This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential items for international travel, including a sturdy travel bag, day bag, universal travel adaptor, reusable water bottle, passport and visas, travel insurance, medications, and a debit or credit card. It emphasizes the importance of checking travel documents 4-6 months before your trip, confirming your ID, and ensuring that your passport expires at least six months after your planned departure date.
Another essential is a valid passport, which should be renewed if necessary. A valid passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date and should be renewed if necessary. A valid visa should be researched and researched. Carry-on bags should include clothing, toiletries, makeup, skincare, earplugs, travel documents, passport, vaccination card, bank and check cards, itinerary and maps, paperback or puzzle book, pen(s), tissues, compact, and more.
For larger luggage, look for bags with durable materials like hardshell cases, sturdy zips, and strong wheels. Carry-on luggage is typically limited to around 22 x 15 x 10 inches, which is 45 linear inches (114 cm). Essentials for carry-on packing include a travel wallet, passport holder, toiletry bag, TSA-approved liquids bag, compliant containers, prescription medications, glasses, and a case.
The Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack is an ideal carry-on backpack for travelers seeking ample space, good organization, comfort, and a comfortable fit.
📹 6 Genius Airplane Seat Personal Item Bags You’ll Want to Know About
You will see 6 of the best airplane seat personal item bags I travel with! I travel with The Foldie duffel bag, my favorite backpacks, …
Which type of bags are allowed in flight International?
Carry-on baggage allowances vary by airline, cabin class, and aircraft size. The maximum length is 22 cm, width is 18 cm, and depth is 10 cm. Weight limitations may apply, starting at 5kg/11lbs. To avoid additional charges, check with your airline before traveling and check their individual websites for up-to-date information. Some airlines may enforce weight limitations, starting at 5kg/11lbs. It is essential to be aware of the carry-on baggage allowance included with your airfare.
What type of suitcase not to use internationally?
Lazear advises against checking in a hard-sided black suitcase, as it is the most common type in the world and is considered the default bag type in the baggage industry. If your bag goes missing, consider a green one instead. Jet recommends investing in a fully customizable bag, but if budget is limited, opt for a colorful suitcase or luggage strap to make it easier to spot and add additional protection.
What happens if my luggage is 2 kg overweight?
Should your check-in bag exceed the permitted weight allowance (10kg or 20kg), an additional fee will be incurred at the airport for each additional kilogram.
What is the baggage requirement for international flights?
International luggage size standards are weight-based, with a typical weight limit of 50 pounds and a maximum checked luggage size of 62 linear inches. The universally accepted carry-on luggage size for domestic flights within the U. S. is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. However, this size bag often doesn’t fit into the overhead compartment and ends up being checked at the gate. Short-haul commuter flights often result in checked bags being checked at the gate. Domestic flights originating in the U.
S. with foreign destinations and those originating outside the U. S. with a U. S. destination generally use the U. S. standard for carry-on baggage size. It is important to check your airline’s website for the latest regulations on carry-on luggage size for domestic flights.
What kind of luggage is best for international travel?
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner is a lightweight, spacious, and easy-to-use luggage for international travel. It has been praised for its lightweight design and easy-to-use spinner wheels. The telescopic handle felt loose in some tests, but the bag is priced under $200, making it an excellent value. The hardside carry-on is made of polypropylene and weighs just 6. 5 pounds, making it one of the lightest bags tested, making it suitable for many international airlines’ weight restrictions.
What not to pack when flying internationally?
When embarking on an overseas trip, it is essential to be well-prepared with the right international travel essentials. These include documents such as a passport and visa, travel insurance, itinerary and reservations, universal adapters, travel adapters and voltage converters, portable chargers, and international SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi hotspots.
Ensure your passport is up-to-date with at least six months of validity and check visa requirements for your destination. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations, providing a safety net for unexpected situations. Keep printed or digital copies of your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and flight tickets for organization and proof of bookings. A universal adapter ensures devices stay charged no matter where you are, while travel adapters and voltage converters allow you to safely use electronic devices in countries with different electrical systems and voltages.
A portable charger is essential for keeping gadgets powered on the go, and a high-capacity power bank can charge multiple devices. Stay connected with a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to access maps, apps, and communication. By avoiding unnecessary valuables, unnecessary gadgets, and overpacking, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable international travel experience.
What luggage to bring on international flight?
The standard size of checked luggage is 62 linear inches (156cm), with an average weight limit of 50 pounds (23kg). Some airlines allow up to 70 pounds for business-class and first-class passengers. The international flight baggage allowance and associated fees will vary depending on the airline’s regulations. Frequent fliers, elite status holders, or business travelers may be able to board with extra carry-on or avoid baggage fees.
Most international flights allow one personal item and one carry-on piece of luggage, with some exceptions, such as Bolivia’s Amaxonas, which only permits carry-on luggage and does not allow personal items.
Can you put 30 kg in one bag?
Air India permits passengers to transport a maximum of three pieces of luggage on their flights. Passengers in economy class are permitted to bring one piece of luggage, while those in business class may bring two. Passengers in first class are permitted to carry two pieces of luggage. For further details regarding the Flying Returns status, please refer to the Checked Allowance page. It is advisable to be mindful of the weight and size limits in order to avoid additional charges.
What is not allowed in a checked bag?
Most countries prohibit illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, explosives, poisonous substances, and lithium batteries due to their legal restrictions. It is crucial to double-check the regulations for the country and airline, as well as familiarize yourself with what is not allowed in checked baggage for international flights. If prohibited items are found in checked luggage, the consequences can vary depending on the severity of the item and the airline and country regulations.
Extreme cases, like having a firearm, may result in fines, imprisonment, or denied boarding. Less severe cases, like having a prohibited liquid, may require removal and flight continuation. To avoid issues, familiarize yourself with airline and TSA regulations before packing and consider leaving the item behind if unsure.
How heavy is 23kg luggage?
Most airlines allow a maximum weight limit of 23 kilograms (50 pounds), and exceeding this limit may result in additional charges. To maximize your suitcase’s capacity, follow these packing tips:
- Use packing cubes to organize clothes, maximizing space inside the suitcase.
- Roll clothes instead of folding them, as this helps save space and reduces wrinkles.
- Use compression bags to compress clothes and reduce suitcase space.
- Wear bulky items on the plane instead of packing them, freeing up space for less-bulky items.
By following these packing tips, you can maximize your suitcase’s capacity and avoid extra fees and inconvenience during your journey.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
Airlines do not have a preference for hard or soft suitcases, but rather focus on the size and weight of checked and carry-on bags. Soft-side carry-ons are easier to pack into crowded overhead compartments, while hard case bags provide greater protection for fragile belongings. Soft-side bags are also more likely to have external pockets for easy access to small items.
For international travel, the choice depends on the destination. For a shopping holiday in Europe, extra packing room may be necessary, while for an African safari, hard-side bags will weather better and provide more protection for belongings. Soft-side carry-ons may be easier to pack into crowded overhead compartments, while hard case bags offer greater protection for fragile items.
📹 Europe 2024: What I Packed in Carry-On Bags (Travel Essentials!)
These are the travel essentials for Europe in 2024 that I packed in only a carry-on bag. #travelessentials #internationaltravel …
Tap for all info: You will find the best personal item bags for your flight: Pink foldable tote bag: bit.ly/PersonalItemFoldie Amazon foldie: amzn.to/3YwNInM Purple similar bag: amzn.to/3LSVsZM Backpack gray 15.6: amzn.to/3Hl05cK Backpack striped 15.6: amzn.to/3Hh4zRN Berry red slim backpack: bit.ly/NomadSlimBackpack Green backpack: bit.ly/45MzTDf Other Tumi colors: bit.ly/3xTTxkh Anti-theft backpack: amzn.to/3ywnmaQ Tote bag black: bit.ly/LaurieToteBag My striped top: amzn.to/4dwTiuA Carry-on luggage with pocket: amzn.to/3Aglgwm Carry-on suitcase: amzn.to/4de3FUf Other travel tip articles: Learn how to organize your personal item bag: bit.ly/PersonalItemBagHacks Keep your valuables safe from theft when traveling: bit.ly/StopPickpocketGearFromAmazon 11 ideas for what to wear for long flights: bit.ly/Outfits4LongFlights
Travelpro is my personal favorite for both a carry on and a personal item and they turn up at the thrift if you are diligent about looking. I recently invested in a bulletproof TravelPro crew 5 carry on to go with my personal item bag, ditching my lightweight TravelPro spinner in favor of durability. I can’t carry a tote anymore and am not buying any more bags.
The 17 inch Lovevook backpack and Level 8 carryon suitcase are my onlys!! Absolutely love them! Suggestion: With any new personal item play with it many days before your first trip with it. I’ve tweaked how I use my backpack and now it’s become routine as to where I put things and I’ve developed the muscle memory of how to keep it completely zipped up after accessing a compartment.
Backpacks tend to be the best for me at airports. I can no longer carry totes due to injuries from an accident. But a backpack nicely distributes the weight so it doesn’t cause excesses force on just one shoulder. Also I’m hands free and can bend over without a tote sliding and falling to the floor. I also carry a very small purse and that fits inside the backpack. When I”m out of TSA I take the purse out and carry it so it is more in front of my body so I can watch over my wallet.
chiming in here…I just flew British Airways. We were in premium economy which is its own section so there isn’t a risk of you having to gate check. If you are bringing a wheelie or any other kind of carry on luggage and a personal item like a backpack or underseat bag, the underseat area is quite restricted because of how they design the footrest. I don’t think you’d be able to fit one of those hard sided underseat bags. I brought a backpack that was within British Airways specified dimensions and it was extremely snug and it was not tightly packed or overstuffed. Just something to keep in mind for British Airways. The overhead bin on the otherhand is very generous but you are expected to only put one item up there.
There are many alternatives to the Foldie bag on Amazon. Personally, I think Foldies are way overpriced for what they are, even at 2 for 1. There are dozens of “weekender” bags that work the same way. Just be sure the straps originate near the bottom of the bag and are sewn all the way up the sides and are not just connected to little d-rings that are attached near the top. Some great and more reasonable alternatives are Bagsmart and Calpack bags.
Thanks for all your great recommendations! I bought the Lovevook backpack in black to take on my recent trip to Jamaica. It fit perfectly under the seat in front of me. I did as you suggested and did not over stuff it. I also bought a Samsonite, hard exterior carry on with great wheels which fit nicely in the overhead compartment. Your opinions and suggestions were greatly appreciated. ⭐️✈️🏝️
If anyone is looking for a Foldie-type bag, don’t bother getting a fake. The Foldie is higher quality in every way. The main thing to me is that that outer pocket on the front (the one you would fold the bag itself into) has a TWO WAY zipper. The cheap ones only have one zipper, so when you open it things can fall out the side. Laurie mentioned this same problem with a different bag.
The Fjall Raven KÅNKEN backpack is fantastic! Zips like a suitcase and holds much more than you would expect but is small enough to meet all the airline’s requirements. I found mine at an upscale thrift store and used it on my Australia trip where we had strict personal item guidelines. Highly recommend! I found strap covers that made the backpack straps comfy. It also can double as a city bag to hold your stuff while you explore.
please do a article for recommendations for the differences in underseat size between aisle, middle, and window. There is a difference. I like aisle and had issue with using my Beis carry bag because it is not so smashable. ie. if you have aisle on United you have to leave the shoe zip section behind. luckily I was able to unzip the shoe zip section and put overhead but my co flyers were not happy at my fumbling with the bag. Advice on specific to which seat you normally like would be very helpful and which bags are suitable for each would be very helpful.
LOVE your articles Laurie. A breath of fresh air and I am always learning something. As a fan of Tumi, I am glad to see you bringing some of their stuff to the fore. I really like that bag. It is so functional yet stylish. It has a lot of space, but you don’t have to fill it and it will look good whatever you pair it with. That military green goes with everything. Wonderful as usual. Wishing you all the best on your travels too.
That Tumi backpack is really nice but it’s basically a clone of my Amazon backpack – similar to your striped one but all navy and gold hardware. It does have only that one zipper around the outside pocket but it has two other front outside pockets (or back? Since it’s a backpack) so not really a problem. Also a secret passport pocket on the other side. I love it.
I think the foldie is great. I haven’t used it as my personal item bag though. I’ve used it as an extra bag to bring back extra stuff at the end of a trip and as a weekender or overnighter. I have the 2.0 but recently got the new version to give them to my college kids to keep in their dorm. It folds down and is perfect to store in a small space, but huge, so perfect for them to travel for a few days.
I sent the Lovevook back because it had no cross body strap. I tried slinging it on my shoulder with a backpack strap but it was really awkward. The two handles were very short, so no go there. Right now, I am debating between a MyGreen vs a Cabinmax Manhattan. I may wind up keeping both. The MyGreen is really great because of the crossbody strap in addition to the backpack feature and the handles are adjustable! 2 side pockets, great for an umbrella.The Cabinmax is beautiful and also has a cross body strap along with the backpack feature. The side pocket is huge for a water bottle. Both conform to EU economy airline standards!
Thanks for reviewing the Foldie. At one point I was seeing so many ads on Instagram for them. I wasn’t tempted to buy one, though, because it really doesn’t seem to be any different than the bags on Amazon. I have one of the Amazon bags and it looks the same, is just as larger (if not larger), and is at least half the price of Foldie.
Always enjoy your articles, Laurie! I have an older version of the Foldie (no side pockets) and I have to say it’s the first one I reach for when traveling! It weighs next to nothing and it carries SO MUCH. I can fit almost my entire suitcase’s things in there. I also like that it’s slouchy and not structured–makes it a lot easier to squeeze under the seat in front of me. I’ve never had any issues getting it onto an airplane (I also don’t extend it for carry on), but I also haven’t traveled on any airline that is super strict about the dimensions. But just in case, I also like that it seems to be sturdy enough to check if I had to. It can get heavy to carry, so I do have to be mindful not to overfill it, especially if I won’t have a rolling suitcase to attach it to. It is also perfect for road trips. I have a backpack similar to your striped one with the meta bar at the top, and I never found it comfortable for travel, so I use it to carry my laptops to work. Always been curious about the Nomad Lane bags–thanks for including them in your article!
Just did a month long national park road trip and did a couple of flights as well (delta and united). I only took a carry on roller suitcase and a Foldie and it was great! I didn’t use the expandable pocket, but it fit perfectly under my seat and I was able to attach on my big water bottle and access all my stuff. The trolley sleeve fit easily over my Hanke roller and it had a zip pocket for my passport and id. The wet bag pocket inside was great for swimsuits too. Edit to add: I packed in compression cubes inside!
I use nordace backpack… so far it’s was perfect for a 1 week Disneyland trip plus beach and as my personal item when I went to Miami for a week. I like your articles to show all the options for personal item❤ I have Tumi wallet and it’s amazing!!! My mom has the crossbody bags and they are like Mary popping bag… it’s small but it fits everything lol❤
I’ve purchased a diaper tote bag, years ago, that works as my personal carry on. It’s a little less expensive for an item I’m personally not using that much. Lots of pockets to organize. Just something for others to consider if you are looking to cut corners. You could even take one from a friend when they are tired of using it.
I love my Lovevook – same model as yours but in black. Technically, you’re correct in that the 15.6 inch size backpack is primarily a laptop backpack. However, I know it looks small, but, I’m’ preparing for a 5 week trip in a few weeks, with a small checked bag, so I tested it and found I could easily fit a change of clothes in a compression cube at the bottom of the backpack and still have plenty of room left over!
I was looking for something lightweight and compact for touring while in Europe. So thanks for the insight of the bags. The lightweight travelon is best for me as I could pack it in my luggage. – I bought a couple of crossbody travelon bags— 1-the smaller one (travel tour bag) is a little bulky. 2- And the 5pt antitheft signature collection is bag, that I may bring it as a personal bag, but it’s too small for a personal bag. Btw-I question the cancer warning on the travelon’s or other antitheft products. Is this because of the material? I’m older so I just worry about that cancer warning. Any thoughts?
I found the Foldie about 18 months ago because I wanted a compact bag for souvenirs for return trip. The first bag I bought was so cheap the zipper broke on the first trip through baggage checking. The foodie is quality at a reasonable price. However, it’s not great at lugging around the airport by itself. If I’m only taking a personal item, I invested in the bag smart wheeled bag that fits under the seat. It fits spirit air guidelines. But I refuse to fly spirit air ever again. They stranded me in Orlando and have yet to refund the money they owe me for my return flight. It was during the computer update gone wrong on July 19th. But I love the Foldie so much I bought 4 more for in-laws and niece and new husband. I bought the Foldie Fannie packs too. Great for preventing theft.
I just received the stripped backpack from Amazon and absolutely hate it! I will be returning it ASAP. I am flying to Istanbul in November and because Turkish Airlines is more strict now with the size and weight of personal bags, I was hoping this would work. There are multiple reasons why I dislike this backpack. Even though the size of it meet all the requirements for personal bags on Turkish Airlines. I am going to take my stripped weekender bag that I used on my last trip to Istanbul. As long as I only pack the essentials that I would normally put in a personal bag, I can make it smaller by squishing in the sides to satisfy Turkish Airlines for personal bags allowed in the cabin.
Nice article! I have the striped backpack that you have and love it. Next time, I’m going to try the Coach Court backpack. It’s only 12 inches tall, but still has different zippered compartments. We shall see how that goes. I did invest earlier this year in the Bento Bag. It is so nice, but fully loaded, it was very painful to carry. I’ve demoted it to car ride trips only. Sad about that. Thanks for the article. I’d like to see how you organize all your travel gear, suitcases, toiletry bags etc in your home when you aren’t traveling. PS: Love my Level8 textured suitcase. We are carry on only. Did a 16 day Alaska cruise in the Level8 and a personal item. I just got the Level8 Voyageur carry on size to try next trip.
I love perusal your reviews for travel items, even though I don’t fly that often. Last month we flew to Phoenix (HOT) to visit family, and I used my Vera Bradley XL Campus Backpack. Are you familiar with it? The quality is wonderful including the zippers, but I found it almost too big! It did fit under the seat, but I felt rather unorganized because the bag is so big and has so many compartments.I just need to come up with a better packing strategy. 😅
I have a very similar bag to the Nomad Lane tote from MK, but I’m finding it a little small when I travel and bring along my Bose headphones. I just ordered the Away Everywhere Tote which is the same length and height, but gives me an additional 3 inches of width in the bag. I love totes, but they have to have a trolley sleeve so I’m not killing my shoulder. In the end though I think I’m leaving my headphones behind anyway when I head to Paris in October because I’m going to be in business class where they provide headphones anyway and I also can bring my Airpods which are noise cancelling and so much smaller.
Thanks Laurie. I’ve been seeing the Pragma V-style bag come up a bit now but have only seen 1 review. Have you had a chance to look at it? It’s a 3 way convertible style which is something that I’m looking for as sometimes I want a crossbody bag if I want to have my bag in front of me, but a backpack for when I’m out and about. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Do you think the foldie would be durable enough to check? I have a duffel that folds small that I check with dirty clothes coming home when I’ve done too much shopping, souvenirs go in checked suitcase. But it’s not functional to use on the trip, it’s there strictly to check coming home when I’m planning to shop. Foldie looks like it would be more useful
IGood to know that you like the Nomad Lane backpack. I was wondering about it. I love my Tumi but it’s a very old one, but eventually I am sure I will get another one. Have you tried the Quince Transit Quilted Commuter backpack. It’s an M-Z Wallace dupe of the Metro deluxe backpack for 1/3 of the price. Probably the size of the city backpack but with a luggage sleeve. I have the M-Z Wallace Metro Deluxe and I love the Quince version. You may not like the fact that the inside lining is dark. I never put things in loose so everything is in see through jarlink zip bags. It’s lightweight to walk with. I do not fly with a tote bag. Would be curious to see what you think. I love your articles. So helpful.
I have a question! A few months ago or maybe it was a couple of years ago you posted a article about either a tote or maybe a backpack that flight attendants like to use and there was like a secret compartment that they could access I want to say maybe came with a lunchbox or something, but a lot of flight attendants liked it and I feel like it was duo tone like maybe like a hot pink or something on the inside. I think it was created by a flight attendant specifically designed for flight attendants but I remember I loved that backpack but I couldn’t afford it and I have no idea what that backpack is. Do you remember which one I’m talking about?
I have the Ecohub 16″ backpack and I would definitely use it in the future if I was only allowed one carry on item but if I am bringing a wheelie plus a personal item, the trolley strap is wayyyy too tight. Really struggled to get it on and off and it held me up a lot. There is no way to loosen it either. Disappointing as it is a great backpack otherwise.
Hi Laurie, I will be flying to the US from Canada at some point to pick up a kitten. With Canadian airlines the cat carrier counts as your carryon item which would leave me with only a purse type item restricted to 13x 6×17 inches. I think the LoveVook would be too big. I’m going down one day and back the next. I would need to carry jammies and underwear at a minimum for clothing as well as a couple toiletries, cat food, phone, chargers etc. Wondering if you have any recommendations for a purse type bag that would suit and what and how to pack.
I have always loved your striped tote backpack because of all the pockets. I see it comes in 2 sizes and it looks like you have the smaller one, 15.6 inches. Do you think the 17 inch would be too large for fitting under the seat in front? Also, does that rigid frame on the top opening cause problems since it doesn’t allow the bag to be squished if need be? It seems like it could be a good feature, but possibly a bad? Thanks!
Great suggestions again Laurie, Could you suggest how to pack my c-pap Machine in my personal bag? It measures approximately 12″x4x5. Then I have the tubing and cords. In past I’ve used a London Fog wheeled make-up bag but not very much room left for personal items. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We are going from Portland Oregon to London. Thanks. I watch and rewatch your articles 😊🎉