Pack Smart and Avoid the Baggage Claim

It's midnight at Newark airport, you're hungry and tired, and you just discovered your luggage didn't leave the ground in San Francisco — six hours ago. Unfortunately almost everyone who travels on business has a similar (or worse) story to tell. The baggage claim is one of the supreme headaches of the business traveler's existence. And beyond the risk of loss, who wants to give up precious time while your luggage makes its perilous journey from the cargo hold to the conveyor belt?

You've probably considered using carry-on luggage, but airline mandates limit the size of your bag — some airlines won't let anything on that can’t fit through a doggie door. The prospect of even getting everything you need into that tiny bag is downright daunting. But it can be done. With a little planning and some efficient packing, you can bypass the baggage-claim cattle call and be safely on your way to your hotel.

Use some or all of these tips to lighten your load and help make the transition to your destination a little quicker and a little less stressful. And be sure to waive at everyone in baggage claim as you breeze by:

• Check the weather before you leave. Good weather means you can leave your sweaters and raincoat at home. Beyond the climate, consider the events you’ll be attending. Do you really need a blazer?
• Make a list. Without one you might be tempted to pack anything that catches your eye — even if your trip is just overnight. Once you've made the list, be ruthless. Cut out everything you don't really need and stick to it.
• Do you really need those linen pants? Pack clothes that require minimal care and won't wrinkle. Avoid bringing too many accessories and stick to basic colors such as navy, black, charcoal, khaki, and white.
• Create more luggage space by rolling items. Put rolled socks, hose, and ties inside your shoes.
• Use dry cleaning bags. They'll help minimize wrinkling.
• Take one pair of shoes. If you must bring more, wear your heaviest, bulkiest shoes on the plane.
• Don't bring a hairdryer, iron, or robe. These items are typically available at most business-class hotels.
• Leave the umbrella at home. You can borrow one at most hotels.
• Bring travel-size toiletries. You can buy compact toiletries at your local drug or grocery store. If you don't want to buy new shampoo, for instance, use film canisters or other plastic containers and fill them with your own supply. Many hotels also provide complimentary toiletries.
• Need to read? Instead of bringing along your trade publications, tear out the articles you want to read. Buy used books and consider leaving them in the room for the next guest.