Two professional conferences, two different climates (Seattle WA and Tulsa OK) for six full days.
I’ve written here before about how my husband was a Suitcase Swami by getting everything into a carry-on for one of his conferences – could I do it myself?
You bet, because these days, it’s me versus the airlines.
No way will I pay American Airlines to check my luggage, only to have it possibly lost or abused when I really need to look well-dressed (and I was giving a keynote presentation and workshop at the second conference.)
The video below was filmed with my Flip camera as I unpacked the suitcase from the trip. Here’s what I took:
- 3 pair of trousers
- 2 skirts
- 6 tops
- 4 cardigan sweaters (rather than stiffer, hard-to-pack suit jackets)
- 1 jersey knit blazer-style jacket
- 3 pair of shoes
- 1 lined windbreaker
- 1 T-shirt to sleep in
- scarves, jewelry, spare glasses, toiletries kit, quart-sized bag for liquids
Light, light, light. Pare down the shoes. Pay for a light, well-constructed suitcase (I use a Travelpro Rollaboard.)
(Update – the idiot-proof packing list for a woman on a business trip.)
Here’s the URL of the how to pack video if you’re an RSS reader or can’t see the box below.
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Sheila, what size is the carry-on you used? I need to pack for an eight day class and am expected to dress professionally each day. My carry-on is only 20″ X 13 1/2″ X 7 1/2″. I’ve already decided to wear black dress shoes on the plane and not pack any shoes besides a pair of flip flops for the hotel. Any other ideas besides getting a larger carry-on?
use the biggest carryon you can find but the airports have a limit. most airlines have the measurements on their site.
I like the women’s point of view on packing a suit case — great video! It will be interesting to see if people’s packing tips change if more airlines start charging for carry-ons (like Sprint just did).
That’s pretty good. Hate when we pack what we don’t wear. I pretty much always pack something I wind up not needing. But, better safe than sorry. And I’m a big believer in rolling things up and fitting things in tight spaces. Might need one of those Rollaboard bags, though. Thanks for sharing your video.
Thanks, Jackie, I’ve been very happy with my Rollaboard.
Hi Mrs. Scarborough, Thanks so much for posting how to pack a carryon. I plan to do use your video to pack a carryon to visit family in Japan. The last time I went I took a hugh suit case and I plan to travel very light the next time. I went out and bought a Travelpro rollaboard today and it’s the Shapphire Lite 2 wide body design. I measured it when I got home and I got 20x14x9. We usually go Delta. Do you think this bag will work? Is yours a “wide body” design? Also the tag that came attached describing the carryon says it meets airline regulations on measurement. I am just worried we will get to the gate and they say “check it”! I am open to any of your advice. I am not a seasoned traveler as yourself.
Thanks so much for your advice I respect your expertise.
Sincerely,
Meary Brown
Please tell me what model your Travelpro suit case is. Thanks!!!! Also you measurements on your case. Thanks!
Hi Sheila,
Thanks much for such a great and warm video!! Recently, I’ve also started only traveling with a carry-on (last year spent 9 days in Europe–three countries–with a carry-on and a carry-on large “bag” that I classify as my allowable personal bag). Using the same technique, this year I’ve flown from the East Coast to Florida, New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest.
Each trip I reassess and refine and recently bought a much smaller carry-on that has wheels. (This will replace the big loopy canvas “personal” bag that I stuffed my purse into–so it counted as one bag, as well as a bunch of extras.
It’s got a harder shell and I can lash it to top of the carry-on if I don’t want to pull two rolling carry-on bags. (The two rolling carry-on bags–one being much smaller–is a technique that I noticed female flight attendants using.
I am amazed at how much I can really pack but am always scanning numerous blogs, websites etc. for extra packing tips, and happened upon your youtube video. A real pleasure.
Really liked your video for the following: I especially liked your humor and human-touch comments like the one about the “hose crisis.” Laughed out loud at that one. Your personality really comes through.
I also liked the reminders: put name and address inside bag, etc. This is a good ideas as a couple of times your carry-on bag is ultimately taken at the gate because of a smaller airplane or other weight issues. “Gate checked bags” are still preferable to officially checked bags…and gate bag checking is free. (So far).
Watching you pack: I’m also going to work on my rolling technique. I’ve done it and have also used the bundle technique…but I think rolling (with the right fabrics) is the key.
Also really helpful: filling my shoes (I always forget that)…and the point about packing something round in the floor space cavity where the wheel bars are–brilliant.
Thanks again for your video. Looking forward to your blog as well.
Cynthia