7 tips to fly without checking bags

This post comes from Stacy Johnson at partner site Money Talks News.

The first time I went to Europe, more than 30 years ago, I took only a backpack that fit in the overhead. I've taken something similar to South America, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and back to Europe multiple times.

I haven't been traveling light all these years because of checked-luggage fees. Those are relatively new. Here's why I've avoided checked bags for decades:

• I've had luggage lost on more than one occasion. Think business trips are stressful? Try meeting an important prospect in the clothes you were wearing yesterday.
• Claiming luggage adds to the stress of travel. It takes time and requires fighting a crowd. I'd rather be heading for the rental car counter while my fellow passengers are elbowing each other at the carousel.
• The more luggage you have, the more hassle and expense you have. Hassle because you have to drag it around, and expense because when you check into a hotel, you have to tip the people who drag it around for you.

I'm not saying I never check a bag; there are times when I've had to. But I can honestly say I've checked none for at least 90% of the flights I've taken over the last 30-plus years. 

How to travel without checking a bag

1. Get the biggest possible carry-on. 

There's no reason to pack lighter than necessary. When you're shopping for luggage, go for the maximum: 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. Overall dimensions (those three added together) can't exceed 45 inches. (If you're traveling on foreign airlines, check their requirements before you buy.) Also make sure the "personal item" you're allowed to bring on board is roomy. When traveling long-distance, my wife puts her purse in a small backpack, and my computer bag is roomy enough to carry a few things in addition to my laptop.

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2. Pack early.

Many people pack at the last minute, cramming in everything "just in case," then sorting it out when they get there. I get my carry-on out a day or two in advance and start carefully considering what I'll need. Rule of thumb: If you think you might want it, leave it at home. If you know you're going to need it, pack it.

I also maintain a checklist on my smartphone, so I don't forget anything.

3. Sweat the small stuff.

What's the difference between a full-sized deodorant and a travel-sized version? Not much, but when you multiply it by all the stuff you're carrying, it adds up.

I use travel sizes of everything I take, and I don't always bring everything I have. For example, when it comes to stuff like shampoo, if the hotel is likely to have it, I leave mine at home.

4. Sweat the big stuff.

The two categories of clothing that require the most room are coats and shoes. That's why I keep them to a minimum.

If I'm going somewhere cold, I wear a leather jacket on the plane. When I arrive, I layer. Warm? T-shirt or short-sleeve shirt. Getting chilly? Undershirt underneath. Cold? Undershirt with long-sleeve shirt. Freezing? Add the leather coat. Granted, this system won't keep me toasty if the trip involves lots of outdoor activities, like skiing. But for most trips, it works.

As for shoes, I try to limit them to the pair on my feet, or maybe two if I'm going to need both casual and formal. And I make sure all clothing works with whatever color shoes I take. 

5. Think about what you're packing. 

Every shirt I pack will work with every pair of pants, and it will all work with my shoes and belt. This is one reason why I like jeans and khakis. Casual clothing takes up a lot less space than suits and is more relaxing to wear. It's also easier to mix and match.

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I go to New York periodically for TV appearances, as well as meetings with partner websites. In the old days, both would have required a suit. These days, having a collar on your shirt is formal. I've done network interviews in jeans.

When you get home and unpack, take note of anything you didn't use. Remove it from your list and don't take it next time.

6. Think about how to pack.

My mother was a roller -- she liked to roll up shirts and pants, claiming they took up less space and were less likely to get wrinkled. I fold some things and roll others; I can fit a rolled-up pairs of boxer shorts in a shirt pocket. Find a system that works for you and stick to it. This is another reason to start early: Try different packing methods to see how much you can compress your clothes.

7. Do laundry. 

Pop quiz: You're going to Europe for 10 days. How many days of clothes do you need? Answer: Five. That's because halfway through your trip, you're going to do laundry.

When you're at home, washing your clothes is a hassle. When you're in Europe, it's an adventure. Of course, you could just turn it over to the hotel and have the staff there do it, or turn your sink into a washing machine. But wherever you are, I'd encourage you to ask around and do what the locals do. It's challenging, interesting, will provide a unique experience, and you never know whom you might meet.

What about women?

It's a safe bet that a lot of females reading this article are thinking, "Sure, easy for you to say. You're a man. But from makeup to shoes, women simply require more stuff."

I won't argue the point. But I can say I've traveled internationally on many occasions with women who brought only a carry-on. And if you do a search for "traveling with only a carry-on," you'll find articles written by women who routinely do it as well. 

More from Money Talks News and MSN Money:

• 10 tips to save on baggage fees
• What's the best seat on a plane?
• 10 of the world's worst fees and how to beat them
• Smart Spending on the go: Get our app for Android or iPhone
• Government mulls looser in-flight device rules
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