Travel Like a Pro: 10 Packing Tips for Flying at Nashville Airport

It’s the night before your flight. You’re scrambling to pack your bag for your weekend getaway, but you’re not sure how much you want to take. Are you going to pack light and only take a carry-on, or are you going to go big and pack a bag that’ll need to be checked at the gate? Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of a trip, but unless you plan to buy everything once you land, it has to be done. Here are 10 packing tips that every traveler should use when parking and flying at Nashville International Airport:

1. Follow Airline & TSA Guidelines

The most important thing to do before you begin to pack for your trip is to make sure you have luggage that is approved by your airline. If your luggage is too big, your clothes may not be making it to your final destination. Most airlines have a standard size limit on carry-on and checked bags, but always make sure to check your airline’s luggage size limit. And don’t forget to check TSA’s website to make sure you’re compliant with the 3-1-1 rule and other regulations.

2. Don’t Check a Bag at the Airport

Although it’s not always possible to pack light, it will definitely save you time and money in the long run. If you’re only going on a short trip, try to pack everything in a carry-on bag. This will not only save you the $25+ baggage fee, it will save you from having to wait in line to check-in and wait at the baggage carousel when you land.

3. Roll Your Clothes

If you must check a bag, you can save room by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This space-saving technique can almost double the amount of clothes you’re able to pack and may save you from having to check a second bag – which airlines charge an arm and a leg for!

4. Make Use Of Your Personal Item

In addition to your carry-on bag, most airlines now allow passengers to bring one personal item when flying. According to TSA, a personal item can be a laptop computer, briefcase, purse, small backpack, or camera case. Find ways to make good use of your personal item and save room in your carry-on, like packing those bulky hiking boots or heavy winter coat in a backpack.

5. Weigh Your Bags

If you check a bag that’s over 50lbs, most airlines consider this to be “overweight,” and although they will let you fly with an overweight bag, you’ll be paying a hefty fee. Southwest charges $75.00 for overweight bags, while Delta charges up to $200 for an overweight bag. To avoid these high costs, always weigh your bag before you leave the house. A simple way to weigh your bag is to stand on a scale while holding your bag, then simply subtract your weight to calculate the weight of the bag. You can also purchase scales that are specially made for weighing luggage.

6. Plan Outfits

We all like to have options when it comes to our wardrobe, but when you’re traveling, try not to over-pack. Instead of throwing a bunch of tops and bottoms into a suitcase, try packing an outfit for each day of your trip. There for three days? Then just pack three outfits. You’ll still have options of what to wear on each day, but planning your outfits in advance will save lots of room in your luggage, which means more room for souvenirs!

7. Consider Shipping Gifts

When you’re heading out of town and need to bring a gift, consider shipping the gift before you fly. Not only will this give you more room to pack in your suitcase, it could also save you the time and money of having to check a second bag. It’s often cheaper to ship a gift than to have to pay for checked baggage. And if you’re staying at hotel, just call ahead and let them know you’re shipping a package to the hotel. They’ll have it waiting for you when you arrive.

8. Put Luggage Tags on Everything

We all hope it never happens to us, but unfortunately this happens everyday, and on almost every flight – lost luggage. When the airline loses your luggage, there’s not much you can do but sit and wait. Most of the time, the airlines are able to track down your luggage and get it to you within a day or less. In case your bag is ever lost, always make sure to put a luggage tag with your contact information on every bag.

9. Buy Toiletries After the Plane Lands

If you’re trying to travel light, packing all of your toiletries isn’t always an option. TSA only allows for liquids under 3.4oz in carry-on bags, meaning you can’t take a regular sized can of shampoo, hairspray, toothpaste, etc. Instead, try buying toiletries once you land. Another option if you’re only traveling with a carry-on is to purchase travel sized toiletries.

10. Put Identifiable Object on Travel Luggage

Many bags look alike, and when you’re in a hurry at the airport, it’s easy to grab the wrong bag. To help identify your luggage, try putting an identifiable object on all of your bags, such as a ribbon or bandana. This also makes it much easier to identify your bag on the carousel at baggage claim.

Before you get packed and ready to go on your trip, make sure to secure your airport parking in advance. When flying out of the Nashville International Airport, always choose Executive Travel & Parking for your airport parking needs. Give us a call today at 615-523-5100.