The business travel bounce back has surpassed all predictions and along with it has come baggage disruption across the globe.
“Disruptions are likely to continue for at least the remainder of the year as airports around the world slowly return to normal efficiency levels following the pandemic,” says Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley.
He says astute travellers are avoiding checking in their bags to help reduce the risk of any issues and offers his best tips for both domestic and international business travellers to pack it all into carry-on.
Consider purchasing the maximum carry-on baggage allowance
Choose an airline that allows up to 14kg in carry-on baggage (generally the maximum allowed). Additional baggage fees purchased online will be lower than the fee applied at the airport. Domestic and international flights allow one personal item that can fit under the seat in front. Use this allowance to pack more essential items in a small backpack or laptop bag.
Avoid technology and bulky hardcopy files
Take an ultra-slim, lightweight laptop or tablet on the trip. If you need to take hardcopy presentation documents, contracts, training manuals or other files, consider digital copies – saved on a USB or on the cloud – and organise to have them printed at your destination hotel. Kindles are ideal for storing large files that you can read on the flight, and weigh no more than 188g, with a charge that can last weeks.
Pack multipurpose items
Pack business clothing that can transition into leisure wear and stick to neutrals that can adapt well to different situations. Wear your bulkiest items on board and consider taking loungewear that can be worn on international flights and for sleep. Packing three tops for every bottom can also help you transition the same items from day to night, and work to leisure.
Utilise empty spaces in your luggage items
When packing, cleverly place smaller valuables inside other items. For instance, jewellery or phone chargers could be stored inside shoes or coat pockets. Tightly roll clothing items to allow for more compact packing and prevent creasing. Some experienced travellers, however, prefer folding clothes and prevent creasing by placing tissue paper between each fold to ensure items remain neat.
After you pack, try to reduce your luggage by another 20 per cent
When you have finished packing, step back and consider whether every item in your carry-on is essential and will be used well. There will always be something that won’t be; remove it. Know that you can purchase additional essentials at your destination and plan to use your hotel laundry service to wash clothing items that you will wear more than once.
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