the worst case, you can tie your vest or jacket to your bag (or around your waist).

Method 2 of 2: Pack a briefcase as hand luggage

1. Choose the right suitcase. Every airline has its own rules regarding the dimensions of hand luggage, but most airlines state that a briefcase can be a maximum of approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels. To be on the safe side, check your company's website for the specific requirements.
   • Find a briefcase with only two wheels, as a four-wheeled briefcase tends to roll in all directions (especially if you let go of it when you're taken to the plane by bus).
2. Prepare all the clothes you want to take with you. When you've put everything down, divide it by two. Think lightweight, because everything has to fit in that small briefcase. Do you really need three pants and 10 shirts? Chances are not. Only pack what you really need. Also, try to get lighter clothes that you can layer on top of each other. Jeans are much heavier than cotton pants, for example.
   • Make sure the colors match. You don't have to bring as much as you can make different combinations. Remember that black is everywhere.
   • If you're really having a hard time packing less clothes, try the following rule: a blouse or shirt can be worn for two days, and pants or skirts for three days. Apply that rule to everything you have ready and see if you can do with less.
3. Make a planning for toiletries. Because you are only taking hand luggage, you are only allowed to bring bottles of 100 ml, with a maximum of 1 liter. You can also make a bag with dry items such as make-up, deodorant, etc. Larger bottles can also be purchased upon arrival at your destination, or you can use the free items from the hotel.
4. Think about what you are wearing while traveling. Wear the heaviest items of clothing when you board the plane, so you don't have to put them in your suitcase. Put on your jeans, jacket or vest, and your heaviest shoes, then you have more space in your briefcase.
5. Put your stuff against boredom, your electronics and other small things in a bag rather than in your briefcase. After all, you can take two pieces of hand luggage with you, one in the compartment above your head (your briefcase) and one under the seat in front of you. See Method 1 for tips on packing a bag.
6. Make use of a fantastic wrapping technique. There are all kinds of ways to pack efficiently. Use a method or try a combination. Make sure you have everything you need to get out of the security check at your fingertips. Different techniques are:
   • Roll up: Make small rolls of all your clothes. This way you save a lot of space, especially compared to normal folding. Your clothes are also less likely to wrinkle.
   • Compression bags: You can buy these bags at household stores such as Blokker. Put your clothes in, close them and push the air out. With some bags you can get the air out even further with a vacuum cleaner. You will be amazed at how small your bags of clothes become.
   • Put it all together: Put your socks in your shoes, dresses in nooks and crannies - stuff it all full. It won't be the most organized suitcase, but you will have everything you need with you.

Tips

• Put a piece of paper in your checked baggage with your name, address, phone number and an address where you will be in the near future. If your luggage tag falls off, people can still find out who owns the bag.
• Make sure you have all your electronics and enough cash with you for emergencies.
• Think of something tasty to eat during the flight. If it is well packaged and not liquid, you can usually take it with you.
• Make sure your water bottle is empty for the check, and refill it at a tap when you pass it.
• Bring a blanket or a cardigan if you feel cold easily.
• Bring spare clothes in case you lose checked baggage.
• Know the airline's rules. View them on the internet before you leave, then you will not be faced with surprises.
• Roll up your clothes - that saves a lot of space.
• You feel turbulence most in the back. You feel it the least above the wings, so if you get nauseous quickly, you should choose a seat there.
• Drink lots of water - the humidity in an airplane is 15% less than normal, so that will dry you out.