9 Packing Tips for your Last Minute Flight
Imagine this. It’s an average, uneventful week. You’ve got big plans to binge watch your favorite show on Netflix this weekend. Your suitcase is in the attic because you don’t have any travel plans until your vacation in a few months… Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the next few days, your boss calls you and needs you to hop on a plane tonight for a client meeting tomorrow. Or, your best friend got tickets to a concert on the opposite coast, and you can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for front row seats to your favorite band. When you’ve got a flight to catch, and not much time to pack, take a deep breath and print this list. We’ve got your back.
First thing, grab your suitcase. Set up a packing base camp in one spot in your house, your bed works great for this since you’ll need easy access to your closet. Try to bring everything you’re going to pack to this one centralized place so that you can see it all together. This will help prevent you from setting something you need to bring on the counter or by the door and then forgetting to grab it in your rush out of the house. Don’t jump ahead and start cramming things in your suitcase either. Wait until you have everything you need all laid out and then check off the items on your list as you put them in your suitcase. This will help you avoid the “did I pack that-really-important-item” panic especially since you’re in a rush.
Check the weather. The good thing about last minute trips is that you can check your destination’s weather forecast and it will be somewhat reliable. Rainy? You’ll need a raincoat, boots, and a couple of extra pairs of socks. Cold? Grab a hat, gloves, warm jacket, and again maybe some extra socks to keep your toes toasty. Hot? Lightweight clothes, shorts, t-shirts. You get the idea right? You don’t need to pack for every possible weather situation, just pick and choose what you’ll need based on anticipated weather.
Passport and papers. If you’re flying out of the country, don’t forget your passport. Staying overnight? Print a copy of your hotel reservation.
Cover your bases. Send an email to yourself with all of your important travel information. (1) This may include a picture of your passport, flight times, confirmations and phone numbers. If for some reason you lose your physical copies, you can still access the information. Plus, by sending it via email you’re covered even if you lose your phone because you can log into your email from another computer.
Must haves. What do you have to have? Some examples include prescription medications, glasses, or extra contacts. These items aren’t easily procured en route so make sure to keep them in your carry-on.
Pack specific outfits. If you’ve got a business meeting, you’ll need to pack a full professional outfit; try this method for folding suits or the rolling method for most other clothes. (2) (3) Or, if your unfortunate traveling circumstance is a funeral, you’ll need to choose a somber outfit. Going to the beach? You’ll need a swimsuit. Think through the events and activities you’ll be doing, and only pack what you have a specific plan to wear. (4)
Maximize each item. Neutrals and solid colors are power houses when you’re tight for time. The same black top can stand alone, but can also be paired under a sweater for two different looks. You can wear dark pants more than one time so you only need to pack a couple of pairs, making sure to bring at least one back up in case you spill.
Don’t go shoe crazy. What pair do you find yourself wearing in the most circumstances? Grab those. Those neutral clothes you picked? Pick an equally versatile shoe, stuff them with socks to maximize space, and off you go. You get to wear an additional pair on the plane, but you probably don’t need several additional pairs.
You need power. While you can probably find a phone charger on the go, that’s the last thing you want to be worried about as you rush to make your connection. If you’re taking your laptop be sure to grab that charger also. Pack a universal adapter if you’re traveling internationally to make sure you can charge your devices once you land.
Remember the rules. When it comes to liquids, according to TSA you can carry on a clear quart sized bag filled with mini toiletries as long as they’re each less than 3.4 ounces. (5) Anything more than that you’ll have to check. If you’re sticking with a carry-on bag only, know what you can pack and what to leave behind. There is no bigger time suck than trying to get through airport security with a carry-on full of items that they have to confiscate. Need to double check? You can access TSA’s full list here.
Remember, prioritize items that you cannot do without, like your travel paperwork, prescriptions, and event-appropriate attire. If you happen to forget a toothbrush in the mad dash out the door, you can always pick one up in your travels. Stick to this list and you’ll be packed and ready to jet off in no time!
