When flying, pack essentials like documents, meds, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on for easy access, adhering to liquid rules (3-1-1), while your checked bag holds most clothing (versatile pieces are best), toiletries, and non-essential items, keeping prohibited items like lithium batteries or flammable goods out of checked luggage and prioritizing comfort items like headphones and snacks for the journey.
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a versatile capsule wardrobe strategy for light travel, typically involving 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering pieces (dresses/jackets/etc.), and 1 accessory set (bag, jewelry, hat), allowing for numerous mix-and-match outfits from minimal items, focusing on versatile, neutral pieces that suit your trip's weather and activities.
Flammable liquids and solids - such as lighter fuel, matches, paints and thinners. Oxidising materials - such as bleaching powder, or peroxides. Poisons and infectious substances - such as insecticides, weed-killers, and live-virus materials.
5 be respectful of other passengers. 6 High heels, flip flops, and slides. 7 avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. 8 Over-sized coats can make economy class feel claustrophobic.
Use the 3–3–3 rule when planning your next international trip 🌍✈️ 1️⃣ Book flights 3 months in advance for the best prices. 2️⃣ Plan your itinerary 3 weeks before your travel date. 3️⃣ Do your packing 3 days before departure.
Always put your chargers and spare batteries in your carry-on before you head to the airport.
We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
The "45-minute rule" refers to a productivity technique of working intensely for 45 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break, leveraging the brain's natural focus cycles (ultradian rhythms) to prevent burnout and boost efficiency, though it can also refer to airline check-in deadlines or corporate onboarding targets. The work/rest pattern helps maintain concentration, while the airport rule requires check-in 45 mins pre-flight for domestic flights.
Rolling saves space in your bag, especially if you only have hand luggage. You can organise your bag better, by being able to see every item of clothing. Rolling is great for small items. Especially for items made from synthetic fibres like nylon as they will be less likely to wrinkle.
The "Rule of 7" outfit is a styling method where you assign points to each clothing item and accessory (basics get 1 point, statements get 2) aiming for a total of 7 to 10 points to create a complete, intentional look, making outfits feel more polished by adding interest without being overdone. It's a flexible guideline to elevate simple looks by adding layers, jewelry, bags, or hats until you reach the target, and taking things away if you go over 10.
This may seem an ambitiously small suitcase, but the golden rule of packing is to always take half the clothes you were planning to bring (and twice the money).
Items that are not allowed in checked luggage
Longer Trips: For longer vacations, consider packing a few extra pairs. Two weeks might require 14-20 pairs. If you have access to laundry facilities, you you may only need a weeks worth of socks (7-14 pairs).
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.
You can't bring sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4in), weapons, most tools (hammers, drills), firearms, explosives, flammable liquids/aerosols, large lithium batteries, disabling sprays (pepper spray), or large quantities of liquids (over 100ml) in your carry-on; most hazardous materials and large sporting goods are also banned due to security risks, requiring them to be checked.
You can pack many electronics in checked bags if completely off and protected, but spare batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes are forbidden and must be in carry-on; devices with large lithium batteries (over 160Wh), certain smart bags, and damaged electronics are generally banned from both carry-on and checked bags due to fire risks, so always check your airline's specific rules.
Three tops, three bottoms, three layers — that's it. From just nine pieces, you can create over 27 outfit combinations that take you from work to weekend to wherever your suitcase lands next. It's not about packing less just to say you did, it's about packing smarter.
According to the TSA, “You are allowed to bring liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.” All these containers must fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
If you need more sunscreen than what fits in your carry on, checked luggage is your best bet. You can bring full-size bottles, but there are still limits. The FAA allows up to 70 ounces of liquids per person in checked bags, and no single container can be larger than 18 ounces.