7 Tips for Packing Light for Long-Haul Flights

By JTB Business Travel | For Travelers | 0 comment | 11 December, 2024 | 0

When you’re traveling a long distance or taking a long-haul flight, don’t make the mistake of overestimating what you’ll actually need. Use these 7 tips for packing light, and you could get by with nothing more than a carry-on.

Traveling long distances and taking long-haul flights comes with some unique stressors. You’re on a plane for hours at a time. If there’s a layover somewhere in the mix, you’re moving yourself (and all your stuff) from one plane to the next, possibly with a long wait in a less-than-comfy airport. Then, when you actually get to your destination, depending on where you are, you may just find that, if you didn’t bring it, you’re not getting it. Finding certain items at the corner store or having a left-behind item overnight shipped to you is just out of the question.

However, don’t let thoughts like these inspire you to overpack. On many business trips, no matter how long, no matter how many hours you’re in the air, you can get by with just a carry-on. There’s no need to lug around an oversized checked suitcase. Just grab your personal item, like a purse or briefcase, and one small bag.

Don’t believe us? Here’s how it can be done with these 7 tips for packing light.

7 Tips for Packing Light

1. Be Realistic

The first thing to keep in mind before adopting any tips for packing light is that you have to be realistic if you have any hope at all of not over-packing. We’ve all been in the situation (or know someone like this) where we pack ten pairs of pants for a long weekend trip, because surely this will be the trip that you end up staining every single pair of pants as soon as you put them on. Then, you end up wearing one or two pairs of pants and tops.

If you’re trying to pack light, there’s no room in your suitcase for worries like that. Be realistic about what you actually will need during your trip.

Then, once you’ve narrowed down your packing list to what you would normally need, think about what you actually need. Chances are, you’ve put a few things on that list that you only want, not need.

2. Can It Pull Double Duty? If Not, Leave it at Home

Clothing can take up a ton of space in your luggage. When you have minimal space, prioritize pieces that can pull double duty. Most items can be recycled into multiple outfits throughout a trip. Additionally, pack all clothing items that match, giving you even more versatility. Adopting a monochrome capsule wardrobe for your trip can not only save you suitcase space but also save you time and stress each day as you get ready. (Not familiar with the capsule wardrobe concept? Check out Nordstrom’s definition.)

3. Plan Ahead

If you truly want to pack smart and pack light, you can’t pack in a huge rush and hope that if you just follow some online tips for packing light, you’ll get the job done.

Instead, take a thoughtful, careful approach to packing. Sometimes, it can take a few days of contemplation before you realize that, no, you don’t actually need three pairs of shoes for a business trip filled with back-to-back meetings.

So, put together a preliminary packing list well in advance of your trip and then give it some further thought, winnowing away at your list as the day progresses. Then, do your actual packing a day or two ahead of time so you’re not packing in a frenzy.

4. Choose a Smaller, Lightweight Bag

Committing to taking a smaller carry-on bag overall can inspire you (or, rather, force you) to travel lighter than you normally would.

Beyond picking a carry-on bag that’s smaller in size, also go for an option that’s lightweight. When you’re hefting it into the overhead compartment or dragging it around the airport, you’ll appreciate that it’s on the lighter side.

Choosing a smaller carry-on in general can also save you a potential headache when traveling internationally. Carry-on size requirements may be smaller on international airlines than on the domestic airlines you’re accustomed to flying with. A safe size is 22 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 10 inches deep.

While compression bags and suitcase organizers can be very useful and certainly trendy, be careful that you don’t just jump on this trend and expect it to solve your overpacking problems. While solutions like these can keep you organized, they may be unnecessary if your goal is to cut down on what you’re packing overall.

5. Consider What You Can Buy or Rent After Arrival

While, as mentioned, there are some items that you’re just not going to be able to buy once you get to your destination, there are some items that you should consider holding off on buying until you’re at your hotel (so long as, of course, your schedule permits the time).

For example, some toiletries can be sourced once you’re in your destination, and you can purchase just enough for the duration of your trip. Headed to a rainy locale? Don’t pack that bulky umbrella. If your hotel doesn’t have any on hand for guests to use for free (look in your hotel room closet), buy one there and then leave it behind for another Traveler to use after you.

Additionally, in many cities, you can rent clothing after your arrival. This is particularly the case for corporate wear and formal clothing. Skip the suit or dress bag, and consider renting your attire for just one occasion.

6. Consider How You Can Narrow Your Toiletry Needs

And while we’re talking toiletries, when you’re going on a long trip and aiming to use just a carry-on, now might not be the time to practice an 11-step skincare routine before heading to bed every night.

Instead, look for multipurpose products or products that come in dry or solid form rather than liquid. There’s no need to sacrifice quality. High-end brands are more and more offering travel-focused items that cut down on the space required in your toiletry bag.

7. Consider What You Can Ship Ahead

When traveling for business, there are many instances where you can ship certain items ahead of you to your destination. For example, meeting or conference supplies can be shipped to your hotel or venue. On the way back home, if you’ve done any shopping or souvenir-hunting during your off-time, consider shipping those items back home ahead of you.