Executive Travel

* Name: Jill Orcutt, Santa Monica

* Position: Marketing director

* Company: Mascot Metropolitan, Inc., South San Francisco

Jill Orcutt, whose company manufactures Tutto luggage, offers these packing-related tips to help travelers get organized, economize on space and arrive with packables intact and rack fresh:

* Wardrobe. Plan clothing combinations that allow you to mix and match various pieces. If traveling light is a goal, pack neutral colors and mostly solid patterns while avoiding ensembles where pieces can’t be worn with other combinations. Pack shoes around the perimeter of the bag, with underwear, sleep wear, sweaters, shirts and ties in the center and suites and dresses on the top. Other items can be tucked where space permits.

* Suits. To assure wrinkle-free suits, position pants’ waists against the shorter side of the case, lengthwise, with the legs hanging out; alternate direction with each ensuing pair of pants. Next, stack jackets and place atop pants with shoulders against the back side of the case and bottoms of jackets hanging out the front. Make sure the sleeves are smooth and lying flat. Fold all the pant legs over the jackets, then fold all the sleeves over the pant legs.

* Dresses. Dresses can be packed in much the same manner as described for suits. Alternatively, stack dresses, five or less per stack, and fold all the sleeves over the front of the top dress. After smoothing the sleeves, roll the stack from shoulder to hem. This method works especially well for soft sided bags.

* Potpourri. Always make sure bags are tightly packed to avoid shifting and potential wrinkling. To avoid taking space with bulky clothing items, wear them rather than packing them. Place little items, such as travel alarm clocks or an extra pair of glasses, inside packed shoes. And never, never pack tickets, passport, jewelry, medication and other important possessions in your checked baggage. Carry them with you at all times. Many smart travelers even pack one change of clothes in their carry-on bag, just in case checked luggage is delayed.

* Make a list. To avoid forgetting an essential item, write down all the things you want to pack and check them off your list as they go into your suitcase or as they are eliminated.

* Call ahead. Always check with the hotel or friends you’ll be staying with to see what items can be provided for you. Most hotels today offer complimentary toiletries and many provide bath robes and hair dryers for guest use. Also check on laundry service and irons and what equipment and business services are available.

Do you have advice for fellow business travelers or a travel-related experience you would like to share? Please mail your typewritten contribution to Executive Travel Editor, Los Angeles Times--Business News, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Or fax it to (213) 237-7837. Or send it electronically to 3666973@mcimail.com on the Internet. Please be as detailed as possible and include your name, title, company and a daytime phone.