Not strictly, but it saves you from the classic 'toothbrush in another country' moment. A list stops overpacking, stops you forgetting boring essentials, and makes last-minute packing way less chaotic. Use our free generator above and you're done in two minutes.

Anything you'd cry about if your checked bag went missing: passport/ID and payment cards, phone and charger, essential meds, one change of clothes, basic toiletries within limits, anything valuable like a camera, laptop, or jewellery. The rest can go in the hold.

The standard UK/EU rule is containers up to 100ml each, all fitting inside one clear resealable bag (up to 1 litre), and you take it out at security. Some UK airports now have updated ECAC scanners allowing larger amounts, but you can't rely on it yet. When in doubt, stick to the 100ml rule. Check your specific airport before you fly.

Yes, but power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Airlines can have different capacity limits, especially for higher-capacity banks. If yours is over 100Wh, check your specific airline's policy before you pack it. Most phone-sized power banks are fine without question.

Three-step system: 1: Know your airline's limit before you pack a single thing. 2: Weigh your bag at home (a luggage scale costs under a tenner and pays for itself first trip). 3: Wear the heaviest stuff on the plane, coat and boots, and move dense items to your personal item if your airline allows one.

2 to 3 days before is the sweet spot. It gives you time to do laundry, replace any empty minis, and not panic-pack random nonsense at 1am. If you're a chronic procrastinator, write your list a week before and pack in small batches. The list is the hard part. The actual packing takes 20 minutes once you know what's going in.

Roll for casual clothes and T-shirts: saves space and fewer creases. Fold for structured items like blazers and dress shirts where creases matter. Real-world best practice: roll T-shirts and underwear, fold smart clothes, and use packing cubes so your bag doesn't turn into a jumble sale by day two.

Report it immediately at the airport baggage desk before you leave the terminal, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reference number, and keep any receipts for emergency purchases while you wait. Most airlines are required to compensate you for delayed bags. If it's lost permanently, you can make a formal claim. See our Travel Compensation guide for how to claim.