Packing for a plane ride?

Question

I'm going on a trip to Washington DC with my class. We'll be flying in a plane. First time in my life! I'm confused about how to pack things and just wanting to know any other pointers.. any help?

Answer 1

Okay...first of all you have to decide of you're going to check your bag or if you're going to carry it on with you. If you carry it on, you'll have to be able to fit all of your liquids (shampoo, toothpaste, hair spray, lip gloss, mascara, even deodorant) into a 1 quart ziploc baggie. The suitcase or bag will also need to be small enough to fit in the overhead bins of the airplane and will have to meet certain weight requirements. You'll have to check with the airline to see what they are. If you check your bag, you can bring as many liquids as you need and you can bring a bigger suitcase and put more weight in it (usually up to 50 pounds but again, check with your airline).

Either way, you should pack a small bag, or even just make sure these things fit in your purse, with things for the plane ride. Your purse can go under the seat in front of you so you can access it easily once the plane takes off. Bring your MP3 player and a book or magazine to read while you're flying...maybe even snacks or candy if it's a longer flight. Most airlines will give you pretzels or something but it's nice to have something that you actually want to eat. I also like to make sure I have a hoody or sweater with me because sometimes the plane can get chilly and I'm a freeze baby. Make sure you don't pack the really important things in your checked bag...like your wallet and car keys, just in case your bag gets lost. I also like to bring my camera with me on the plane because it's possible for things to go missing from your checked bags.

This being your first time on a plane, you're bound to overpack but don't worry...we all do in the beginning :) You probably won't use half of the stuff that you bring but it's a learning experience that we all go through. I used to be the biggest overpacker ever...now I can do 8 days in Europe with just a 30 liter backpack and I don't miss having all that stuff. Just bring your favorite pair of jeans and a couple pair of shorts, some tops, comfortable shoes (you'll be doing lots of walking), a hoody, pajamas, and of course socks, underwear, etc. Check and see if the hotel you're staying at has a blow dryer. If it does you don't have to pack yours.

I hope this helps :) Have a great trip!

Answer 2

make sure to have your iPod fully charged with a bunch of new videos and stuff on it so that you can watch it during the plane ride. bring like 50 dollars so that when you get there you can buy a larger shampoo, conditioner, makeup, sunscreen , and everything else they wont let you bring on the plane. you might want some gum also so that your ears dont pop because of the height. have a great time dc is so much fun!!!! <33333333333

Answer 3

Firstly, are you just taking hand luggage, or will you be checking it all in?

If you're taking hand luggage it's best to make a list of all the things you're taking overall, then try to figure out what you may need on hand, or what you feel comfortable having away from you. There's always the possibility of luggage being lost, so keep all valuables in your hand luggage.

Hand luggage has to remain light, so make sure you're only taking a reasonable-sized bag - generally I go by whether I can carry it comfortably with one hand. There are lots of restrictions with what you can take on a plane, so keep all sharp objects in your checked in luggage (i.e.knives, tweezers, scissors). Also you can't take any liquid on the plane - I think American airports are especially strict on this, so keep any drinks or liquid make-up in your checked in luggage.

I'll only give you a few actual packing tips 'cause I find most people do their own thing anyway;

1) roll up socks & knickers & stuff in shoes, or use to pad the sides of the luggage.

2) wrap valuables/breakables in clothing to prevent damage in-transit.

3) double-check have necessities (for me these include; underwear, toiletries, mobile phone/charger, purse, keys, makeup)

~ Hope that was a bit of help! Best piece of advice I can give is to try not to worry too much, as long as you have the basics  & keep track of your luggage (keep an eye on your hand luggage, and make sure you'll be able to recognise your checked-in luggage) you'll be fine. Have a great trip!!

p.s. I recommend taking some boiled sweets that you can suck for the departure and landing, they help with ear popping. :)