Essential Carry-On Items for Any Flight

1. Get rolling: Pack more efficiently by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolled clothing fits better into gaps and odd spaces in your suitcase, too.

2. Look for freebies: Leave your shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion at home. Why? Because most domestic hotels will offer them to you for free. While we’re on the topic of personal grooming, don’t bring a blow dryer, either – you’ll probably find one of those in your room, too.

3. Leave no shoe un-stuffed: Take advantage of any and all potential storage space. This means stuffing smaller items in your shoes (think socks and underwear) and pockets (if you’re forced to bring a coat, make the most of it!)

4. Zip it: Fold items into a zip-lock bag and squeeze all the air out. It will not only save space, but it will also help you stay organized.

How to Travel Light

5. Color coordinate: Pack clothing in neutral colors (think black, tans, grays and whites), so you’ll have an easier time mixing and matching pieces. If you can’t do without a little color, use accessories (a scarf or a bold necklace) to add some pop.

6. Double up: In addition to wearing neutrals, also look for pieces of clothing that can be worn in multiple situations. For example, a pair of khakis can be worn for a hike and then dressed up with a nice sweater.

7. Wear layers: You can leave the bulky winter coat behind and create extra space in your suitcase by wearing multiple lightweight layers. Depending on the climate of your destination and the time of year, start with long underwear and add a shirt, a sweater and a jacket from there.

8. Plan ahead: Make categorized lists of the items you need to take with you (clothing, toiletries, documents, medicine, miscellaneous) and stick to it. Only allot yourself two pairs of shoes (wearing the bulkier ones on the plane, of course) and plan to wear pants, shorts or skirts more than once.

Create a Grab-and-Go Carry-On

9. Lay it out: Spread out everything you plan to take with you on your bed, and try to pare it down as much as possible. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to over-pack when you’re just tossing everything into a bag.

10. Do your research: Before packing, look at the long-term forecast for your destination city. If they’re predicting sun, leave your raincoat and umbrella behind. Packing light means ditching all the extra “just-in-case” items. Remember: you can always buy anything you need when you get there!

11. Do laundry: If you’re traveling for more than a week, take along some detergent and plan to wash your socks and underwear in the hotel sink. Keep in mind that synthetic fabrics will dry faster.

That is, until you get to the airport and are picked out of the security line to go through one of those infamous body-scan machines (you know, the ones that create an image of what you look like under your clothes, leaving little to the imagination).

5 Things You Must Know About TSA Security

Know your rights

Many travelers feel uneasy about the body scanners, not only for privacy reasons, but because of possible health concerns.

Fortunately, you have the right to refuse going through the scanner, but you’ll be subjected to a hand-wand inspection and a thorough pat-down, which will include your torso (and we mean your whole torso).

New TSA Security Measures for Kids Under 12

Make sure to empty your pockets to speed up the process.

The TSA doesn’t provide specific details about what is involved in the pat-down, only that procedures can change based on the latest intelligence.

According to the TSA, you have the following rights during the pat-down:

• You can request that the pat-down be performed in a private room.
• A person of your choice can witness the pat-down.
• An officer who is the same gender as you should conduct the pat-down.
• The officer should explain the pat-down before and during the process.

You should tell the officer any medical (mention prosthetics, urostomy bags, etc.), disability, cultural or religious concerns you have regarding the pat-down. You should also let the officer know if you have a pacemaker, which will set off a metal detector during the hand-wand inspection.

5 Things You Should Know About TSA Scanners and Radiology

You won’t be able to take your carry-on baggage to the private screening area, but the TSA says they’ll make every effort to make sure you have visual contact with your luggage at all times. You also might not be able to collect those shoes you sent through the X-ray machine, so prepare to walk around the terminal barefoot.

How to Get the Best Airline Seats

If you’re on the fence about which seat is best, read on. Both types of seating have their good and bad qualities – we’ll help you figure out which seat is best for you.

When to pick an aisle seat

• When the flight is long. You’ll probably have to use the bathroom more than once (heavy coffee drinkers, take note). You might also want to get your blood flowing with a quick walk around the cabin, and sitting in the aisle means you won’t have to climb over people.
• When you have a connecting flight to catch in a short window of time.
• When you’re tall and want extra room to stretch your legs out.
• When you’re flying economy, especially on cheap flights (any extra space to stretch out is welcome)
• When you’re prone to claustrophobia.
• When you need easier access to items in the overhead compartment.

When to pick a window seat

• When you want to sleep. The window seat will not only give you a wall to lean on, but you also won’t be awakened by neighbors climbing in and out of their seats.
• When you’re flying over regions with interesting geological features (like the Rocky Mountains or Grand Canyon).
• When you’re traveling with a baby and might need privacy to nurse or help your baby sleep.
• When you’re traveling with a child. Flying in the clouds and being able to see the country from a bird’s-eye view will fascinate your child.
• When you’re traveling with a companion. Airlines often book middle seats last, so there’s a better chance of ending up with an open middle seat when one of you is booked on the window and the other on the aisle.
• If you don’t want to get bumped by roving drink carts or other passengers.

“So, he threw a fit,” said Allen, “and we ended up drinking champagne all the way from Frankfurt to Los Angeles. I don’t think that would happen today.”

You’re right, Eric – it wouldn’t happen today. Gate agents are immune to charm – in other words, flattery won’t get you frills – and bullying, they’ve seen and heard it all. But try these tips to getting into first class or business class for less – or a close approximation to that kind of luxury.

First Class Upgrade – Dos and Don’ts

Follow these two simple rules before you do anything else:

• Do: Sign up for your airlines’ miles programs today. Try to be loyal to one airline
• Don’t: Do not pay for first class that does not exist

Yes, you can pay for first or business class that doesn’t exist – partly because of last-minute aircraft changes and partly due to the fact that more than half of all flights today are on regional jets. Many of these smaller aircraft, especially the 50-seaters, do not have premium seating. Know before you go by clicking on the flight’s seat map.

Fly First Class or Business Class for Less – 4 Tips

Here are four different approaches (sample as many as you can):

1. Become an Elite Miles Member

This is the year to reach elite status (lowest level: typically 25,000 miles a year). Why? Because the airlines want you – well, what they really want is you to come to their websites to buy your tickets (and also buy extras like early boarding). To lure you in, they’re offering all sorts of bonus miles.

Fee Generation: We’re now part of the Fee Generation, and elite status means you get a pass from such things as baggage fees which can add really add up (the FareCompare Domestic Bag Fee Chart will show you more).

Buy miles if necessary: If you need some miles for upgrades, purchase them at your airline’s kiosk. Note the gotcha: miles purchased at kiosks generally won’t help you achieve elite status.

Look at “secret” miles program: American has had one for years – other airlines do, too. If you want to switch allegiance, these airline shortcut-to-miles “challenge” programs can give you a big boost in status. Phone your airline’s miles hotline to see if they have such a program and if you’re eligible.

Maintain elite status: It’s tough making elite status, but once you’re there – you keep getting miles thrown at you, so it’s easier to maintain status. Hang in there, and consider joining the mileage runners to keep your status. See my fun article called Frequent Flyers: The Art of Mileage Running for more.

2. Become a Premium Economy Flyer

Fly the cheap seats with some luxury by spending a little more for premium economy. I call it the new business class. Look for United’s premium economy option to be adopted by Continental once their merger is finalized.

Look for premium upgrades at the kiosks: Plus, Virgin America sometimes offers these mini-upgrades in the cabin. It can be worth it.

3. Compare Last-Minute Coach and First Class Prices

Sometimes, economy airfare for next-day travel – or travel within a couple of days of purchasing your airfare – can be close in price to first class (and once in a blue moon, it can be more expensive than first class). Always check.

Couple of examples I spotted just last week:

• Economy fare on American for next-day flight from Los Angeles to Seattle – $300. Price for first class – $400
• Economy fare on United for next-day flight from Chicago to Dallas – $1,950. Price for first class – $1,874

4. Fly Southwest with EarlyBird

First class on Southwest? No such thing, but their EarlyBird boarding gives you an approximation of airline luxury (well, for Southwest): you get early boarding, which means plenty of bin space for your carryon and your choice of seats. Best of all, it only cost $10. Once you’re safely ensconced in that aisle seat, go ahead – stare down anyone who dares try to settle into that middle seat next to you.

Making Overbooked Flights Work in Your Favor

It is a regular occurrence that affects passengers who have been sold a seat that does not actually exist on the flight. If all passengers show up, someone is going to get bumped. If you run on a tight schedule and have places to be (or just hate waiting around the airport), then make sure it is not you. How do you do this? There are many ways and planning ahead is always a good idea.

Get to the airport early. Always shoot to get to the airport at least an hour before your flight (or arrive at least two hours early for an international flight). You never know what might happen to delay you, like a traffic accident or long security line. If you find yourself with a lot of extra time, use it to read a book or grab something to eat. It is better than getting there late and having to wait hours until a free seat opens up for you.

How Early Do I Need to Arrive at the Airport?

Check in online. While you are not technically at the gate, it is still a placeholder for you saying you are there. You have less of a chance of getting kicked off a flight you checked in many hours ahead of time for, plus you do not have to stop at the kiosk to print out your boarding pass, because you can do it at home.

Fly mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday are the least busy days to fly, so while your plane may be crowded, it is unlikely it will be completely full or overbooked. Saturday is also a lower-fly day for travelers, so that is another option to go with.

When to Buy Airline Tickets and More Travel Advice

Avoid mid-day flights. The later in the day you fly, the more problems can arise with technical malfunctions, weather, delays from previous flights and more. Mid-day is also when most people want to fly, because getting up in the middle of the night to catch an early morning flight is not very attractive to most.

Book on an airline that does not oversell seats. Not all airlines try to sell more tickets than they have seats. Companies like JetBlue never overbook flights, so if you get to the airport on time, you are guaranteed your seat, unless there is something preventing the plane from taking off, in which case you and all the other passengers will be stuck waiting together.

Flight Canceled? 5 Tips for Getting on the Next One

If you do get bumped, even after all your preparation, you cannot blame yourself. Ask to be put on the next flight and to get compensated for your inconvenience. As long as the reason is the fault of the airline (not weather-related), you can cash in on the opportunity to get free travel. For flights arriving less than two hours after your original flight, you should be rewarded at least the cost of your one-way ticket, up to $650. For flights arriving more than two hours after your original flight, airlines are required to compensate you twice the cost of your one-way ticket, up to $1,300.

You may also be entitled to a free hotel room, food vouchers and transportation if you have to wait a long time for your next flight. You are not expected to hang out at the airport all night if your flight does not take off until the next day. If the desk agent does not offer, ask nicely for things you may require until you board.

About the Author

Shereen Rayle is author of the blog Shereen Travels Cheap and two budget travel books, including Secrets to Summer Savings. For years she has been planning her own vacations using the Internet to extend her limited budget as far as possible and shares the tips and tricks she has learned, along with useful sites like FareCompare.com, to help others get the most out of their travel dollars. And to further inspire budget travelers everywhere, she finds terrific travel bargains and posts them each day on her Facebook page.