‘Think small, think smart and think safe,’ when it comes to carry-on baggage, says international travel safety and security expert Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com.
In ‘Baggage & Carry-on Advice,’ the first in the series of ‘The Art of Travel,’ Dr. Curtis explains a reasonable approach to avoid any problems with carry-on baggage while onboard the aircraft. It remains a fact that one of the most common frustrations that passengers face when they plan or pack a trip often revolves around baggage. Be it about what is allowed or prohibited on the aircraft, or what kinds of baggage fees may apply, there are always too many rules for any passenger to remember.
Dr. Curtis summarises his advice into three travel plan capsules – think small, think smart and think safe:
Think small
No oversize packages or luggage can be stowed onboard.
The maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches -the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag. Anything larger should be checked.
Carry only your essentials like prescriptions, personal hygiene items, passports and other documentation and valuable items, such as jewellery or cameras in your carry-on bag.
Think smart
Try to check maximum of the baggage and carry less with you in the cabin.
Verify with the airline before packing to see its carry-on guidelines on the number of items one may carry and the maximum size of those items.
Always have contact information on or inside your carry-on, in a clearly visible manner, so that if the airline has you check it at the last minute you will be able to identify the bag after you arrive, or will help the airline find it if the bag gets lost or delayed.
If the airline may require most or even all of your bags to be checked in certain situations, including the carry-on bag, be prepared to have all your valuable or essential items in a bag small enough to fit under the seat.
Think safe
Carry-on baggage and other items that may fall from overhead bins can injure you or other passengers during flight or in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Don’t stack items in the overhead storage bin.
Stow heavy items under the seat in front of you, not overhead.
If an emergency evacuation is required, leave your carry-on items on the plane.
Remember to be safety conscious when stowing your carry-on items.
Published as e-books, ‘The Art of Travel’ series will feature original articles as well as a compilation of articles published on its travel websites and newsletters, offering tips and advice that global travellers likely need to know to make intelligent decisions before, during and after a trip.
