By: Adam Bruk

                Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing, yet preparing for one is the exact opposite. All of the FAA rules and guidelines don’t make things easy, especially rules for luggage. With airlines charging outrageous fees for checking bags, everyone is trying to find the optimal way to pack. Everyone wants to avoid the fees, especially when airlines are charging as much as $100 if you have to check two bags!

                All of these fees really add up when families travel for vacations. Kids want to bring everything with them, no matter how outrageous it might seem. The key to avoiding the fees and packing optimally is to plan in advance. If you try packing right before your flight, you are bound to make a mistake. I recently flew to Miami and packed about 20 minutes before my shuttle to the airport was supposed to leave and accidentally threw my toothpaste in my carry-on. Sure enough, I had to buy a new one when I landed in Miami. These costs multiply when you have to make purchases for yourself and the kids. To help save you money and headaches, here are the three best tips I can provide to help make sure you are optimally packed for your next family vacation:

1. Combine bags: Have your kids pack together into one suitcase. If you and your significant other can share a bag, do so! The fewer bags you have, the fewer fees you will have to pay. It’s important to weigh your bags to make sure you are not going over the weight limits. By doing this, you avoid paying “heavy bag” fees and might discover you can combine bags. For example, most airlines have a limit of 50 lbs. Let’s say your bag weights 30 pounds and your child’s weighs 18 pounds, you can combine and save yourself an additional fee.
2. Pack liquids in checked bags and clothes in carry-on bags: With all of the rules and regulations surrounding liquids that can be brought onto a plane, it’s easiest to pack things like toothpaste and mouthwash under the plane, since you likely won’t need them before you land. Essentials like eye drops for contacts need to conform to all FAA rules or they will be thrown out.  If packing all of your liquids and gels into a packed bag brings you over the weight limits, pack some clothes into your carry-on to get your bag under the limit. Small, light items such as t-shirts, flip-flops, sunglasses, and boxers are great items that don’t take up much space but can easily fit into half-filled pockets in your carry-on.
3. Carry your jackets with you: When leaving the cold weather behind for a vacation somewhere warm, carry your jacket with you. Many families like to pack it in their bags so they don’t have to carry it with them. If you have room and are under the weight limits, then this isn’t a problem. But the more jackets you pack, the more your bags will weigh. Jackets do not count towards carry-on limits and can save you money in overweight fees or if you have to pack an additional bag just for jackets. Consequently, if you are traveling and will need a jacket for your destination, pack your jacket last so you can easily remove it if your bag is overweight (and take it out easily at the airport before stepping out into the chilly weather).

Flying can be very expensive and the fees become even more outrageous when you are traveling with multiple people. When planning your vacation on a budget, don’t forget to budget in the baggage fees; they really are an unpleasant surprise. I hope these tips help you pack optimally and allow you to spend the money you save on your bags at your vacation destination!

Bio: Adam Bruk is an online marketing specialist for Sunglass Warehouse where he follows the latest trends in kids sunglasses. When his work is done making sure the entire family looks stylish for their vacation, he enjoys golfing, cooking, and traveling.