Smart Packing Solutions to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
As a travel writer and professional packer, I’ve learned that the key to efficient packing lies in minimizing unnecessary items. Over the years, I’ve discovered that bulky, heavy, or redundant items can take up too much space in a suitcase, duffel, or backpack. I avoid excess layers, full-size toiletries, and even the classic travel pillow—especially when traveling carry-on-only.
That said, I’m not a minimalist. I believe in traveling comfortably and having everything you need with you in a smart, efficient way. Instead of multiple coats, I opt for one versatile piece of outerwear. I use travel-friendly beauty products instead of full-sized bottles, and if I’m on a red-eye flight, I’ll use a nifty head strap instead of an unwieldy pillow. These choices ensure I have all the space I need in my suitcase, allowing me to sneak in a couple more outfits as necessary.
Below are 10 products that are sneaking up space in your luggage (and making it harder to pack lightly), along with what you should be packing instead.
Don’t Pack: Full-Size Toiletries
What to Pack Instead: TSA-Approved Travel-Sized Capsules
Full-size toiletries used to be the most stressful part of the packing process for me. I wear contacts, so I always have solution on me, and I have a specific hair and skincare routine. The thought of paring everything down was overwhelming, so I occasionally checked a bag just to bring full-size face wash and conditioner with me.
I’ve since fixed that habit by creating an arsenal of TSA-sized products like face wash, contact solution, and toothpaste. I also invest in Cadence Capsules, which are perfect for shampoo or body lotion. Now, my toiletries all fit in a small Dopp kit that I keep in my personal item bag or carry-on suitcase.
Don’t Pack: Too Many Tech Accessories
What to Pack Instead: A Universal Charger and Adapter
Before every trip, I do a light audit of the tech products I’m packing. I charge my headphones and collect the necessary cords and adapters depending on the country I’m visiting. To save space and cut down on the amount of tech I need to pack, I use multi-functional products, like a universal adaptor and charger and multi-charging cables. Both methods are tremendously helpful in keeping my tech gear to a minimum when traveling.
Don’t Pack: Jeans
What to Pack Instead: Lightweight Trousers
While I love jeans, they’re not exactly travel-friendly. Denim is heavy and relatively voluminous when packed in a bag. To save room in my suitcase, I wear my go-to pair of jeans on my travel day and pack pants made of a lighter fabric, like these Everlane linen trousers. Bonus, they’ll also keep you cool on hot summer days.
Don’t Pack: Hardshell Sunglasses Case
What to Pack Instead: Sunglasses Pouch
A hardshell sunglasses case might not seem like a significant addition to your bag, but every inch of space counts if you’re trying to pack wisely. Instead of continuing to use that bulky case, opt for a sunglasses pouch. It’s lighter and easier to pack in small spaces in your bag, but it still provides plenty of lens protection.
Don’t Pack: Bulky Outerwear and Layers
What to Pack Instead: A Versatile Jacket
My closet at home is filled with down coats, wool coats, leather jackets, capes, faux fur, windbreakers, and more. When I travel, though, I try to stick with just one piece of outerwear. If I try to pack an extra coat in my suitcase, I’m basically getting rid of half of my suitcase’s real estate with just one item.
I usually bring something I can wear while in transit, like a leather bomber jacket. It’s casual but feels appropriate for dressier situations and transitions well in varying temperatures. It also gets bonus points because it’s the type of jacket you can wear on the plane without overheating.
Don’t Pack: Too Many Shoes
What to Pack Instead: A Wear-Anywhere Pair of Shoes
Since shoes can quickly fill your suitcase, I follow a two-to-three pair rule of thumb. If I’m traveling in the winter, I’ll stick with two versatile styles: a wear-anywhere boot and a sneaker. If it’s the summer, I’m likely wearing sneakers like the Allbirds Tree Dasher 2s on the plane, and packing a wedge and a light sandal similar to Cole Haan’s Flynn Flats in my bag. And of course, every pair I pack is comfortable—you won’t catch me wasting space on a shoe that pinches or gives me blisters.
Don’t Pack: A Neck Pillow
What to Pack Instead: A Head Strap
It’s been at least a solid decade since I’ve used a typical neck pillow. I’ve tested a few alternatives over the years, but I’ve recently found that a head strap is the best solution for overnight flights—and it takes up almost zero space in my bag when not in use. It fits around the airplane seat’s winged head support, and you can adjust it as needed to comfortably hold your head upright (read: no more neck aches from your head flopping around during the flight).
Don’t Pack: A Clunky Toiletry Bag
What to Pack Instead: A More Packable Option
Toiletry bags are another travel item I’m well-versed in; I’ve tested dozens of styles from the biggest brands in the industry. While there are a few I alternate between, I’ve discovered a flat, rectangular bag fits more seamlessly into my suitcase and generally takes up less space. This stylish option from Amazon has a packable rectangular shape and durable PVC material that’s waterproof. The clear design is ideal for spotting what you need instead of rooting around inside to find your medication or toothbrush.
Don’t Pack: Multiple Hairstyling Tools
What to Pack Instead: A Do-It-All Styler
There’s no need to pack a curling iron, hair dryer, and hair straightener when there are plenty of do-it-all tools on the market. I swear by the Dyson Airwrap when I travel. I got my first Dyson Airwrap—I now own two, one for the U.S. and one for frequent travels to the U.K.—in 2020, and I’ve never looked back. I take it on every single trip because it functions as a hairdryer, smoother/straightener, voluminizer, and curling iron. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space in my bag; I usually stick the main device and a couple of my favorite attachments in a packing cube.
For a budget-friendly alternative, Amazon shoppers swear by this lower-priced five-in-one hair styling tool, on sale for $117, that can curl, volumize, straighten, and more. It offers a convenient carrying case that holds the wand and attachments for easy packing.
Don’t Pack: Hardcover Books
What to Pack Instead: An E-Reader
As a fan of a hardback book, it pains me to say that they aren’t a traveler’s best friend. I usually have at least one or two in my bag when I’m traveling, but this is the year when I heed my own advice and invest in an e-reader like an Amazon Kindle. It’s much lighter than a book (or books), and I’ll no longer have to worry about finishing a good read while in transit (which occasionally results in picking up a new title at the airport and adding even more bulk to my luggage).
