9 essential packing tips for traveling carry-on only
- Pick the right carry-on bag.
- Take advantage of the airline’s personal item allowance.
- Pack clothes for a week.
- Bring clothes that can be layered.
- Choose the right toiletries.
- Be selective about footwear.
- Use compression bags or packing cubes.
- Roll instead of fold.
In this post
Can I just take a carry-on?
Most airlines allow you to take a carry-on and a small personal item (check your chosen airline’s requirements beforehand). This could be a purse, briefcase, regular-size backpack or even a tote bag.
What is the most efficient way to pack a carry-on?
Adopt the right internal organization. Sort out your items by weight and size and start from the bottom. Place the heavy and bulky items such as your shoes and additional bag first. Don’t waste any space: fill them with lighter and smaller items such as socks and underwear (preferably protected by a zip log bag).
What does carry-on only mean?
Traveling carry-on only means you’ll avoid paying checked bag fees, you’ll have less to carry, you won’t have to waste time at the baggage carousel after your flight, and you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your bags.
Do I have to remove everything from my carry-on bag?
Can you carry your wallet through airport security? You must remove all items from your pockets, including wallets, keys, belts, coins, and phones. You must place this in the provided bins to be screened.
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?
Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns) Stun guns and tasers. Sharp objects (knives, axes, razor blades)
Do I need to check in if I only have a carry-on?
Carry-on requirements
If your items don’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, they may need to be checked. There may be additional carry-on bag restrictions at certain airports or on certain airplanes. We recommend labeling your carry-on the same way you do checked bags in case this happens.
Can I pack clothes in my carry-on bag?
Clothing. At least one set of clothing is a wise choice for your carry-on bag so you have at least one change of clothes in case your checked luggage doesn’t make it to your destination with you. If you plan to use only a carry-on for your trip, you’ll need to fit all of your clothing into the bag.
How many days of clothes can you fit in a carry-on?
10 days
You can pack 10 days of clothes in one carry-on bag. The key is to pack clothes that all work together, and of course, to use clothing organizers that maximize the space in your bag.
Does a purse count as a carry-on?
Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.
What do you have to take out of carry-on at security?
In Standard Screening Lane
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Do carry-on bags get searched?
TSA screens approximately 4.9 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Here’s what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly.
Does TSA check your pills?
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
Can you bring a razor in a carry-on?
So people ask us about this one all the time. Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They’re fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage.
Is toothpaste considered a liquid?
Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.
What toiletries can I take on a plane?
You can bring both solid and liquid cosmetics and toiletries in your hand baggage but they must adhere to some security rules. Any items considered as ‘liquids’ by security must be in containers marked 100ml or less and must also be placed into a transparent, resealable, airtight bag of approx. 20cm x 20cm in size.
What happens if your bag is too big for carry-on?
If your carry-on is too large, you won’t be able to bring it with you on the plane and will instead have to pay to check it at the gate. But even if it’s not too big, know there’s always a chance your carry-on bag will need to be gate-checked (free of charge) due to limited storage in the overhead bin.
Can you go straight to security with hand luggage?
Yes, straight through security when you arrive.
How do you pack shoes for travel?
Packing shoes in their original container and stuffing them with socks or packing paper can help avoid damage and retain the shape of the shoes. To help protect shoes from being squished, consider layering packing paper or bubble wrap between them.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?
Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.
What should I pack in my carry-on bag for a week?
Pack versatile items that can be used for multiple occasions. Only pack what you need! Utilize mini sized toiletries and travel sized bottles of your bath and beauty products. Roll your clothing to maximize space.