Passengers warned of packing mistake this winter – ‘endless waiting’

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Travel experts at Airport Parking Reservations shared a helpful list of dos and don’ts when packing for a winter holiday this year. In terms of carry-on luggage don’ts, the experts warned not to pack liquids above 3.4 ounces (100ml), “even if you only have half of a 200ml product remaining, you still cannot carry this in your hand luggage”.

They explained: “Liquids must be contained in containers of 100ml or less. Make sure liquids are kept at the top of your bag or in an easily accessible pocket so that you’re not holding up the queue at security.”

Packing meat, fruit, or other agricultural items should also be avoided. “If you are wanting to bring any similar items, make sure to declare them to avoid potential prosecution,” the experts said.

In terms of sports equipment, even if it’s just a tennis racket, most of it “cannot be taken on as carry-on luggage” so if travellers want to carry some of these items with them, “plan ahead and hire some equipment out there”.

Finally, the experts said never to pack powders of more than 12 ounces (350 ml. “First liquids, now powders? Yes, we now have to be wary of how much powder we’re bringing onto the plane according to the new TSA powder rule. So make sure you’re double-checking your make-up bag before you fly.”

Holidaymakers should also be aware that some items may not be allowed at their destination. Overseas property experts at YourOverseasHome.com revealed that some of the weirdest items that are banned when travelling to some countries include flip flops. 

Flip flops are banned on the island of Capri, in Italy, as it is illegal to wear “excessively noisy” footwear because locals value their “peace and quiet”.

However, tourists can carry noisy shoes and wear them in the rest of Italy. Alison Couper from travel tech company Kiwi.com added: “It is illegal to wear noisy footwear, including flip-flops in the popular holiday destination. The locals value their peace and quiet and the law has seen tourists prosecuted for disrespecting this rule.”

In terms of carry-on luggage dos, the experts advised putting all liquids in a clear zip bag: “You will need to transfer your liquids into the airport-provided bags once at security, so make sure your toiletries are at the top of your bag and easily accessible.”

That way, passengers won’t be “rummaging around your neatly packed bag to find items like your lipgloss, medications, or hand sanitiser”. The experts advised grabbing a couple of extra clear bags from the airport for the next holiday too.

Another handy tip is to double-check carry-on luggage weight and size restrictions. “We’re always triple checking the weight of our hold luggage to avoid extra fees, but did you know that some airlines weigh and measure your carry-on?”

The standard weight and size limits for international flights are about 7kg or 15.5lbs and 56cm x 36cm x 23cm or 22” x 5.5” x 9”. To “maximize the space, choose a soft shell bag with multiple compartments and pockets, or invest if you’ve not already got one,” the travel experts recommended.

“Be the first on the plane” was also one of their top tips, but why is that? “If you are near the end of the queue when it comes to boarding, your carry-on bag may not fit in the overhead compartment meaning you will have to store it under your seat or it could be put into checked luggage,” they explained.

Having the carry-on luggage offloaded “could result in endless waiting at the other end to retrieve your bag”. Passengers should consider buying priority boarding ahead of time to make sure they are the first on the plane and save time.

Rolling the clothes instead of folding them is “the best space-saving method”. Clothes stack much easier when rolled, and if rolled tightly, creases are also avoidable. “An alternative here would be to invest in packing cubes. They help you keep items separated and compact,” the experts said.

Another expert tip was to charge all your electronics fully before travellers set off. “The last thing you want to be doing after spending hours packing your bag as tight and neat as possible is rummaging around for a charger,” they explained.

Travellers should “avoid this hassle by ensuring all devices are at 100 percent before departing”. It is also wise to pack electronics such as straighteners and laptops at the top of the suitcase as some airport securities request passengers to take these out too.

A simple but very handy tip is to wear the largest items while travelling. “We’re talking winter coats, big boots, hats, and even an extra pair of underwear,” the experts said.

Similarly, travellers should be packing versatile items: “Make sure to pack things that can have multiple uses, for example, a scarf could be used as a blanket or an accessory.”

The experts recommended buying things only when you get there. “Many of your everyday essentials, such as sun cream, sunglasses, and sunhats, will be available at your destination.”

They advised, “save space and consider purchasing these out there”. In the same way, passengers should make the most of any available switches to digital devices such as ebooks, digital boarding passes, and any other important documents so “they won’t take up extra room in your bag”.

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