Packing for Winter Travel: Airport Security and Luggage Tips
The festive cheer, family gatherings, adventures in the snow, and home-cooked meals are some winter highlights. Nevertheless, before you can get into the festive, relaxing mode is a rigorous packing session. For winter travel, it’s about packing bulkier clothing and gear, some of which are too expensive to buy upon arrival, all while minding airport security rules and baggage restrictions.
Therefore, this article highlights how you can pack for a great winter vacation and pass through airport security smoothly. Read on!
Tips on How to Pack Luggage for Winter Travel
Create a Packing List
Preparing a packing list allows you to think about the airport restrictions soberly, so you keep them out of your bags. It won’t be the same story if you pack in a hurry. A list will also prevent you from paying extra luggage fees for overpacking your bags. To prepare one, list everything you intend to carry, from clothes to accessories and footwear.
Pack Versatile Clothing
Go for versatile pieces that you can mix and match throughout your trip. You can incorporate more neutral colors because they work well with almost anything. In addition, to lower the luggage weight, pack more clothing made from lightweight, warm materials, such as merino wool and synthetic fibers.
Buy Quality Winter Accessories & Suitcases
You want to carry accessories that last you throughout your trip. As such, buy high-quality cold-weather accessories like gloves and scarves.
Additionally, buy suitcases made of materials that can survive your trip, such as the ones made of ballistic nylon and polycarbonate. Such sturdy and durable suitcases protect your belongings. Further, they’re less likely to get damaged during luggage handling, irrespective of the many flights you catch to reach your winter destination.
Footwear Selection
Depending on what you intend to do during your trip, you may require several pairs of shoes. Of course, you’ll pack one or two waterproof, insulated boots. One trick that can lower your luggage space is wearing your bulkiest shoes during your fight. However, remember, you want shoes you can slip on and off at the security screening.
Consider TSA Luggage Regulations
Familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations on restricted items, weight, and packaging material.
One of these regulations is on liquids like creams, aerosols, and gels. The TSA requires you to use containers that hold 3.4 ounces (approximately 100 milliliters) or less. On top of that, these containers should be in a quart-sized, clear, resealable bag.
Whether you’re flying through LAX International Airport or O’Hare International Airport, TSA rules apply. As such, once you learn these regulations, you’ll be airport-security-compliant during summer or winter.
In addition to following TSA regulations, packing toiletries in waterproof bags also prevents damage to your other luggage in case of spills. To make the security screening process more convenient, keep these container bags where they’re easily accessible in your luggage.
So, what’s not allowed in your checked luggage? Flammables like lighters, airbags, safety matches, spray paint, liquid bleach, party poppers, and power banks are some things that TSA security at any airport, whether it’s Dallas Love Field Airport or Fort Lauderdale International, confiscates.
Keep Valuables in Your Carry-on
Carry valuable personal items like your passport, medication, and money in a carry-on bag. You misplace your checked bag or experience a luggage delay when you arrive.
Buy bags with TSA-approved locks or zippers for security agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock. If you’re carrying electronics, such bags can have dedicated laptop compartments or easily accessible pockets for your electronic devices.
Weigh and Measure Your Luggage
Instead of waiting until you get to the airport to weigh your luggage, invest in a luggage scale. Then, pack and measure at home, where you can add or remove items as you please.
Further, ensure your luggage dimensions comply with the airline’s requirements. For example, your carry-on luggage should fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
Consider Renting some Winter Gear
If your vacation requires winter sports gear, like snowboards, you can rent it upon arrival. It’ll save you packing time and eliminate the headaches that may arise at security screening. Additionally, when your trip ends, you won’t have to worry about packing sports gear again for your flight home.
Conclusion
Navigating airport security can seem like a tiresome but inescapable task because of the regulations you have to follow. However, when you start with a packing list and are careful to stick to TSA and airport guidelines, you’ll take the least time doing it. On top of that, you’ll have a smooth exit and entry into any airport.
Before you leave for the airport, double-check everything you’ve packed to eliminate restricted items, secure your luggage so that nothing falls out, and measure the luggage weight.
