What Are the Rules for Packing for a Flight?
The rules depend on the airline, so you’ll want to check with the airline you’re flying with. However, there are some general rules travelers must follow according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
- All liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less per container.
- Travelers must fit all liquids inside one quart-size clear, plastic zip-top bag.
- Passengers can only bring one bag of liquids.
Larger containers of liquid will need to go in your checked luggage. The TSA provides a full list of items you can and cannot bring on the plane. You’ll also want to check the guidelines of your host country and what you can bring, especially in terms of agricultural products like fruit and vegetables or meat and cheese. It’s okay to bring a few snacks to enjoy on the plane ride, but any drinks will need to be purchased in the terminal and will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
Packing Tips from Travel Experts
We asked our globetrotter Rustic Pathways staff what their number one packing is. Here are each of their expert traveling tips on packing for a successful trip abroad!
1. Bring solid or powdered toiletries
“Those little bottles of toiletries always explode in my carry on bags and are never enough product for the long trips I take. I bring solid or powder versions of everything—solid shampoo (that can double as soap or laundry soap in a pinch!), dry deodorant powder, and dry shampoo. They also make dry toothpaste tablets! Check out Lush for some great options.”
2. Roll your clothing
“One of my favorite travel packing tips to save space is to either roll your clothes or fold them as few times as possible. Rolled clothes maximizes space in your checked bag since folding creates bulky shapes. It’s science.”
– Braden Betts, Laos and Myanmar Country Director
Students preparing to check-in for their flights to Rustic Programs around the world.
5. Use packing cubes
“I use three packing cubes for my clean clothes to keep my suitcase organized—one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for socks and underwear. When I open my bag, nothing ever gets unorganized, and it takes me seconds to repack. I can stay organized and have easy access to everything with minimal effort while I pack lighter. A MUST.”
– Jared Kahan, East Coast Outreach Manager
6. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on
“Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. You never know when your bag will get lost in transit. Plus make sure your toiletry bag and water bottle are in your carry on luggage.”
– Emily Sanders, Program Staffing Coordinator
7. Have a deck of cards handy
“Cards have been bringing the world together since forever, or at least since playing cards were invented and before cell phones ruined everything. Make sure you have one in your carry on bag.”
– Kevin Porter, Global Program Operations Director
8. Use a drybag
“I always travel with a drybag for my electronics on a business trip—I know where they are and that they’re protected from water. Also doesn’t hurt to have a Ziplock bag for your cellphone. That way you can take pictures with it at the beach or on the water and make sure it’s protected.”
– Kelly Moynihan, Peru Country Director
9. Plane pouches are your best friend
“I have a small pouch with headphones, socks, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, travel size deodorant, face wipes, tiger balm, essential oils, and lip balm that I always put on the top of my carry on. On a long flight, when I’m tired and it’s dark, these are the things I most often want (need), but are the smallest and tend to get lost at the bottom of my carry on. As soon as I got on the plane, I put my plane pouch in the seat pocket and can rest easy!”
– Lena Baker, Fiji Program Manager
10. Don’t forget a sewing kit
“These can really come in handy when you’re traveling light and one of your clothing items rips or gets damaged (which happens on our programs). Also a small pair of scissors and some extra string always helps when you need to be a creative problem solver.”
– Alex Biddle, Dominican Republic Program Manager
11. Remember to remove batteries from electronics
“Take the batteries out of electronics when you pack them or make sure they’re in the locked off position. I’ve opened my bag after a long journey to find a headlamp or camera on and the batteries almost dead way too many times.”
– Ellery Rosin, Program Staffing Assistant
12. Use a glasses case for storing cables
“Use your glasses/sunglasses case as a device to hold all of your chargers, cords, and batteries. When you don’t wear glasses, then put them all in a clear bag which can serve multiple purposes.”
– Marc Mankowski, USA Country Director
13. Don’t forget the Crocs
“A cheap pair of Crocs is perfect for service, especially on those wet, muddy, days in the village. They are breathable, toe-covered, and are easy to clean and dry so they don’t smell bad the next day! I prefer them to flip flops.”
– Zack Kraushar, Cambodia Program Manager
“I always pack extra plastic bags for bathing suits, shoes, dirty laundry, and anything else I don’t want to ruin the rest of the things in my luggage. Ziplocks are great too for any liquids (shampoo, bug spray, etc…) that you might be traveling with.”
– Emily Greiff, Website Coordinator
15. Bring a sleep sack
“I just feel more comfortable sleeping in my own sheets.”
– Liz Ronzio, Social Media Manager
16. Opt for a capsule wardrobe and wear your bulkiest items
“Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This approach both saves space and ensures you have different clothes for different occasions. Then, double down and save space in your luggage by wearing your bulkiest items, such as a jacket or boots, while traveling.”
17. Use clear bags for airport security
“Keep liquids and other items that need to be screened separately in clear bags for easy access and to speed up the airport security process.”
18. Bring a water bottle and carry a neck pillow
“Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after passing through security. This keeps you hydrated and saves money on buying drinks at the airport. A neck pillow can make long flights more comfortable and can be easily packed or attached to your carry-on luggage.”
19. Double-check your packing list and avoid excess baggage fees
“Go through your packing list and your bag a week ahead of your trip to ensure you have everything you need. Stay within airline weight limits by only bringing what you need. Consider using a luggage scale to weigh your bags before heading to the airport.”
