Eight Luggage Packing Tips For First Time Travelers

If you're about to savor your first-flight experience yet, this page is for you. Make sure to read this before you head to the airport, because the tips here might just save you from the ton of inconveniences brought about by inappropriately packed luggages.

1. Know your ticket class. If you're wondering what this has to do with packing, here's the deal: Travelling on business class entitles you to carry heavier luggage than travelling on economy class. Check your airline for specifics. Airlines impose strict weight requirements. You will need to pay extra for any excess in luggage weight.

2. Just for your flight, make the number 3 your favorite number. There are three types of luggages you can bring with you: one for checking in, one for hand carrying, and one for wearing or slinging. Checked-in luggage is the bulkiest and heaviest of the three. Hand-carried luggage is the one that you can place at the plane's overhead compartment. The personal effects bag is one that you carry with you all the time. Whether as a belt bag, a messenger's bag or a shoulder bag, it contains important stuff that you just can't afford to be without wherever you are: your wallet, your passport, a pen and your mobile phone, to name a few.

3. Keep a packing checklist and don't forget to travel light. Your checklist will include the usual apparel and personal effects. Make sure you have enough, but don't overdo the show. When you're done stuffing your luggage with the bare necessities, use the bathroom scale to check the weight. Remember that if your luggage exceeds the allowed limits, you will have to shell out extra cash.

4. Transfer liquid items such as shampoos, lotions and perfumes to three-ounce containers, then keep the containers in a transparent bag. Three ounces per container is the maximum quantity allowed for hand-carried luggage. You may still bring items that exceed three ounces but they have no other place to stay but inside your luggage to be checked in.

5. Secure pointy objects in a separate utility bag so you can prevent your softer apparel pieces and delicate paraphernalia from sustaining runs and stains. Pointy objects can include your coiffure comb and your shampoo sachets, for instance. This does not include bladed objects. Knives, scissors and other objects that can be used as weapons will be confiscated by airport personnel.

6. Place electronic gadgets and DVDs or CDs in clear, plastic bags. Pirated items and software will be immediately confiscated once discovered. It is best that you bring with you originals only. Do not bring bulk items. Doing so will only raise suspicions.

7. Place your gift items in easy-to-open and easy-to-close wrappings. A gift box or a paper bag is an ideal choice. You may be asked to open the gifts for inspection.

8. Always label your belongings. Place a gift card on the gifts. Attach a tag on your luggage. Include identifying information on your laptop and other belongings. This tip is important to avoid mixing up your luggage with that of other passengers.