Hand luggage can be tricky to pack if that’s all you are taking away with you. Britons flying with such budget airlines as Ryanair and easyJet, are often keen to keep the ticket cost low. This can mean only taking hand luggage and therefore savvy packing is crucial. Problems can ensue when you are trying to stuff a lot in one small bag.
Creased clothes may seem the obvious issue but stains could also be caused.
A leaky shampoo bottle or a dirty shoe could end up ruining your outfits in transit.
Flight comparison site Skyscanner has revealed one of its top tips to avoid stains.
“Ever packed light clothes and found a stain on them when you arrived? Never have this problem again,” said Skyscanner.
“Firstly you should always make sure your light-coloured clothes are packed inside out.
“Secondly, hold on to hotel disposable shower caps and use them to cover the base of your shoes.”
One way to prevent liquids spilling is to pop a piece of cling film over the open top and then tightly screw the lid back on.
Packing Ziploc bags can also be highly useful if you want to separate items out.
They can be useful to store all sorts of belongings – wet clothes, dirty shoes, toiletries, medication and more.
They can also be used to store snacks or a packed lunch – it’s always worth secretly pilfering the hotel breakfast buffet to satisfy hunger pangs later in the day!
There’s another handy use for the bags. Darryl Kelly told News.com.au: “In emergencies, retrieve your passport, phone, cash etc. from the overhead locker when the pilot announces that they are about to commence descent and place items in a medium Ziploc bag.
“If you need to evacuate the plane, your most important items are in your possession and waterproof.
“If you are required to enter the water, unzip the corner and breathe into the bag to inflate and re-lock the bag. Your items will now float and remain waterproof.”
Of course, if creases are your main worry then the way you put your clothes in your bag is vital. “To roll or to fold? That is the question,” Lois Robertson, Brand Manager at London Stansted Airport told Express.co.uk. “The general consensus by most experts is to do a mixture of both.
“We recommend rolling tops and folding trousers to ensure that your delicate items don’t get creased.
“For items like shirts and tops, fold the body in half vertically. Fold in the sleeves and then roll tight.”
Tidying-up expert Marie Kondo has many helpful tips. “Her folding principles rely on making garments as small and compact as possible without compromising their structural integrity,” explained Robertson.
“Putting smaller items – such as bundled socks or miniature toiletries – inside your shoes is another great way to save space.”
