How to Pack Designer Bags for Travel: Tips from the Experts
Traveling with your designer bags can be a challenge. You want to show off your style and taste, but also protect your precious investments.
How do you pack your bags in a way that ensures they arrive at your destination in pristine condition? See our editor’s sage advice for keeping your luxury bags safe in transit.
Before You Travel: How to Prepare Your Designer Bags for Your Trip
Before you travel, document your bags. Take photos of them, their receipts, and their serial numbers or date codes. This will help you prove that you owned them before your trip and avoid customs issues.
Invest in some maintenance products for your bags, such as leather cream, leather spray, leather, and suede protector, or suede brush. These products can help you keep your bags in good condition and help to prevent stains, scratches, or discoloration during your vacation.
Clean your bags properly, and regularly, and make sure to check them before you start packing to empty out any pockets, you don’t want to accidentally leave any items in your bag that might leak or scratch while in transit.
Seek professional help if your bags need repair or restoration before you go. Don’t try to fix them yourself if you are not sure how to do it. Find a reputable leather specialist or handbag spa that can handle your bags with care and expertise.
Airlines that Allow Additional Carry-on Luggage: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Bags
Choose an airline that allows you to bring extra carry-on luggage or has generous cabin baggage allowances. I prefer to pack all my small designer bags in my carry-on to avoid the stress of lost baggage or damage in transit. If I do put them into my checked baggage, I’ll drop an Apple Airtag into the zipped pocket of the handbag.
Some airlines let you pay for an additional bag online or have no weight limit for your carry-on bag. Others have strict rules and fees for bringing a carry-on bag. Check the baggage policy of your airline before you book and pack accordingly.
Air New Zealand: You can enjoy up to 10kg of cabin baggage allowance, which includes one carry-on bag and one small item, such as a handbag or laptop.
Scoot: You can bring up to two pieces of cabin baggage, with a total weight of 10kg for Economy and 15kg for ScootPlus.
JetBlue: You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase. There is no weight limit for your carry-on bag, but it must fit in the overhead bin. If you book a Blue Basic fare, however, you will not be allowed to bring a carry-on bag.
United: You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a shoulder bag or backpack. There is no weight limit for your carry-on bag, but it must fit in the overhead bin. If you book a Basic Economy fare, however, you will not be allowed to bring a carry-on bag.
Packing Your Designer Goods: How to Protect Your Bags from Damage and Dirt
Store your bags in dust bags or pillowcases when you are not using them. This will protect them from dust, sunlight, humidity, and mold.
Pack your bags with soft and cozy clothes, such as a silk dress, wool jumper, or a cotton singlet. These will cushion your bags and prevent them from losing their shape. However, don’t overdo it. Too much stuffing or pressure can cause your bags to bulge or deform. You also want to avoid packing anything that can harm your bags, such as sharp or heavy items that can scratch or dent the leather or suede.
Place your bags in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by soft clothes or towels that can absorb any spills. Avoid putting them near the edges or corners of your suitcase, where they can get crushed or punctured.
If you are traveling with a partner or taking a couple of bags, pack liquids & toiletries in a separate bag from your luxury goods. This will add an extra layer of protection in case of leaks or spills.
If you don’t have the option to pack liquids and toiletries in a separate bag then pack them in a reliable waterproof/leakproof case or packing cube.
After You Arrive: How to Care for Your Bags at Your Destination
Once you reach your destination, unpack your bags as soon as possible. Don’t leave them in your suitcase for too long, as this can cause creases or wrinkles. Give them some air and space to breathe and relax.
Check your bags for any signs of damage or dirt that may have occurred during your travel. If you notice any stains, spots, or marks, try to remove them gently with a clean cloth and a mild soap and water solution. If the stain is stubborn or deep, you may need to consult a professional leather cleaner or handbag spa.
If your bags are damp or wet from rain, snow, or humidity, don’t panic. Simply wipe them with a dry cloth and let them air dry naturally. Don’t use a hair dryer, heater, or direct sunlight to speed up the drying process, as this can damage the leather or suede.
If your bags are exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, be careful not to let them fade or crack. Keep them away from heat sources and windows, and store them in a cool and dark place. You can also apply some leather cream or balm to moisturize and protect them.
If your bags are not in use, store them properly in their dust bags or pillowcases. You can also stuff them with tissue paper or bubble wrap to maintain their shape. Avoid hanging them by their handles or straps, as this can stretch or distort them. Instead, place them on a shelf or in a drawer.
These are some of the tips that we think can help you travel with your designer bags safely and stress-free. We hope you find them useful and have a fabulous trip. Bon voyage!
