

If you’re looking for reasons to commit to carry-on travel these days, look no further.
American Airlines recently announced that traveling with anything more than a carry on and one personal item will cost you. American Airlines is now charging $15 for the first checked bag. Most other airlines let you check one bag, but charge for the second checked bag. However, many airlines are seriously considering following the American Airlines lead and instituting a charge for the first checked bag as well.
Ladies, I say that the thought of paying even MORE money for a flight is a great motivator to see just how compactly we can pack our carry-on bags!
Here are a few tips to help you streamline your carry-on packing:
* Make a list, and check it twice. It may seem like too much trouble but planning your packing can keep you from overpacking (and paying higher fees at the airport), and it can ease your mind about forgetting crucial items. Throw the packing list in the carry-on and check things off when you’re ready to come home to make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
* Invest in a good carry-on bag. Dig out your tape measure and go shopping! You’re looking for a bag no larger than 45″ total, or dimensions of about 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Look for those with an easy-access front compartment to hold your quart-sized liquids ziplock bag. Bright colors or patterns are a good choice for easy identification.
* Scale back on the electronics. If you normally carry a laptop, cell phone, PDA, iPod, digital camera, voice recorder and noise machine (I’m guilty of this), consider investing in an ultra-light new laptop (Apple’s MacBook Air is a great option) and an “all-in-one” cell phone (Palm’s Centro and Treo phones are very well-rounded). Buy an extra charger for each and keep them packed in a ziplock bag in your carry-on.
Read the rest of the tips after the jump . . .
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