• Stick to one color palette: One of the key tricks to 
  packing light is limiting your travel wardrobe to one color palette. This method 
  will help you avoid packing extra shoes, jackets, ties, purses and makeup, and 
  will also save you space in your bag and time getting dressed each morning.


• Know how to pack for security: Frequent 
  flyers are familiar with the aggravating back ups that occur when 
  inexperienced travelers don’t respect security rules. Avoid making one of their 
  amateur mistakes by emptying out your pockets, taking off your shoes, throwing 
  out your water bottles and beverage containers and packing all of your 
  travel-sized gels in one clear Ziploc bag in an easy-to-access place in your 
  carry-on. Current TSA guidelines are available here.


• Upload your work files onto your computer: If you’ve got a 
  big presentation to give, you may want to use the plane trip to prep yourself. 
  Instead of packing extra files and materials that you won’t need once you’re at 
  the meeting, upload your documents and charts onto your laptop ahead of time. Web-based 
  systems are usually great, but you won’t be able to access the Internet when 
  you’re in the air. Use a USB device for 
  maximum efficiency and portability.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you have to jump on another 
cross-country flight but want to pack light. Flight delays and trouble making 
connections make keeping track of your luggage more and more difficult, so it’s 
always best to pack a carry-on that will fit under the seat in front of you.

As a frequent business traveler, you’re probably used to packing up your carry-on and hoisting it up into the overhead compartment every week. Tight schedules have become even harder to manage thanks to flight delays and unpredictable airline issues, and you don’t exactly have the extra time to wait around for your suitcase to come around the conveyor belt with all of the tourists and first-time flyers. But many travelers are wising up to the carry-on suitcase trick to avoid lost luggage nightmares, and unless you’re the first one on the plane, it can be quite a challenge to find a spot to stash your overnight bag. To help you keep your bags light, portable and even malleable, read below to get some tips on how an efficient business traveler should pack a carry-on 

• Only pack the things you really need: If you’re traveling 
  alone, it can be tempting to add all kinds of goodies to your bag to keep 
  yourself entertained during lonely nights in the hotel or long flight delays in 
  the airport. Before loading up your travel bag with heavy books and DVDs, 
  however, be honest with yourself and really consider how likely you are to use 
  any of the extra items. You can purchase a magazine at the airport, and many 
  hotels offer Pay-Per-View or DVD rental 
  systems for their guests. In addition, leave out your swimsuit and tennis shoes 
  if you’re not going to have any downtime after late meetings, and don’t bring 
  the family photo album just because you think you’ll start to miss everyone back 
  home. Instead, upload your favorite 
  digital pictures onto your laptop or limit yourself to one picture frame to put 
  up in your room.


• Invest in a mini: iPod 
  shuffles, mini DVD players and travel-sized personal hygiene items like 
  deodorants and razors will save you lots of room in your carry-on. Many of these 
  electronic items have been on the market for a while and are worth investing in 
  if you’re a frequent business traveler. If you’re wondering whether or not to 
  pack a certain item, first ask yourself if it comes in a mini or travel size. If 
  it doesn’t, and you’re not absolutely sure that you’ll need 
  it on your trip, ditch it.


• Carry your coat: If you’re a regular on the New 
  York to LA flight, you’re probably used to dramatic changes in temperature 
  from the time you leave one city and arrive in the next. During the winter 
  months especially, these changes can be extremely inconvenient for travelers who 
  need to pack light. Instead of stuffing your coat into your carry-on bag, carry 
  it on the plane with you and stash it wherever you can once you get to your 
  seat. Wear layers so that you 
  can go from mild climates to chilly temperatures easily without overloading your 
  carry-on.