1.    Plan reservations as soon as possible to lock in current inexpensive fares.

2.    Select seats when you make the reservation, this way ensures you will be seated together.

3.    Print boarding passes before leaving for the airport. If you have booked online this option is generally available 24 hours prior to travel and will save standing in queues at the airport.

4.    Pack light. Weigh each bag at home on a bathroom scale before leaving for the airport so if need be you can lighten the load. International airlines are charging high fees for bags weighing in excess of 23kg.

5.    Take less. Organise what each family member wants to pack in advance to allow time to wash favourite things and to encourage participation by each person. This minimizes complaints upon arrival as each person was part of the packing process.

6.    Self-sealing bags of several sizes. Organise clothing by grouping adult items and children’s items. Children’s clothing can easily be organized by rolling an entire days outfit together – pants, t-shirt, underwear and socks. The dirty items can be put back in the bag at the end of the day to isolate soiled clothing from clean.

7.    Pack into as few suitcases as possible. The more bags the greater the chance that one will be misplaced or forgotten. Plus, high fees can be charged for additional checked bags. Some airlines now only allow only one checked bag plus one carry-on per ticketed passenger. A young child or infant sharing a seat with adult passenger is not considered a ticketed passenger. Many families.

8.    Travelling with your child’s safety seats and strollers. Each airline has a different ruling on travelling with this equipment so best to call or visit your airlines website in advance to check procedures and limitations etc. This way there will be no surprises at the airport.

9.    Pack a day backpack for each person. Parents can manage children better if they are hands-free. Kids fly quieter when entertained so allow them to choose their toys and to carry them. Smaller children manage better passing through airports, airport security and aircraft aisles with small backpacks. Bigger children can manage small rolling bags that will fit under the seat.

10.    Savvy frequent flyer parents advise bringing on the following in your child’s carry-on:

Gameboy, extra batteries and travel-sized games; Books (thin paperbacks are best) and/or colouring/activity books and crayons; Portable DVD player (however battery length is usually only about 3 hours); Pajamas and slippers for a long flight if comfortable children are more likely to sleep; Hard candies to suck on, request water or juice to combat pressure changes during take-off and landing; Anything else your child must have such as a favourite blanket or bunny.

Packing light will spare your back, your budget and minimize baggage hassles. Plan ahead, take less and have a great holiday.

1. Pre-Travel Things to Do

2. What can I take on board the flight?

3. Packing List: Toiletries and Personal Care

4. Essential things to take

5. Packing List: Baby Gear Extras

6. Smartraveller Hints and Travel Tips

7. Travel with less & save

8. Packing List: Clothes for Grownups

9. 10 ways to avoid or survive lost luggage

10. Packing Liquids