Discount parking at FLL Airport is a great way to save money when you travel. And now more airlines than ever are offering basic economy tickets so you can save even more. Combine the two for maximum savings. Sounds perfect right? It can be, if you know what you’re getting. Many of those basic economy fares only include a personal item. If you want a checked bag or even just a carry-on you could be looking at some hefty baggage fees. But is it possible to travel with just a personal item? It sure is.
Defining a Personal Item
When you’re able to have a suitcase, you don’t give much thought to your personal item. It’s usually a purse, backpack, or small tote. There wasn’t any reason to think about its size as long as it could fit under the seat in front of you. But when it’s the only storage you have, it’s important to know exactly how big you can go. A good rule of thumb is to keep your personal item within 18x14x8 inches and under 22lbs. There are a lot of really good rolling suitcases that fit these specifications. Be sure to check with your airline if you want their exact size limitations.
Needs Only
For chronic over packers, scaling back can seem impossible. But you don’t have to be Marie Kondo to use just a personal item. The important thing to remember is that there’s only room for needs. Your cocktail dress or sports coat that you “might” use needs to stay at home. Anything that’s for “just in case” has no place in your personal item.
This same rule goes for everything. If you’re not traveling for business, leave your laptop at home. Even the thinnest one is taking up too much room if you don’t need it. And while we all love noise-cancelling headphones, can you make due with a small pair of ear buds? Asking yourself these questions will help you when you’re packing a personal item.
Traveling Outfit
Your traveling outfit is key to this whole approach. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane and wear layers. These are all items you can use again during your trip that didn’t take up space in your bag.
Clothes and Shoes
A great technique for packing small is to choose one color palette for your clothes. You don’t want to need a black belt on one day and a brown belt on the next. Stick with one or the other. By choosing one palette, you’ll be able to mix and match all of your items together. One cardigan can serve you well when it matches everything you’ve packed.
If you can, stick to one pair of shoes, the ones you’re wearing while you travel. Shoes are bulky and heavy. They’ll take up valuable real estate if you aren’t careful. Sometimes you do need a second pair like sandals if you’re going to the beach or dress shoes. In those cases, pick the lightest pair you have.
Toiletries
Remember you have to follow TSA rules for liquids. They have to fit into one 1-quart bag and be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces. If you’re staying at a hotel that provides complimentary toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, leave yours at home.
Laundry
Don’t get so caught up in packing a different shirt for each day or multiple sundresses. At the end of the day, you can always do laundry at your destination.
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