How to travel light - How to
pack your hand luggage

Travelling by hand luggage is a way to save both time and money when going on a short break away. Here are some of our top tips and tricks for getting the most out of your light luggage allowance.

Hand luggage regulations vary between airlines and some airlines are stricter than others. Easyjet’s current hand luggage allowance allows passengers to take a bag at the maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25cm, including the bags handles and wheels as hand luggage. If you arrive at the airport with a bag bigger than the restrictions, EasyJet charge around £40 to put it into the aircraft hold. So to make sure you can get the most out of your hand luggage, opt for a soft, square cornered bag. A soft bag is more forgiving when putting more into it, and being squeezed into the overhead compartments or under your seat. The squared corners allow you to get that little bit extra into your case, rather than losing out on the space rounded corners would take. Although hard sided wheeled suitcases are currently in fashion, they are bulkier and not as forgiving.

Most travellers pack far more than they actually need. So to make this process easier try making a packing list of essentials such as a clothes, underwear, shoes, and your toothbrush etc. Start with your absolute essentials at the top of the list and your least essentials at the bottom of the list. Work your way down your list crossing each thing off when you pack it into your suitcase, allowing you to prioritise what you need most. Attempt to wear your bulkier items of clothing on board the plane, such as a jumper and trainers and pack the lighter items, such as flip flops, in your suitcase.

A top tip of ours is to purchase some decanting pots. Decanting pots allow you to decant your full sized toiletry products into the rule abiding 100ml sized pots, rather than having to pay for miniature sized products. If you pack full sized toiletry products in your hand luggage, then they will be seized at security, as they are forbidden on any airplane.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you to get the most out of your light luggage allowance, and to have a great break away.

Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from DirectTravel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600.