Packing your luggage... 

 
  • Before Packing
  • During Packing
  • After Packing
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    Before Packing:

    I'm going on a business meeting and I don't have time to re-iron my clothes when I get there...
    Make sure you have the proper size of containers ready. To pack suits or items which are wrinkle-sensitive, have suitcases which can stand erect and have the capability to hang clothes. If such a suitcase cannot be arranged, then lie such clothes flat.

    What do I absolutely HAVE to take with me apart from travel documents?
    If going on a vacation, make sure you have your daily-use items with you. These may vary from your toothbrush, shaving equipment, to your prescription medication. [TOP]
     

    During Packing:

    What can I take with me on my trip?
    Airlines have policies as to what kind of luggage should be carried. They have specific dimensions and weight requirements. Before doing any packing, it would be a good idea to find out exactly what the requirements of your airline are. In most cases, any airline will not take responsibility for perishable items, valuables, jewellery, liquids, business documents, samples, money, securities, negotiable papers, electronic equipment and accessories, cameras, silverware and fragile articles (1). It is also important to know when an airline will start charging you for your luggage.

    There are basically two types of luggage.

  • Cabin Baggage
  • Non-Cabin Baggage
        • 1. Cabin Baggage.
        Cabin baggage is the type of small luggage which you may carry with you to your seat. The maximum weight for any piece of cabin baggage is 10 kg (22 lbs.). Planes usually have two types of storage for such baggage. Under the seat, and overhead storage. The following is a summary of what Air Canada, comparable to most airlines considers as allowable cabin baggage and that can be carried free of charge:
         
          Under-seat Storage:
          Maximum of 2 pieces per person. The combined dimensions of both pieces should not be more than 23cm x 41cm x 57cm (9" x 16" x 22.5"). (1)

          Overhead Bin Storage:
          Any ONE of the following items may be carried. (1)

          • 1 single suit garment bag which, when folded in half, does not exceed 23 56 57 9 22 22.5.
           
            None of the following items should exceed 12 cm (4.5") in thickness.
          • 1 briefcase
          • 1 laptop type computer
          • 1 purse
           
           
        2.  Non-Cabin Baggage.
        The following is a summary of what most airlines consider(s) as allowable non-cabin baggage and that can be carried free of charge:

        Maximum of 2 pieces per person. Each piece should not be more than 32Kg (70 lbs.) in weight or 158 cm (62 ") in overall dimensions. (Length + Width + Height). (1)

        The following items may also be counted as allowable items but have specific charges:

        Items such as sports equipment, pets etc. are chargeable items.

        Any item that does not meet the above requirements is liable to a charge except the luggage that meets the following requirements, in which case, it is not allowed at all.

        Non-permissible items are those whose weight is in excess of 45 kg (100 lbs.). These are not allowed to be checked in with regular luggage. For safety reasons, matches, lighters, gas, paints, fireworks, bleach or any pressure sensitive items are forbidden to be carried as luggage. [TOP]
         

        After Packing:

        I have packed all my luggage.  Is the luggage safely packed?
        Tightly secure all loose items or stuff half empty bags with packing material to prevent damage to goods by accidental bumps. Ensure that all lockable items are secured and keys put in a safe and accessible place. If possible, wrap non-water-resistant bags with plastic to prevent damage by water in case of open transfer at the airports during a rainy day. Wrapping in a plastic sheet also seals the baggage from unwanted access. Weigh your luggage before hand to avoid any problems at the airport. If carrying your luggage in cardboard boxes, try to avoid printing the contents of the boxes on the outside for safety reasons. This would be really important if arriving at an insecure airport. [TOP]
         
         
         
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