Holiday trips are exciting…until you open your suitcase and realize you packed too many sweaters and zero chargers. Packing can be a tricky game because somehow, something always gets left behind. Here are eight of the most common packing mistakes you should be avoiding this holiday season.
8. Forgetting That Snow Globes Are (Basically) Liquid Bombs to TSA
That snow globe you bought as a souvenir? It might not make it home in your carry-on. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about liquids, and snow globes aren’t exempted. If the globe contains more than 3.4 ounces of liquid (roughly the size of a tennis ball), it must be kept in your checked luggage. If you have a larger one, better to ship it home.
7. Ignoring Your “Personal Item”
Most airlines allow for one carry-on bag and one personal item. This personal item is often an underutilized asset. Professional packers recommend using a spacious backpack or tote as your personal item to house toiletries, laptop, and chargers. This frees up valuable space in your main carry-on and keeps your essentials easily accessible.
6. Your Winter Coat is a Packing Trap
When traveling to a cold destination, the common thing to do is pack your bulkiest winter coat. However, this would take up a huge amount of luggage space. The key to staying warm is layering. Instead of a single heavy coat, pack several thinner, versatile layers. Bonus: you can wear the bulkiest items on the plane to save even more space.
5. Forgetting Your Phone Charger
Phone chargers are one of the most frequently forgotten items. During the holidays, when you’re juggling travel plans, gifts, and family coordination, it’s even easier to forget this item. A simple double-check for your charger before leaving can save you money and the stress of a dead battery.
4. Packing at the Last Minute
A study mentioned in a 2024 Thrillist article found that almost three out of every 100 people pack the day of their trip. This rush often leads to forgetting essential items and a disorganized luggage. Sometimes, though, people thrive on pressure. Even if you pack late, having a pre-written checklist can help ensure you don’t leave crucial items behind.
3. “Purposefully” Overpacking
Yes, this is a thing, and this habit of bringing more than you need “just in case” contributes to holiday travel stress and expense. With airlines collecting over billion in baggage fees in 2024 alone, that extra suitcase can be a costly mistake. The simple fix? Plan your outfits in advance and stick to a packing list.
2. Wrapping Gifts
Arriving with wrapped presents is a classic holiday movie scene, but in reality, it can cause airport delays. The TSA advises against wrapping gifts before flying. If an agent needs to inspect an item, they will unwrap it. This applies to both carry-on and checked luggage. Instead, consider using gift bags, which are easy to open and inspect, or just wrap your presents once you arrive at your destination.
1. Not Making a Packing List
This is the original sin of travel, and nearly every packing mistake can be traced back to this. A packing list prevents you from forgetting essentials, helps you avoid overpacking, and reduces the stress of last-minute decisions. Professional packers mention packing lists as the number one tool for lighter bags and fewer “I have nothing to wear” moments.
