How to Pack Checked Luggage: The Checked Bag Trifecta

True confession: I am a complete nerd. I am one of those people oddly obsessed with deciding how to pack for my next trip. There is nothing enjoy more than getting ready for a trip! The excitement of planning where I will go and what I will do leads to me making lists of what I should bring and eventually to how I should pack. 

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To Check, or Not To Check

Depending upon my destination, I typically will carry-on for short (1-5 day) travels. I don’t have to worry about running low on something or needing to replace a clothing item when traveling in the US so I can go ultra light. However, I tend to pack more comprehensively (but still fairly light) for international travel.  

While I am now quite proficient in using my carry-on combo for any length trip, I prefer to check my main bag for longer international trips. Due to my home location, it always takes me a minimum of two flights to get to any destination. The first flight is on a very small plane, so I have to gate-check my 21” spinner suitcase when I use it as a carry-on. Gate-checking this bag can lead to a 5-15 minute delay in getting from gate to gate. That is fine if you have the layover time, but I rarely do. I have missed a flight waiting for my gate-checked bag. 

It is a good idea to know the rules no matter how you choose to pack. The Federal Aviation Administration provides PackSafe guidance to the public. For the purposes of this post, I will discuss how to pack for a 2-week international trip utilizing my full checked bag trifecta.

Trifecta Bag 1: Expandable Spinner Luggage

The cornerstone piece of your checked bag trifecta is the suitcase you plan to actually check. I like the American Tourister Stratum XLT 24” Hard-side Expandable Luggage.  It is rugged and durable, has a multi-stage trolly handle, and a mesh divider with a zipped modesty pocket. This case is reasonably priced, comes in a variety of colors, and has a 10-year limited warranty. There are larger suitcases out there but a larger case just tempts you to overpack and possibly exceed weight limits. 

This bag  also matches the spinner suitcase I mentioned in The Ultimate Carry-on Combo. If you are traveling alone, this doesn’t matter one iota, but if you are traveling with a spouse you might like your luggage to coordinate a bit.

Trifecta Bag 2: Under-seat Carry-on Rolling Bag with Trolly Strap

My absolute favorite piece of luggage is my under-seat rolling bag! It is small enough to fit in the United Express Jet overhead bins (which is miraculous) and under the seat. This versatility is great and best of all – I don’t have to gate-check it.

The next under-seat bag I will likely purchase is the Amazon Basics Under-seat Carry-on Rolling Travel Luggage Bag. I have a friend with one and it is a really great bag! It has a generous inner compartment for clothes, shoes, and toiletries but most importantly, it has a trolly strap on the back. This means that it easily rolls while I am cruising through the airport, but it also easily attaches to the trolley handle of my larger suitcase once I claim that after the flight. That way I can avoid the double handed luggage drag to ground transportation.

Trifecta Bag 3: Backpack, or Shoulder Bag, with Luggage Trolly Strap

The final bag in my checked luggage trifecta is a solid backpack with a trolly strap. Backpacks are great for taking personal items on the plane and double as a day bag once I arrive at the destination. Small to mid-size backpacks also fit in both the overhead storage and under the seat. I love my Kroser Laptop Backpack! It has a spacious interior that will hold a change of clothes and pair of shoes. This bag is affordable, durable, comfortable and has a clean sleek look. The convenient front pocket works for personal items and it possesses that all-important trolly handle strap so you can place your pack on top of the under-seat bag to save your shoulders. 

If you prefer a larger bag, you might consider the Matien 40 L Travel Backpack. It has multiple pockets and holds up to a 17” laptop.  For a more packable option, consider the Venture Pal Lightweight Packable 40L Backpack. If you prefer a shoulder bag, the Zipsak Boost by Biaggio is an incredible option.  It is a well made product and comes in a variety of colors. It is also expandable, collapsible, and has the all-important trolly strap.   

Maximizing the Bags

You might be thinking that there is nothing streamlined about using three bags but I promise, there is a method to my madness. A few years back, My Luggage Went to China While I Went to Vietnam.  After that, I became obsessed with carrying-on my luggage. I packed a 21” suitcase (hence the missed connection) and packed a backpack so full that my neck and shoulders were out of whack the whole trip. Since then, I created the Ultimate Carry-on Combo, but sometimes it is just easier to check your bag!

I now utilize a strategy to ensure I have what I need to survive one week without my checked bag, without missing my flight, and without giving myself a hernia. This also ensures there is room for any shopping I might indulge in while on my trip. The key is to not let the extra space to tempt you into overpacking. Now, everyone’s definition of overpacking is different, but if I will not use or wear an item at least twice, then I probably don’t need it. 

I hear some of you gasping in horror! Yes, I rewear clothes on vacation! Seriously, jeans can be worn numerous days before they touch soap and water. Tops sometimes need a dip in the hotel sink before that second day. Unmentionables definitely need a dip in the sink, or I have been known to bring the ones on their last leg and just toss them as I go! But I always wear, and rewear, items to make the most of my luggage space.

How to Pack for Vacation

When packing my bags, I pack my under-seat bag and backpack to the brim. Put the lightest things possible in the backpack so it doesn’t drag you down. If it does seem a little heavy, remember that trolly strap and roll it around on your under-seat bag. I carry-on basic toiletries, make-up, medicine, and clothes for a few days. Typically I include only 2-3 bottoms and several tops, plus undergarments and socks. If the trip requires a lot of walking, I may even pop in my extra shoes (or flip flops for the beach). Oh, and I also carry-on my phone and my Kindle (which I am addicted to).

I then place everything else in the suitcase. Packing this way typically results in a fairly empty suitcase, but I work hard not to fill the space. In a perfect world, and if I don’t shop, I can place my entire backpack in the suitcase on the way home.  That said, once I managed to bring home 3 pairs of new shoes IN THEIR BOXES!!!!! 

How to Pack to Return Home

When preparing my bags for the return trip home, I maximize my 24” Spinner Suitcase by placing as much in it as I possibly can. Remember, the goal is to place the backpack in the checked bag on the way home. This is easier said than done, but if you use some of the same care when packing to go home as you do to leave, it is possible. I don’t know why, but it is true that folded (or rolled) clothes take up less room than items that are thrown in. It defies the laws of physics, but just trust me on this!

When possible, I typically only carry-on the under-seat bag for the return trip. I am tired and grumpy at this point and I want as little to deal with as possible. I do; however, still like to carry-on basic toiletries and a change of clothes in case I am delayed along the way. 

Packing Tips and Tricks

There are all sorts of “How to Pack” tips swarming the internet. Beware of the ones that require you to purchase a lot of extra stuff to get the job done but Packing Cubes are a must for undies, socks and any other small items you want to keep together. I also find them particularly helpful for organizing my carry-on bags. It is great to arrive at the hotel and just toss the cubes in a drawer.

Do you roll or do you fold? There are a lot of staunch advocates for both methods. Personally, I do both, depending upon the item and the trip. I tend to roll clothing I place in my backpack. It just fits better that way. I tend to fold t-shirts and pants when I place them in packing cubes in my larger suitcase. That is just how my brain works.

How to pack checked luggage

How to Pack With Hangers

My preferred method is actually to hang clothes. Yes, you heard me, I like to hang them! I use the metal hangers that come from the dry cleaners and then I ditch them before I return home, clearing even more space in my return luggage. Next I separate the hung items into dry-cleaning bags and fold them all together into the suitcase. This is the absolute BEST way to eliminate wrinkles and it is so easy to just pick up all your clothes at once and place them in the hotel closet.

I streamline other items such as electronics and toiletries to maximize space and keep things neat and tidy. Then I look at the whole she-bang and try to decide on at least one item to remove before zipping it up. Don’t forget to label your luggage – including your carry-on items.  I really like this Initial Luggage Tag with Full Privacy Cover.  

How to Pack as a Couple or a Family

It is tempting to keep everyone’s things separate when traveling as a family, but this is the worst thing you can do! Spread things out between suitcases in the event that one or more checked bags go astray. Granted, you will have your carry-on items, but it is also nice to have half your checked items arrive – even if your own checked bag is AWOL? Also, while it is nice to have the kids help, it is also a good idea to double check to make sure the essentials are in the bag.

Sample Packing List – Two Weeks in India (for a female packer)

The following list includes everything – even the clothes on my back:

What Are Your Favorite “How to Pack” Tips and Tricks?

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