Vancouver actress shares carry-on packing tips for 2-week NYC trip

A popular Vancouver actress packed a chic summer wardrobe for a two-and-a-half-week holiday into one piece of carry-on luggage – and she’s not gatekeeping her style secrets. 

Jessica Lowndes is best known for her co-starring role as Adrianna Tate-Duncan in the popular 2008 reboot of 90210 on the CW. She was born in Vancouver and attended the Pacific Academy in Surrey.

The actress regularly visits friends and family in Vancouver, sharing her highlights of long stints in the city on her Instagram account. 

Lowndes recently travelled to New York for a two-and-a-half-week trip and only brought carry-on luggage. She’s known for her laid-back yet elegant styles and shared tips for travellers looking to pack light in the summer months (see slides two to five for Lowndes’ fashion looks).

“The key is to pack versatile summer dresses that can easily be dressed up or down and rolled up in your bag,” she wrote in an Instagram post. 

Lowndes packed more casual sundresses than any other item, with five (see slide five) in her luggage.

 The brunette star’s travel capsule – with her notes – included: 

• One pair of jeans (didn’t need them in the humidity)
• One pair of shorts
• Two tanks
• One maxi skirt
• One skort
• Three formal dresses
• Five casual sundresses
• Two bikinis
• One button-down for layering
• Two silk teddies to sleep in
• Two cardigans
• Two sandals (black, brown)
• Three heels (black, white, nude)
• One pair of running shoes (wear them on the plane to save space)
• Three workout pants
• Two sports bras
• Two clutches (silver, gold)
• One tote bag
• Travel outfit with a light jacket

Lowndes also shared a video of her wearing “travel-chic lymphatic drainage compression outfit” by Studio Sette with her carry-on packed.

What airlines fly from Vancouver to New York?

Locals don’t have many direct options to fly directly to New York from Metro Vancouver, although many airlines offer connecting routes through Toronto, Montreal, and other east coast hubs. 

JetBlue introduced a direct route in 2022 between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); it is the only direct option for the popular route.

Travellers may now enjoy JetBlue’s North American version of Business Class, Mint, on the popular route, featuring fully lie-flat seats, restaurant-quality dining, priority check-in, 15-inch or bigger TVs, a travel and wellness bag, unlimited high-speed wifi, and more. 

JetBlue offered its first “Mint experience” flight from YVR on Sunday, July 21. Special fares for the premium option will be available for a limited time starting at $799 one-way. 

One of the best deals available to New York from the Lower Mainland is offered through Canada’s largest airline, with return trips totalling just over $350. 

Travellers who opt for the low-cost option will fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is located in New Jersey. While it is in a different state, it doesn’t take long to travel from the airport to New York and there are several options to get there, including by bus, shuttle, train, or car. It takes roughly 40 to an hour to get from the airport to Times Square, depending on what mode of transportation you opt for. In comparison, it takes about the same time to travel into Manhattan from JFK, which is located in the NYC borough of Queens.

Air Canada’s Newark route has non-stop flights departing on all days of the week. While you will want to book well in advance for peak travel times, such as over the holidays, there are plenty of low-cost options during shoulder seasons. 

Travellers can also fly from YVR to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with Air Canada, WestJet, United, Delta, and American Airlines and flights start at around $400. However, there are no direct options from Vancouver on this route. 

What do I need to consider about bringing a carry-on?

Travellers headed from Vancouver to New York (or almost anywhere) should ensure their ticket includes a piece of carry-on luggage. Many low-cost carriers, including  Flair Airlines, don’t include these options in their lowest fare classes.

Flair only allows travellers to bring a small personal item, while carry-on or checked luggage costs an additional fee. The prices vary depending on the length of the route.

WestJet’s new UltraBasic fare doesn’t include a carry-on bag, either. Travellers may only bring a personal item they can store under the seat in front of them and cannot access the overhead bins.

The thinking behind the model is that budget-conscious travellers can pay a stripped-down, basic fare and comfort-minded passengers can purchase extras like the ability to select a seat, check a bag or access in-flight entertainment.

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