Incredible, but true: wrapping a suitcase yourself with ordinary cling film at home will be 20 times cheaper than if you had it done at the airport. In this article we will tell you how to prepare your suitcase for a flight correctly and quickly. The technology is not tricky and, perhaps, after the second time it will be difficult to distinguish your work from the work of a professional.
The cling film is very elastic and sticks easily.
1. We wrap the first layer tightly around the suitcase, starting from the top and ending with the bottom. The film should fit tightly to the suitcase.
2. Then we scroll the film, changing its direction by 90°, and close the top of the suitcase and the bottom. Feel free to brick up the handles and wheels.
3. Try to avoid wrinkles. Smooth folds and loose areas with your palm.
4. Wind each new layer with a slight shift so that the film lies evenly.
5. The more layers you make, the more reliable the suitcase armor will be.
6. Now all that remains is to free the handles, wheels and supports from the film. Make appropriate slits with a utility knife or scissors.
We showed how to properly wrap a suitcase with film, and now we give an example of incorrect packaging.
Here the bottom and top of the suitcase were left open. This means that at the airport liquid can easily penetrate inside, the suitcase will be scratched, and the film will quickly tear. It turns out that such “protection” is of no use. We recommend wrapping the suitcase completely, on all sides.
At the end of a short excursion into such a delicate art of wrapping a suitcase with cling film, we want to remind everyone of the proverb that says that a miser pays twice. Therefore, it is cheaper to purchase a special cover for your suitcase once than to learn new nuances of this simple matter before each trip. We advise you to look for one of these suitcase covers in the online store
Packing luggage for a plane is one of the most important procedures that are performed during travel. This seemingly simple task is quite difficult to cope with on your own, and therefore many tourists use paid suitcase packing services provided at almost every airport. With properly collected and packed luggage, the inspection procedure for items is significantly simplified(as well as transportation), moreover, this measure protects against theft - an unprotected bag is easier to open to get valuables out of it. How to pack luggage on a plane yourself? Today you will learn about it!
On a note! Packing rules may vary slightly depending on the specific airport. For example, it is not necessary to wrap hard, reliable suitcases with a combination lock, since they are almost impossible to break into or damage. As for soft bags, they need to be packed, but open bags are not accepted as luggage at all.
Why do you need to pack luggage?
Your luggage will only be allowed into check-in if it is tightly wrapped and there is no doubt that it could be damaged during loading/transport. Even fully compliant hard frame luggage bags are recommended to be packed, and there are several reasons for this.
Note! Try not to fill your bag to the brim with things! Loaders do not handle luggage very carefully; if there is a strong impact or pressure, the clasp may fail, resulting in all the contents ending up on the floor.
How much does paid packaging cost?
This question is of interest to those who do not have the desire or time to do their own packaging. Each airport has special packaging machines, which are usually located at the entrance or check-in counters. There are also check scales with which you can check. Sometimes the weighing service is provided free of charge, but often you still have to pay for it (about 50 rubles), but automatic scales work for about half a minute, so you can find out the weight of three or four bags at a time.
On a note! Additionally, bags can be weighed at check-in counters that are unoccupied by staff.
You can pack your luggage yourself or with the help of local employees - they will give all the necessary recommendations. Wrapping instructions are available at the packing racks, as are all required materials.
What is the specific cost of packing luggage in the capital?
- Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo. Here, for one bag weighing less than 32 kg you will have to pay about 350-500 rubles, and if over 32 kg - about 700.
- Domodedovo. In this case, it all depends on the specific airline. For example, Aeroflot clients can pay with bonus miles (2,200 units) if they contact PACK&FLY. Customers of other airlines need to pay 500-600 rubles per bag, while the packing process itself will take no more than 2 minutes.
In Domodedovo, packaging counters operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to PACK&FLY, similar services are also provided by other companies - VEX UPAK, Truestar. But the first one is still more popular, because it provides various discounts, packs the luggage of WWII veterans for free, sells special burglary protection and gives many other pleasant bonuses.
Self-packing luggage - important nuances
If you want to save money, you can try to do everything yourself. To do this, you will have to buy all the required materials and follow some simple rules. Wrapping bags can be done using tape and cling film (it is sold in all household chemical stores).
But before that, you need to put things together correctly. How to do it?
Master Class. Packing for a flight
If you pack your things correctly, your bags will not be stuffed to the brim, and fragile items will not be damaged. To do this, simply follow the instructions.
Step 1. See how long the flight will last. The list of things you take with you will depend on the purpose, and their quantity will depend on the duration.
Step 2. Take the essentials - clothes, shoes, underwear. Give preference to interchangeable items to reduce their quantity. For example, you can wear a smart or casual blouse with jeans, while choosing a top to match a bright pink skirt will pose certain difficulties. Choose accessories to spice up your outfit - a scarf will be a great decoration, but it will take up little space.
Step 3. Check the documents. To board the plane you will need a passport. Also take a bank card, but you don’t need to take “everything”!
Step 4. Flight information should be kept in an easily accessible pocket of your bag/suitcase. This measure will be especially useful if it takes place at a self-service counter (they have become increasingly popular in recent years).
Step 5. It is not recommended to take a lot of shoes. Two pairs are enough, regardless of how long the trip lasts. The shoes themselves are heavy and take up a lot of space, so take one pair for every day and one for going out. You can save even more space by wearing one of these pairs at the airport.
Step 6. Should you bring toiletries with you? Deodorants and toothpastes are sold everywhere.
Step 7 Take the minimum of everything.
Step 8 Don't forget to take a first aid kit with painkillers and essential medications.
Important! The main rule is to take an item if you use it more than three times. In addition, it is better to take all valuables in hand luggage (the fact is that luggage can get lost).
Now that all things are collected, we can talk directly about packaging. There are several ways, let's look at each of them in more detail.
Types of films for luggage packaging:
| Film type | Photo | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage stretch film |  | Protect your luggage and prevent scratches and dirt. Film characteristics: width: 250 m, length: 30 m, thickness: 20 microns |
| Film for self-packing luggage |  | The versatility of this film lies in packaging things in everyday life (including books, baseboards, curtains, linoleum during transportation, wheels, etc.). Possibility to choose color |
| Stretch film |  | This is an excellent film made from low density polyethylene. It is used to wrap various objects during transportation and long-term storage. This material stretches up to 330% of its original size |
| Cling film |  | Cling film is indispensable for packaging and storing any products. At the same time, it retains freshness, aroma and vitamins. Protects products from drying out and losing moisture |
Beautiful and bright stretch covers can be of different sizes and have various interesting patterns. A very convenient method, at least when compared with the one described below (you don’t have to bother with cling film every time). In addition, such cases look much more attractive.
Cling film
Table. Instructions for packing luggage.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
|---|---|
| Press the free edge of the film and begin applying the first layer. |
| Making an effort, make a full turn with your other hand - this way the film will stick tightly to the walls of the suitcase or bag. |
| While wrapping, be careful not to create wrinkles. |
| The roll of cling film should be in this position. Make at least five to ten wraps along the entire length of the bag/suitcase. |
| Feel free to wrap everything up. To ensure better protection, it is recommended to wrap not only the body, but also the legs and handle. |
| Cut a hole for the handle so you can use it easily. |
| Also remove the cling film from the wheels. It is recommended to reinforce the holes with adhesive tape to prevent damage to the film during transportation or at the airport. |
| All. Parts that are necessary for normal operation are exempt. |
| Finally, check the wheels and handles for functionality. |
Note! Luggage wrapped in cling film is outwardly distinguished from the rest by its transparency. The fact is that the polyethylene used at airports is denser and therefore not transparent. However, you can place a piece of paper with contact information under the top layer of packing material to mark your suitcase. This will also help you find it if your luggage gets lost.
Video - How to pack suitcases at the airport
Special belts
Let's take a look at another device - special straps for suitcases. But, as it seems to us, they are only suitable for protecting against accidental opening of the suitcase during transportation. Belts certainly won’t protect you from break-ins and contamination.
Another advantage of the straps is that if they are cut to get into the suitcase, you will know about it as soon as you receive your luggage at the airport. And this is very important.
What to do if the suitcase is damaged?
Baggage is damaged - what to do?
If you notice obvious signs of tampering on your luggage or the bag was damaged during transportation due to the fault of airport employees, you may well demand compensation. To do this, follow the following algorithm.
- Immediately after discovery, it is necessary to record the fact that the luggage was opened.
- Next, you need to provide data on your luggage (this could be special tags, boarding passes, etc.).
- The next stage is to search for a representative office (it must be at the airport) or employees of the airline that made the flight.
- After this, a claim form is filled out, detailed personal data and the required payment amount are indicated.
- Once stamps have been applied, copies of all paperwork left with airline employees should be made.
Now all you have to do is wait for representatives of the carrier company to call you back. As for the amount of compensation, it is usually about 10 US dollars per 1 kg of luggage weight.
In summary, we note that where exactly you will pack your bags - at the airport or at home - depends on your financial situation and skills. If you know for sure that you can wrap your suitcase correctly, you can save a little on this. However, airport packers using special machines can ensure the safety and effective protection of luggage, so this option is more reliable. Albeit more expensive.
Video – Luggage packaging equipment
At the airport, a suitcase and its contents face many dangers - carelessness of baggage handlers, dust, dirt and moisture, as well as unauthorized opening. Therefore, Russian airports offer visitors to take care of their luggage in advance. In almost all of them you can use the service of wrapping luggage with stretch film. Find out how much it costs in our article.
We monitored the prices for baggage packaging at Moscow airports and this is what we came up with.
Sheremetyevo
The price in Sheremetyevo ranges from 400 to 800 rubles. It all depends on the terminal and the weight of the luggage. For example, in Terminal C baggage packaging will cost 400 rubles per item. In Terminal D, the cost depends on weight: luggage up to 32 kg - 500 rubles. , over 32 kg - 800 rub. In all other terminals they charge 400 rubles, except for Aeroexpress – there you will have to pay 500 rubles.
Domodedovo
At Domodedovo, baggage packing points are located in the check-in area on the ground floor of the airport complex. The service is provided by two companies, both of which cost 500 rubles. The points are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Each company has its own so-called “buns”. For example, in the first, the service is provided to WWII veterans free of charge. For 50 rubles you can buy a service to protect your luggage from loss and loss. A passenger can also ask to have their luggage weighed for free.
The second company attracts passengers with reliable luggage protection. A special sticker is affixed to each suitcase, which protects the luggage from unauthorized opening. In addition, the luggage is assigned an identification number, which makes it easier to find lost luggage. Here, the passenger can also ask to have their luggage weighed for free.
Vnukovo
At Vnukovo airport, passengers will pay about 400 rubles for packing their luggage. Weight will affect the final cost. So luggage 23-32 kg will cost 350-400 rubles, more than 32 kg - around 700 rubles.
It is worth noting that in the regions the price for packing a suitcase with film is half as much. Some foreign airports also have this service. For example, in Australia, Venezuela, Kenya, Vietnam, Brazil, etc.
Prices are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
After studying the article, you probably have a question about how to save on the service that is offered to every airport client. Our answer is yes, it’s very simple, visit the online store’s website and order yourself a special suitcase cover at very affordable prices, because it will be much cheaper than spending money on packing luggage with stretch film every time.
read in UkrainianUseful information for travelers from tochka.net
© DepositphotosBy following a few important rules, tourists can keep their luggage safe while traveling.
- Do not unnecessarily carry expensive items in your luggage that are difficult or impossible to repair. It is better to keep any valuables: documents, cash and jewelry with you and not check them in as luggage.
- Before packing your suitcase, check all the clasps and locks of your bag to see if they were broken on a previous trip. Even if the bag's clasps and clasps are in good condition, a tightly packed suitcase can rip during transport from the terminal to the plane.
- Be sure to make a list of the items packed in each bag.
- A personal tag placed in a special transparent window of the suitcase (if there is one) can help identify your luggage. Or make a bright inscription on your suitcase.
- Before checking in your luggage, be sure to pack it in transparent film. This can be done both at the airport and at home using cling film or tape. Everyone decides for themselves whether they need film packaging or not. Here are some convincing reviews from passengers regarding the advisability of using film.
- Take your time when checking your luggage and make sure the airline tag affixed to your suitcase accurately identifies your trip's final destination. This will save your luggage from being unloaded early or stopped midway during transit flights and connecting flights.
- Please ensure that you receive the UPC barcoded receipt stubs upon checking your baggage. Today, with electronic tickets, it’s easy to forget about them.
- Write your name, phone number, city and country on your suitcases. If your luggage is lost, this can speed up the search process.
The main rule- did not find your luggage upon arrival - do not leave the airport until you complete the documents! Fill out all the information about your luggage in special forms. Be attentive to details. Write down a phone number where you can call for information about search results.
When going on a trip, you inevitably face the problem of packing things. No matter what kind of trip - business or leisure - packing everything you need and putting it in a suitcase becomes very difficult, even for those who fly frequently. To do this, you need to prepare and think about everything in advance.
If you do not want your trip to start with an unpleasant situation in which you will have to overpay for excess luggage, then you should carefully select the necessary things and carefully put them in your bag. How to pack a suitcase on a plane? We will talk about this in our article.
A small suitcase and bag can also be packed. Place there those things that do not fit in the suitcase.
In hand luggage with you You cannot take any liquids, piercing or cutting objects, etc. Check everything you put there carefully so that it won’t be thrown out or thrown away at the airport. It is better to check several times to be on the safe side.
