Q&A for How to Pack for Air Travel

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  • Question
    Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?
    Julie Naylon
    Julie Naylon
    Professional Organizer
    Julie Naylon is the Founder of No Wire Hangers, a professional organizing service based out of Los Angeles, California. No Wire Hangers provides residential and office organizing and consulting services. Julie's work has been featured in Daily Candy, Marie Claire, and Architectural Digest, and she has appeared on The Conan O’Brien Show. In 2009 at The Los Angeles Organizing Awards she was honored with “The Most Eco-Friendly Organizer”.
    Julie Naylon
    Professional Organizer
    Expert Answer
    Rolling your clothes takes up less space, so you'll be able to fit more in your suitcase.
  • Question
    Where should I put my important documents while traveling?
    Allyson Edwards
    Allyson Edwards
    World Traveler & International Consultant
    Allyson Edwards graduated from Stanford University with a BA in International Relations. Afterwards, she went on to facilitate International partnerships with agencies in over twenty countries, and has consulted for companies in industries across education, fintech, and retail.
    Allyson Edwards
    World Traveler & International Consultant
    Expert Answer
    I recommend you put all of your important documents inside a clear plastic folder or envelope while you're traveling so you don't have to worry about forgetting or misplacing something. You should also keep your proof of vaccines and medical conditions in this folder.
  • Question
    Am I allowed to bring makeup in the carry-on bag?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    All solid makeup is allowed. If it is liquid, make sure the bottle does not exceed 100ml. Most makeup containers are smaller than this, so you should be able to keep your makeup in your carry-on bag.
  • Question
    Can I bring computers?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may.
  • Question
    Can my checked bag be locked?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but make sure that it is a TSA-approved lock so airport security can open it if necessary, so you don't find your lock has been cut open or your bag not put on the flight.
  • Question
    Do medications need to be in original bottles?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This would be a good idea for both liquid and solid medications. This will make it easier for security to identify your medication when they check it and evaluate it.
  • Question
    Am I allowed to carry my phone, passport, wallet etc. in my pockets or must I have a little bag?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could put them in your pockets, but it might be hard to keep it all together. I always recommend bringing a carry-on bag.
  • Question
    Can I take snacks such as crackers, chips, and juice on a plane with me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should be able to take solid foods with you, but the juice will most likely be taken away at security.
  • Question
    Can I take a carry on and my purse at the same time?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Usually you are allowed one carry on item plus one personal item (like your purse), but you might want to check with your airline for their specifications.
  • Question
    Can mangoes be taken to different countries?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. You must not take any type of perishable food on planes, and definitely not to other countries. It could spread disease.
  • Question
    If I have 2 phones, can I put one in a checked bag and another one in my carry-on bag?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Theoretically, you could. However, it is not recommended. It can be dangerous to put expensive or electronic devices (i.e. phones, laptops, etc.) in your checked luggage. Many times when the luggage is put on the plane, the employees are not very careful with the bags, which could result in your phone being broken. There is also the possibility of your bag being lost, which could leave you without one of your phones for at least several days. Long story short, it is much safer to carry all of your devices in your carry-on bag.
  • Question
    Can I carry a Rubik's Cube on the flight?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should be able to. It can't be used as a weapon, and it can keep you entertained for the duration of your flight.
  • Question
    Does my deodorant need to be kept in the bag with my liquids in my carry-on?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's probably best to keep them in the same bag, but it's not necessary. It's also important to look at the TSA rules regarding deodorant as different rules apply to different types. Stick deodorant is allowed in any size, but spray, gel, liquid, cream, pastes, and roll-on deodorants cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces.
  • Question
    How many clothes do I need to bring for a two week trip?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That depends on many factors. If you have access to laundry facilities, you will likely to need far less than if you do not. If you are going on a cruise, that will be different than a professional business trip, a ski trip, or a destination wedding.
  • Question
    How much will I be charged if my bag is too heavy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on who you fly with. Some companies will charge more than others.
  • Question
    Can I take makeup brushes in my carry-on?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    How many cigarettes can I put in hand luggage?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It really depends on the country you are going to and the airline you are flying on.
  • Question
    What size should my carry-on bag be?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    22"x14" is the most common suggestion but the allowances vary between airlines so check your airline's website for exact instructions.
  • Question
    Can I wear acrylic nails on a plane? Or have makeup on?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes you can, but considering when you're on a flight you can tend to get rather hot, sweaty and just generally uncomfortable, it's probably not worth putting on makeup until you arrive at your destination. Especially if it's heavy makeup that could easily be smudged.
  • Question
    How many bottles of juice can I take with me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can't take any liquids over 3 ounces in your carry on.
  • Question
    Can I bring a razor (to shave my legs) in my carry on?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, razors are on the list of no-nos. You'll just have to pick up a disposable once you arrive.
  • Question
    Can I bring wooden knitting needles?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you definitely can. I have multiple times. Be mindful if you bring metal knitting needles that they are under six inches long.
  • Question
    Can I take a cigarette lighter on the plane?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. According to the TSA's website, you can bring one butane or Zippo-type lighter with you in your carryon or on your person.
  • Question
    Why is WiFi not allowed on planes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Actually, most planes now provide WiFi, if you are willing to pay for it. Cellular data cannot be used on a plane, during taxi and flight, because the signal can cause interference with communications from the plane to ground control, which helps to route the planes and keep them from crashing.
  • Question
    Can I bring my purse on-board with me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can as long as nothing harmful is inside it like a bomb, knife or scissors.
  • Question
    Can I bring a hot curling iron for my hair in my carry-on travel bag?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it is corded. If it is cordless, you will need to check with the airline.
  • Question
    Can tulip bulbs from Holland be brought back to the US?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. United States customs does not allow any live plants to be brought back into the country.
  • Question
    I need to bring a CPAC, Should it be packed in a carry on or use its own case?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If it fits in a carry on, put the case in the carry on. The less you have to carry and track, the better.
  • Question
    I'm an 11-year-old and I want to take my sketch book, small sharpener, and pencil with me to entertain myself, can I do so?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The only thing that might be a problem is the pencil sharpener, so it might be best to just bring a few pencils in case one gets dull or you break a point.
  • Question
    What is allowed in the carry-on?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Just about anything! The only restrictions are on liquids and sharp objects. All liquids must be in 3oz containers or smaller, and be placed in a plastic bag, then removed from the carry on at security to go through the x-ray machine. You can't pack anything that even looks like scissors, and please don't try to bring a hatchet. Also, if you travel out of the country, keep in mind that you cannot bring fruits or live plants into the country with you.
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