Luggage tips for air travelers

Packing for vacation can be a challenge these days because of strict airline regulations. Checked bags have a weight limit, and carry-on bags have to meet size and weight regulations, too.

"We're in a new age of air travel," said Maggie Dosch, assistant manager of Dillard's in Hamilton Place. "If you travel to your vacation destination by air, packing your suitcase requires strategic planning."

Some travelers opt for carry-on luggage over check-in. In fact, airsafe.com recommends it. By using only carry-on luggage, you do not risk having checked luggage lost or stolen, the website noted.

Packing a relatively small bag for a week-long vacation can be done, Ms. Dosch said.

Keeping weight restrictions in mind (the weight limit for carry-on items is generally about 40 pounds), Ms. Dosch showed Dillard's customer Donna Hackney how to pack 22 pieces of clothing in an airline-approved, carry-on suitcase.

Ms. Hackney, who will soon be traveling to the Caribbean, said she tends to pack twice as many clothes as she needs.

"My husband and I will be traveling with our 7-year-old grandson, so I won't be taking things to get dressed up," she said. "But I know I will pack much more than I will wear."

Expect the unexpected, Ms. Dosch said, suggesting that Ms. Hackney should take at least one nice outfit in case her family goes out to an upscale restaurant.

"The 22 pieces of clothing I selected can easily make 65 different looks including dressy clothing and swimwear," she said. "Women tend to overpack, but by learning a few tips, overpacking is a thing of the past. Think mix and match."

The key pieces to take on vacation include a pair of tapered black pants, white capris, khaki capris, a white sweater, a black sweater, a white blouse, a lightweight jacket or blazer, a dress, a pair of shorts, swimsuit, swimsuit cover-up and lingerie.

Ms. Dosch suggested packing two pairs of flip flops for casual wear and a pair of metallic dress sandals for evening. "I would also take two-tone jewelry because it can be worn with everything, a couple of belts, and a couple of small purses," she said.

What you wear on the plane also will be an integral part of your week's worth of fashions, she said. "For example, instead of packing the black pants, I would wear them on the plane with a white top and a lightweight jacket. These are pieces I will wear again during the vacation."

In addition to the basic pieces which are mostly black, khaki and white, throw in some color with the shorts and tees, she said.

To pack the bag, Ms. Dosch suggested putting the sandals in the bottom. Neatly fold the clothes and place them in the bag.

"Much of today's clothing is made from fabric that is basically wrinkle-free," she said. "And if the fashions are folded carefully, they will retain their shape."

Don't roll the clothing, she said. "It takes up more room than putting in the folded fashions."

Pack lingerie, jewelry and other accessories in the zippered pockets on the outside of the suitcase, Ms. Dosch said.

"Airline passengers are also allowed to carry on a purse or tote in addition to the carry-on bag," she said. "I suggest getting a medium-sized tote that will hold your purse, magazines, travel documents, laptop, etc. I also suggest that you wait until you reach your destination to purchase liquid toiletries. You don't want to take a chance that something will leak."

Ms. Hackney was amazed at Ms. Dosch's success in packing the clothing, accessories, lingerie, swimsuit, shoes and more into the carry-on suitcase.

"I don't want to take a big suitcase on vacation, and I don't want to take too many clothes. I didn't realize that a small suitcase could hold so much, but it's perfect. It's really all that I need."

Ms. Dosch said that before packing, lay everything out that you want to pack.

"You want to take enough pieces that you won't get bored wearing the same thing over and over. But if you pack a variety, you can pull together many looks," she said.