Travelling can be stressful enough without having to worry about packing enough clothes – luckily a travel expert has revealed several handy tips to fit as much into your luggage as possible
One of the worst parts about packing is trying to fit everything in your case – especially if you’ve only paid for a carry on. Luckily, a travel expert has revealed several easy hacks to pack more in.
When it comes to travel advice, you can’t get better than the cabin crew. They’re dealing with customers, baggage and flights day-in-day-out and have picked up all of the tips and tricks to pack effectively and efficiently. Ski Vertigo spoke with Susan Langford, who’s worked on long-haul flights for nearly three decades, to find out which packing habits she never skips.
READ MORE: Cabin crew share their top secret tricks for keeping kids calm on flights
According to Susan, one of the best tips for creating more space is to roll your clothes. Not only that, it also helps to avoid deep creases forming – especially with softer fabrics.
She advised: “I roll complete outfits—top, trousers, underwear—so I can grab a bundle and go. It keeps things compact and easy to find.”
This is also a great tip for those who are flying without checked luggage. Rolling your clothes means you can fit far more into small bags or compact suitcases. This is because it squeeze air out from the folds, meaning there are no tiny gaps left in your luggage.
Another tip that Susan swears by is using package cubes. These are fabric pouches, often with a mesh top, that are designed to compress clothes, making it easier to fit more in.
These are especially ideal for shorter trips. For cabin crew, this typically means layovers or quick hotel stays. However, it can also come in handy for those going on a day trip, weekend trip or even backpacking.
Susan explained: “I use one for clothes, one for underwear, and another for nightwear. It means I don’t have to dig through everything when I need something.”
They also make packing and unpacking far quicker, which makes them perfect for anyone on the move. That’s why it’s also a good idea to keep similar items packed together in the same cube.
Her third tip comes down to how you dress yourself. Having a streamlined wardrobe is essential for cabin crew who need to be prepared for all kinds of weather without overpacking.
It can be hard to know where to begin when creating a capsule wardrobe. If you’re stuck, Susan recommended: “I pick pieces in neutral colours—black, beige, navy—that I can mix and match.”
She added that three tops, two bottoms, and a lightweight dress usually leave her well-prepared for any occasion or weather. Especially if you add a cardigan or smart blazer to wear out for meals or when you go out in the evenings.