At Westwind Airport Valet we
travel quiet frequently and we’ve learned a few things along the way about how
to pack more efficiently and prepare for the unexpected. First and foremost,
please make sure you’re familiar with your airlines policy for checked and carry-on baggage – it will make things smoother and you will avoid
unexpected extra expenses. Here are a few more tips that we hope will help make
things easier and get you on your way.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Overhead bin space is always limited, so please keep that in mind if you’re bringing a carry-on. There is occasionally a chance you may need to send an optimistically packed carry-on into checked baggage. Be prepared by packing important necessities in your personal carry-on in case you are separated. For example, you should pack medication, credit cards, cash, ID, passport, cell phone and charger along with a few essential toiletries like deodorant in your smaller personal carry-on bag.
STAY SMART WITH THE RIGHT
BAG
First, regardless of if you’re planning to check your bag or bring it as carry-on, make sure your bag doesn’t exceed the allowed size. Next, find a bag that’s the optimal combination of strong and light. Light is critical, as you don’t want most of the weight allowance to be taken up by your suitcase.
BLUE IS THE NEW BLACK
Pick a color scheme for your trip, and pick the skirt(s), pants and tops according to that palette. A few smartly chosen items mean you can mix and match for a lot of great looks. And you can always accessorize with different little items.
THIS IS HOW WE ROLL
Forget everything you know about packing clothes; try rolling, as opposed to bundling, folding or getting the kids to stand on the suitcase while you try to zip it shut. Tightly rolling clothing items makes them more compact, meaning you can pack more items more efficiently.
YOU’RE LEAVING HOME, SO
LEAVE HOME THERE
Most comforts of home belong there—at home. If you’re going on a trip, it’s often a good idea to leave a few of your “necessities” behind. For example, your hotel will likely be equipped with bedding, clothes irons and hairdryers so you are probably safe to leave such items behind.
AVOID LITTLE SURPRISES
Wrap your toiletries in sealed airtight bags, or go a step further and put a layer of plastic wrap under the caps to keep your shampoos, mouthwashes, or body wash from flooding the inside of your bag. Don’t forget, if you’re packing these items in a carry-on bag, the security screening process regulates the size and packaging of all liquids, gels and aerosols.
TAKE A LAST LOOK—THEN TAKE
SOMETHING OUT
Do you really need to bring four belts? Until you’ve reached the most exalted rank of Packing Ninja, you’ll almost always find something you can take out of your bag, making your trip just a little bit easier.
MAKE YOUR OWN STATEMENT
By creating a unique visual marker on the outside of your checked bag, you can avoid confusion and save time at the baggage claim. We think this is yet another great use for duct tape, but embroidery, strings or ribbons will do the trick as well.
We hope this helps you on your
way to travelling smarter, but travel starts well before you cross through the
terminal doors. Westwind
Airport Valet will store and protect your
vehicle while you are away. Our airport valet service is the most efficient,
safe and affordable way to arrive at Check-In door when parking and flying out
of the Dayton International Airport.
