• Before you pack, check the condition of your luggage.  Airlines can refuse to accept fragile or damaged pieces.
• If you have to purchase new bags, choose luggage that is lightweight, roomy and easy to carry, yet durable enough to withstand rough treatment.  Choose material that will not sag or rip as it moves along the conveyor belt.
• A suitcase with wheels or a baggage caddy will also help make trips through the airport, bus terminal or train station easier, especially if porters are not available.
• Try to limit your luggage to one suitcase and a carry-on bag.  Most of the new carry-on baggage restrictions do not apply to purses, coats, diaper bags, or camera equipment, but they often do apply to briefcases.
• Baggage restrictions may vary from flight to flight depending on the design and passenger load of each plane, but a good rule of thumb is two bags per person.  The flight attendant has the final say as to whether your bags can be taken on board as carry-on luggage or whether the baggage must be checked as cargo.

Packing

Pack tightly.  Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle.  Shoes should be packed in shoe mittens or an old pair of socks to protect other clothes from being soiled.  You may also want to stuff your shoes with underwear and socks so that they won't be crushed during your flight.  Suits, dresses, shirts and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling.  Roll pajamas, nightgowns, sweaters and other casual wear to fit into small spaces where possible, but don't cram your suitcase full.

If you have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or zippers along the way.  You may want to consider the "interweaving method" of packing for your next trip.  Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides.  Then fold shorter items such as jackets, shirts and blouses around longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other.  Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also discourage wrinkling.  (Other packing tips are available at www.travelite.org ).

Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewellery, travellers cheques, keys and other valuables in your hand luggage.  Items such as these should NEVER be packed in luggage that you plan to check.  If you plan to fly with skis, golf clubs or other special luggage, check with the airline to see whether special containers for these items are available.  Many airlines provide this service free of charge.

Check out the following links for prohibited items:

Prohibited Carry-on Luggage