Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Less is best
As airlines struggle with rising fuel costs, and diminishing passenger numbers, they are be-
coming increasingly inventive in dreaming up extra charges. Excess and overweight check-
in baggage is one particularly fruitful area - and it's confusing as the rules vary from airline
to airline. This makes it even more crucial to think very carefully about what you need to
take - and what you could do without.
Basically, some charge per piece and others by weight, but that's not all. Some carriers limit
you to one check-in piece, others, like BA, allow two. It can also depend on your route and
your destination. Weight limits vary from as little as 20kg per bag to 30kg. Charges can even
be different on outward and return journeys, with some carriers charging as much as £30 per
kilogram over the permitted weight, or £90 per extra bag. It won't take much to wipe out all
the money you've saved by searching for the cheapest available flights!
Inevitably if you fly business or first class the allowances are more generous but the above
assumes that most people on a gap will be flying economy.
Packing tips
•
Pack in reverse order - first in, last out.
•
Heavy items go at the bottom.
•
Pack in categories in plastic bags - easier to find stuff.
•
Use vacuum pack bags for bulky items.
•
Store toilet rolls and dirty undies in side pockets - easy for thieves to open and they
won't want them!
•
Take a small, separate backpack for day hikes
etc
. You can buy small, thin folding
ones.
•
Keep spares (undies, toothbrush, important numbers and documents) in hand lug-
gage.
•
Take a sleeping bag liner - useful in hostels.
•
Take a sarong (versatile: can be a bed sheet, towel, purse, bag...)
•
Travel towels are lightweight and dry fast.
•
Remove packaging from everything but keep printed instructions for medications.
•
Shaving oil takes less space than cream.
•
Put liquids in squashy bottles (and don't carry liquids in hand luggage).
