Packing Ultra-light for International Travel
It is always a hassle when traveling to pack a checked bag. In this guide, we will take you through a few key items and regulations so that you can travel with just a personal item. These days airlines may offer much cheaper tickets then up charge customers for carry-on bagger. With these tips you can save money and travel cheaper.
Some rules that you need to adhere to when traveling will be the Personal Item requirements and the Liquid Requirements. Some air-lines will allow a free carry-on -- but across the board you can bring a free personal item. The TSA does not set these rules and instead are set by the airlines. However, there are a few regulations set by the TSA for liquids, knives, etc.
If you want to take an airline that does not give you a carry-on for free, you can still take a personal item. Usually the airlines with this restriction are also those who enforce dimensions. Otherwise, usually your personal item just has to fit under the seat.
| Airline | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| American | 18"x14"x8" |
| Delta | Must fit under seat |
| Spirit | 18"x14"x8" |
| Southwest | 16.25"x13.5"x8" |
| United | 9"x10"x17" |
| Volaris | 14"x8"x8" |
This one also seems to be pretty constant across the board at 3.4 oz or 100ml. You can check your local drug store to find the travel sizes which adhere to this specification. One caveat is that they need to be placed inside a Quart-sized Clear Plastic Bag.
Travel kit for liquidsHere is my baseline items for packing ultra-light. There are a few required items, then some suggestions. Also feel free to checkout my interactive packing checklist.
- Passport
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shirts
- Pants
- Toiletries
- Deoderant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Footwear