Packing and Luggage
 

I recognize that this topic is not, strictly speaking, about frequent flyer programs. However, it seems that quite a few of us are frequent business travelers and that it may, therefore, be worthwhile to share tips on packing and luggage.

For example, does anyone have interesting techniques for packing neckties, shirts, blouses and suits without wrinkles?

I put everything in the plastic bags from the dry cleaner (one inside a shirt/coat and one over it too). Seems to work pretty well. Rarely have to have anything pressed tho I admit to a few "steamings" in the bathroom upon arrival!

Oh yeah -- ties get wound up and put inside shoes or coat pockets...

my solution to this problem: I motivate Gisela to accompany me (I am a pasha).

Catman will be proud of me, I am going to bring this subject back to FF programmes:

In the UK (I don't know about US) if you 'phone HiltonHonours they will provide you with a gift of a shirt/tie garment back.

It is OK! And it keeps the creases out.
MF

Garment/suit bags work well, and another very good option is the 'Stuffed Shirt', which I have seen for sale at John Lewis in London. Depending on the one that you choose you can pack 1 - 3 shirts/blouses, a tie, belt, underwear and toiletries in a very compact space without creasing. http://roadwarriorgear.com/rwg/luggear.html is a US site that shows them/sells them, and Woodruffs of Winchester http://www.woodruffs.mcmail.com/indexa.htm also sells them (UK) The versions available from these two sites are slightly different (nylon vs cotton, & more expensive in the UK)

I also like the 'roller' type luggage, which can be *carried* on board as hand luggage. Different companies again offer different versions, but a lot include a garment bag/shoe compartment, and there are even some with space for your laptop. (I like this...)

Choosing your clothing wisely also helps to minimise/disguise creases - knit fabrics obviously crease less, & dark, textured or patterned fabrics don't show mild creases. If you want to minimise space/weight, socks & underwear can be used to maintain shoe shape, & always pack the heavy items at the bottom of your luggage - place your linen shirts on top of everything else! Folding crease-prone clothes around sweaters/t-shirts helps to soften the creases, and if you must fold a jacket fold it horizontally, not lengthwise - the creases will be less obvious & 'hang out' much more easily.

Finally, if you don't want to iron, hanging clothes in a steamy bathroom helps to get rid of creases, & in the case of dire necessity, dampen the crease slightly & use a hairdryer to 'steam' it out.

I use those plastic sweater bags for a dress
shirt, pants and tie if I know I'm going to fly in and go straight to a meeting or a wedding/event. I carry this in my carry on
so it doesn't get too wrinkled (and just in case my luggage gets lost.)

Merry Flyer: I assume that we would have to pay for that Hilton shirt. Otherwise it's a very generous gift from them. I am proud of your entry! CATMAN