How to pack for the plane

If there’s one bag that needs careful packing, it’s the one you’ll take on board your flight. Find out how to do it from this extract from Lonely Planet’s new book How to Pack for Any Trip, by Sarah Barrell and Kate Simon.

Carry-on bag

Carry a capacious bag that can be instantly opened for easy delving; you don’t want to be constantly zipping and unzipping. A structured rather than a soft bag is preferable, to stop your possessions spilling everywhere when you put it down.

Remember to close your bag on leaving the plane – if it hasn’t got a zip or clasp, tuck a shawl or cardigan tightly over the top and plonk a cheap, heavy item such as a book on top.

Contents

Keep order within your bag by compartmentalising items such as keys, money and documents, leaving big items such as books and tablets loose.

Invest in a multi-pocket inner that is specially designed for the job. Plastic folders with a press-stud close are good for keeping documents neat and safe. Go retro with a pencil case.

An inexpensive alternative is to use old make-up bags or even basic plastic ones: