Is it possible to wrap a suitcase to the airport? Luggage packing: cost of services and self-packing. How to pack your own suitcases in protective film
One of the most important procedures when traveling by plane is packing your suitcase at the airport. Despite the fact that this task, at first glance, seems quite simple, it is quite difficult to cope with packing on your own, which is why many travelers order a paid luggage packing service, which is provided at each airport. A properly packed bag or suitcase is a unique opportunity to simplify the process of inspecting items or transportation, as well as prevent theft, because unprotected luggage is so easy to open and take out all the most valuable things.
Each airport has its own rules for packing luggage. For example, durable suitcases with a solid frame and a combination lock do not need to be wrapped, because they are almost impossible to damage or break into. Soft bags must be packed properly, and open bags with things should not be taken into luggage at all.
Why do you need to pack your luggage?
At the check-in counter at the airport, luggage is accepted only if its wrapping is strong and there is no suspicion that the suitcase may be damaged during transportation or loading. Even if the suitcase has a solid frame and meets all the requirements, it still makes sense to securely pack such a luggage bag for several reasons:
- A packed bag can easily withstand the careless attitude of baggage handlers at the airport, withstand various mechanical damage, fabric tears, scratches on plastic and shocks;
- High-quality packaging is a guarantee of reliable protection against unauthorized break-ins: the contents in the bag under a thick layer of film are difficult to reach, so even the smallest external pockets will be safe from thieves;
- Protection from dirt, plastic packaging of luggage allows you to keep the suitcase in its original condition without any scuffs or stains. That is why it is necessary to carefully wrap even the strongest bag with a special elastic polyethylene film to limit the risk of contamination during falls from the transport belt.
Important! The bag should not be filled to the brim with things, because a suitcase at the airport travels a long way, and baggage handlers do not stand on ceremony with other people's suitcases, so a strong load or impact can lead to the clasp unfastening or breaking, and all the contents ending up on the floor.
Cost of paid baggage packing
Many busy travelers who do not have time to pack their luggage themselves are interested in the question of where they can order a paid service for packing suitcases at the airport. Each air port has special packaging machines located near the entrance or passages to the check-in counters.
Also nearby are check scales for checking the weight of luggage; weighing on them will allow you to avoid further unpacking of the suitcase if it is overweight. At some airports this service is provided free of charge, at others it is paid and often costs 50 rubles (in this case, automated scales work for approximately 30 seconds; with systematic weighing, you can find out the weight of 3-4 bags at a time).
Helpful advice. Luggage can also be weighed before packing at unstaffed check-in counters.
Packing luggage at any airport can be done either independently or with the help of experienced employees who will give the necessary recommendations. The packing racks have all the necessary materials and instructions for proper wrapping.
How much does paid baggage packaging cost at the main Moscow airports:
- Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo - the price of wrapping one suitcase varies between 350-500 rubles for luggage weighing up to 32 kg and 700 rubles for luggage weighing more than 32 kilograms;
- As for the question of how much it costs to wrap a suitcase at Domodedovo, much depends on the airline the passenger is flying with. For example, people who travel frequently with Aeroflot can pay with bonus miles; such a service will cost 2,200 bonuses if you contact PACK&FLY. At the same time, for each piece of luggage, Aeroflot passengers can receive an additional 50 miles to their bonus account. For travelers flying with other airlines, baggage wrapping will cost 500-600 rubles for each item, and the wrapping procedure itself will take only 1-2 minutes.
At Domodedovo Airport, packaging counters are located on the ground floor of the passenger terminal and they operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This service is provided by several companies: PACK&FLY, Truestar, VEX UPAK. The PACK&FLY company is especially popular among passengers, providing discounts on club cards, as well as free packing of suitcases for WWII veterans, the opportunity to purchase special burglary protection, and many other advantageous offers to customers of UTAIR and S7 airlines.
Additional Information. TRUSTAR GROUP will be an excellent alternative to PACK&FLY. Their counters are located near the check-in point for the flight in the passenger terminal of Domodedovo Airport. Here you can pack a suitcase on a plane for 500 rubles, receive special protection against unauthorized opening, a small sticker that allows you to quickly find your luggage if it is lost, and have your bag weighed for free.
Rules for packing your own suitcase
For those who want to save on packing luggage at the airport, you can try doing it yourself. The main thing is to adhere to some basic rules and buy the necessary materials. When wrapping a suitcase yourself, you must use cling film, sold at any household chemicals store, and tape. The first thing to start with is to properly fold things inside the bag so that fragile things are not damaged and the suitcase is not stuffed to the limit. To do this, you need to put all heavy and large items on the bottom (books, shoes, clothes), the rest of the miniature items need to be distributed on the sides and additional pockets, if any. For convenience, you can put each item in a separate plastic bag, this will greatly simplify the inspection process at the airport.
- The first thing to do is press the free edge of the cling film onto the bag;
- Secondly, you need to make a full turn with your second hand so that the polyethylene adheres tightly to the surface of the bag or suitcase;
- Then you need to make at least 5-10 full wraps along the entire length of the luggage;
- Wrap not only one side; for the sake of reliability, it is recommended to do the same manipulations with the other side;
- To provide better protection, it is necessary to wrap not only the body itself, but also the handle and leg, and then make small holes for accessible use of these parts;
- The slots for the wheels and handles should be secured with adhesive tape to prevent damage to the packaging at the airport when transporting luggage.
If the passenger wrapped the suitcase himself with cling film, then such luggage will differ from others in the transparency of the packaging, because the polyethylene used at the airport is much denser and is not transparent. Despite this, it is worth marking your bag and placing a sticker with personal information and a contact phone number under the last packing layer; this will help in locating your luggage if it is lost.
A little advice. If you fly often and are wondering how to pack your suitcase, then the best solution is to purchase a reusable, aesthetic and reliable luggage cover. An indispensable attribute can also be a fastener belt that protects the suitcase from burglary. If it is damaged, you can easily determine the fact of theft and file a complaint in a timely manner.
Damage to a suitcase during a flight
If a bag or suitcase was damaged during transportation due to the fault of airport employees, and the luggage itself shows visible signs of tampering, then each passenger can request compensation.
To do this, you need to do the following manipulations:
- Record the fact of hacking immediately upon detection at the airport;
- Provide information on checked baggage (boarding passes, baggage tags, etc.);
- Find a representative office located at the airport or employees of the airline with which the flight was made;
- Fill out a form with a claim, indicating the amount of compensation and detailed personal data;
- Apply stamps and make copies of documents that will remain with airline employees.
After this, you just have to wait for a call from the air carrier representatives. On average, compensation is paid in the amount of $10 per kilogram of luggage weight.
When wondering where you should pack your luggage, at home or at the airport, you should start from your own skills and financial capabilities. If the passenger is confident that he will be able to securely wrap the suitcase, then he will be able to save on this service. Special equipment at the airport and specialists involved in baggage packing can guarantee the safety of the bag and reliable protection of the packaging material, so professional packaging is more reliable, although expensive.
Video
Preparing for a trip is not an easy task. Firstly, you need to plan everything clearly to avoid force majeure situations. Secondly, you need to pack your items in such a way that they meet free shipping standards. This is the case if the tourist makes a flight. Let's look at a few tips and tricks so that everyone can properly pack their belongings and pack them in a suitcase.
Why do you need to pack luggage?
Some tourists neglect the advice to pack their things properly. It is not right. You need to pack even those bags whose frame and upholstery are made of durable materials. Such actions will protect luggage from damage if airport staff treat it carelessly. For example, after a trip, scratches or chips may appear on the plastic parts of a suitcase or bag, as well as tears in the fabric and other damage.
Plastic packaging will perfectly protect your luggage from contamination. Accidentally leaked liquids from the belongings of other passengers will not damage the surface of the bag. In addition, packaging can be a guarantee that the things in the suitcase will remain safe and sound. No one would think of tearing off PET packaging.
Important! How to pack a suitcase? To do this you need to use polyethylene. They wrap luggage in several layers. This method is also used for packing things when traveling by train, bus or plane.
It must be remembered that you should not stuff your bag or suitcase to the very top. During loading, if there is a strong impact or fall, the lock may fail. All contents will end up on the floor or ground.
Also, do not forget that before packing your suitcase on the plane, you must first familiarize yourself with the cargo transportation rules of the air carrier. Many have strict weight and size standards. You will have to pay extra for the excess. The cost of transporting excess baggage depends on the flight fare plan.
How much does paid packaging cost?
Some tourists do not have enough time to pack their things well. Others simply have no idea how to wrap a suitcase with film. Many people are too lazy to do it themselves. Especially for such travelers, there is a packaging service at each airport. As a rule, it is located near registration desks or the entrance to the building. In the same service you can weigh your luggage. In some cases, this service is paid. But the fee is symbolic - 50 rubles. You can also weigh your hand luggage.
You can pack your luggage either by yourself, by taking the film at the counter, or with the help of the packing service staff. For the convenience of customers, information on how to wrap a suitcase with film is posted on the counter.
As for the cost of the service, it is different at each airport. Approximate price for packing suitcases at capital airports:
- "Sheremetyevo" and "Vnukovo". For packing a suitcase or bag weighing no more than 32 kg you will have to pay from 350 to 500 rubles. If the weight of the luggage exceeds the established parameter of 32 kg, packaging will cost about 700 rubles;
- "Domodedovo". Since there are a large number of airlines operating at the airport, the cost of packing services will vary. For example, Aeroflot customers can pay for packaging with bonus miles. To do this, they need to contact the PACK&FLY service staff. Clients of other air carriers can pay 500-600 rubles for packing one bag.
At Domodedovo, all packaging counters operate seven days a week, without breaks, and around the clock. In addition to PACK&FLY, packaging services at this airport are also provided by other companies: Truestar, Vex Pack and others. It is worth considering that many companies provide discounts on packaging services to WWII veterans and other categories of citizens.
PACK&FLY stand
How to pack a suitcase correctly: detailed instructions
To avoid spending money on packaging services, you can do everything yourself. To do this you will need the following items:
- cling film on a roll;
- scotch;
- scissors.
Buying all this will not be difficult. It is better to choose thick film for packing suitcases.
Let's get started:
- With one hand you need to press the film against the suitcase or bag on one side, and then make one turn;
- Next you need to make several turns, holding the film on the surface of the bag;
- Before making the last turn, you need to put an A4 sheet of paper under the film and indicate your contact information on it.
The last step is a precaution. If luggage is lost, tourists who find it will be able to contact the owner.
Advice. During packaging, there is no need to wrap the wheels and handle with film. It will be inconvenient to transport the suitcase while traveling.
Do not forget that the suitcase is weighed before packing. This will help establish the exact weight. If it is more than the established norm, some items can be transferred to hand luggage or other bags.
There is another way to pack a suitcase - installing a special cover. It is made of durable waterproof fabric. With its help, the surface of the luggage is reliably protected from various damages. It also looks more attractive than plastic film.
Suitcase cover
What to take on a trip
Packing for a trip ends with packing several bags or suitcases. In order not to take anything unnecessary with you, you need to put everything according to certain criteria:
- The items chosen should be suitable for various occasions. For example, a light floor-length dress will delight you with its versatility. It can be worn both for a walk and for dinner in a cafe or restaurant. Classic jeans or simple polo pants can help out in similar cases. It is necessary to take into account that if the trip is full of sightseeing tours, clothing should be comfortable and practical;
- Clothes should be multifunctional. For example, pants that easily transform into shorts are great for both warm and cold weather. Jeans and modern sweatpants are considered practical and versatile;
- How much space will the item take up in a suitcase? Chunky jeans and jackets made from thick materials are not only heavy, but also bulky. If the weather permits, you can do without them on your trip;
- The item should dry quickly after washing. This criterion is especially important in countries with high air temperatures. After excursions or walks, you always want to refresh your clothes. But you may need it in just a few hours. That is why the item must dry quickly.
Some tourists follow the rule: 10 things for a trip. On the one hand, it is practical and convenient, but on the other, it is not very good. Firstly, the weather during the trip may not be what the tourist expected. Secondly, it’s unlikely that you can fit everything you need into such a quantity.
How to pack things in a suitcase
It all depends on what type of transport the tourist uses to travel. For example, before packing your things on a plane, you must follow these rules:
- It is better to put bulky items and shoes at the bottom of the bag;
- socks and tights should be rolled up;
- You shouldn’t take a lot of cosmetics (hotels provide care products for free);
- you don’t need to take a lot of clothes (you can always buy them on vacation).
It is better not to take large suitcases and bags with you. If they weigh more than the established norm, you will have to pay extra for their transportation. The cost of this service depends on the flight fare plan.
You need to be careful when packing liquids carried on an airplane. Each airline has certain rules. You can carry no more than 1 liter of liquid per passenger. It is worth considering that this 1 liter should consist of bottles with a capacity of no more than 100 ml. What is classified as liquid can be found on the website of the selected air carrier.
So, choosing the right shoes when traveling is an important thing. You shouldn't type it a lot. Two pairs will be enough. For example, sandals or slates, sneakers/sneakers/shoes. It must be remembered that shoes should be comfortable and practical. It’s unlikely that anyone will like it if it rubs during a trip. This is not critical, but it is unpleasant. All shoes should be placed at the bottom of the suitcase. It is worth considering that some models may be needed immediately upon arrival on vacation. It is better to put such shoes on top of all things.
Let's move on to packing things in a suitcase. Many tourists use vacuum bags. They are not always convenient for transporting clothes and other accessories. When traveling, you may not have an iron at hand to get everything in order. After pumping out the air, the bags take on an irregular shape. This is another drawback that will not make it possible to rationally distribute everything inside the suitcase.
Using a vacuum bag to transport a jacket
Note. Vacuum bags are convenient for transporting warm jackets and woolen items.
It is better to follow the rules in packaging - the entire space should be tightly filled. T-shirts, thin sweaters, blouses, T-shirts and blouses should be folded into an envelope and placed in a stack (on top of each other). It is better not to roll them up - this way they will take up more space. Clothes that wrinkle just from touching should be wrapped in special paper.
The suit should be folded on top of the things that are at the bottom of the bag. Initially, the trousers are laid out. The jacket is turned inside out and folded in half. It is placed in a suitcase lengthwise. It is better to button up your shirts before putting them away. This way they will wrinkle less. Collars should be turned up.
Free spaces in the suitcase can be filled with linen. It is better to put towels, pajamas and other similar items in a separate bag. This way they will not be confused with outerwear. Socks can be placed along the edges of a suitcase or in shoes.
Scheme for packing things in a suitcase
It is better to pack personal hygiene items in the side pockets. They should be in small bottles so as not to add weight to your bag. Still, you won’t be able to use the entire bottle while traveling.
Many tourists take equipment with them: laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc. It is better not to put such items in a suitcase. Loaders will not treat your luggage with care. There is a possibility of them being damaged during travel. It is better to pack equipment separately in hand luggage or special cases.
As a rule, experienced tourists have already developed their own scheme for packing things in a suitcase. But for beginners, this article will help you figure out what you need to take on a trip, and what you can do without.
Watch a video on how to pack a suitcase
Luggage packed in accordance with all the rules will make Vnukovo easier. The simple procedure of packing personal belongings can create a lot of troubles when flying. Baggage packed in compliance with all norms and requirements can not only facilitate inspection, but also prevent hackers from breaking into the suitcase, and simplify the search in case of theft.
When planning a long journey, you need to know what the permissible weight of luggage is set by the carrier company. If overload is detected during inspection, payment will be charged at the rates established at the airport. When calculating how many things you can take with you by weight, you must always remember that you will return home loaded with souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. To avoid an unpleasant situation with exceeding weight limits, it is worthwhile to provide a reserve of 2-3 kg in advance.
It is important to foresee in advance which personal items will go into hand luggage and what will go into the luggage compartment of the plane. The carry-on baggage list usually includes:
- personal documents;
- money;
- airplane tickets;
- mobile phones and other gadgets.
What is prohibited from being carried on board an airplane?
For those traveling by plane for the first time, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the list of things that are prohibited from bringing on board the plane:
- toy models of pistols and other weapons;
- manicure accessories;
- scissors and knives;
- sharpened objects;
- liquid with a volume of more than 100 ml, with the exception of baby food and medicines.
Packing luggage in Vnukovo
Properly packed luggage will protect you from damage due to unprofessional handling of airport staff. How are suitcases sent to the luggage compartment of an airplane? Fast and careless. Loaders do not care at all about the cost of your suitcase or bag and what happens to it after loading. Luggage may fall off the conveyor belt or become dirty. Therefore, suitcases must be carefully wrapped with special film. Packaging is not included in the cost of transportation and is paid separately.
The cost of packing luggage at Vnukovo airport is 400-500 rubles per suitcase.
Luggage packing counter at Vnukovo airport
Each passenger is allowed to carry no more than one transparent bag, which is hermetically sealed. List of items that cannot be carried not only in personal luggage, but also in the luggage compartment:
- gases and corrosive substances;
- explosives and ammunition;
- materials containing radioactive substances;
- poisons and viral elements;
- magnetized materials.
It will be useful to know that the maximum allowable weight of baggage that can be checked in for free in the luggage compartment of an aircraft is about 20 kg for a passenger with an economy class ticket and 30 kg for those with a business class ticket. If the flight is charter, then the cost of baggage transportation is zero. If a charter flight lasts more than 4 hours, then the total weight of free baggage is about 40 kg. The cost of transporting baggage weighing up to 5 kg is not included in the total cost of the flight. All questions regarding the transportation of animals should be clarified before
When traveling by air, each passenger takes luggage with him. However, unpacked suitcases are bound to get dirty. If the zipper has been in use for a long time, the bag may open involuntarily. In addition, unpacked luggage provides an additional reason for unauthorized entry. When preparing for an air flight, you should pack only everything you need in your suitcase, and also take into account the specifics of traveling by airliner.
When packing, you need to pack your things correctly in your bag. This will help avoid some of the misunderstandings that sometimes arise at the airport. Many tourists understand how to pack a suitcase on a plane correctly. The main thing is to do this according to the airline’s rules. This is not difficult to do if you follow certain recommendations.
Selection of things to lighten the load
The contents of luggage that a passenger takes with him on a trip must be kept to a minimum. The best option is a small suitcase belonging to the category: “carry-on luggage”. You won’t have to check in your luggage with it, much less wait to receive it when boarding at your destination, since you can take it into the cabin.
If it is necessary to transport a large number of items whose weight exceeds the permissible limits, they are checked in as baggage at an additional cost. Therefore, it is better to keep within the weight that is allowed to be carried without additional payment.
Minimizing wardrobe items
In this case, carry out the following actions:
- They make a list of the most necessary wardrobe items and other things that are simply impossible to do without.
- They soberly assess the purpose of the trip. It can be a business trip, an excursion trip or a beach holiday. Everything requires certain wardrobe items.
- Find out in advance the weather forecast of the country you are going to fly to. Otherwise, you might miss something (umbrella, raincoat).
- Correct selection of things. Even on a short trip, they try to take universal items of clothing that fit perfectly together. The same applies to shoes. It is better if it matches many wardrobe items.
- If where a tourist goes there is an opportunity to wash clothes, then this greatly simplifies the choice of things.
- You should not take an iron on a trip. There it is better to use quick-drying things that do not need to be ironed.
- If what a tourist is going to take with him can be purchased on the spot, then it is better to cross such items off the list when collecting. Naturally, these are not expensive things, but only hygiene products or an umbrella, which may not be needed at all at a sunny resort. Then you won’t have to overpay for excess luggage weight.
- Replacing large bottles with miniature jars. Many people cannot do without their favorite creams and shampoos. In this case, they can be placed in small jars. It is easier to get ready for the trip for those who have already been on tourist trips. All that remains is to remember what exactly was useful there.
Compact packing of clothes and shoes in a suitcase
Even if a person has never flown, he intuitively knows how to pack luggage on a plane. By folding things in even piles, there is no guarantee that they will not get wrinkled. It is better to lay them crosswise, with the most wrinkled items lying at the bottom. A package of underwear or swimsuits is usually placed in the center of such a stack. Everything is tightly tied together with the straps of the suitcase, after unpacking it, the things remain unwrinkled and in perfect condition.
The next way to neatly pack clothes is to stack several items of clothing together and roll them into a cylinder. If a passenger does not know how to pack a bag on a plane, then he can use a vacuum bag. Things are put into a bag, sealed tightly and begin to twist. Thus, the air leaves the bag and its volume decreases noticeably. Thanks to this simple manipulation, you can fit significantly more things into your suitcase. Shoes are placed in plastic bags and placed at the bottom of the suitcase. And since there is empty space inside the shoes, it can be filled with socks and other small items. In this case, the benefit is double: the tourist will save some space, and the shoes will not be deformed.
Proper transportation of liquid products
It is known that only limited quantities of liquids can be carried in hand luggage. To avoid misunderstandings, liquid perfumes and cosmetics should be placed in a transparent plastic bag. It is better if the volume of each container does not exceed 100 mm. No more than one liter of liquids are allowed into the cabin. Containers exceeding the permissible limits are checked in as baggage, having previously been packed in plastic bags. The fact is that during the flight the pressure in the plane changes periodically, and therefore a bottle may leak.
When preparing to travel within or outside the country, you should familiarize yourself with the flight conditions. After all, each air carrier offers its own conditions. In addition, the cabin class significantly affects the weight of free baggage.
In particular, a ticket purchased for a first class cabin entitles you to carry luggage of significantly greater weight without additional payment. However, there are also general baggage allowances for free, even if the allowable weight has already been reached. This could be a laptop, video camera, camera. Liquid baby food is allowed in hand luggage. There are no restrictions for him.
It is not recommended to check in jewelry, money, documents and other valuables in luggage. There is always the possibility of loss or delay. Additional wrapping of suitcases and bags with film will never be superfluous. This will greatly increase the security of your luggage. Traveling is always associated with new experiences and positive emotions. If you follow the above recommendations, then the road will not be darkened by anything.
In contact with
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.