Make the most of limited carry-on space by rolling your clothes tightly. Packing cubes and compression bags maximize carry-on space and keep things organized, like separating dirty clothes from clean ones. Also, look for hidden spaces, such as the inside of shoes, to pack small pieces. Wear your heaviest items and pack a small collapsible bag as a backup for later.
Why Travel Light? The Benefits of Packing a Carry-On Bag
Using a carry-on bag versus checking luggage can make travel so much easier. The first advantage is avoiding ever-increasing baggage fees. A carry-on won’t get lost or damaged in transit and you don’t have to waste time at the luggage carousel.
You’ll always have your essentials within reach. And you might be surprised at how well you can travel without as much “stuff” as you think you need! Traveling light frees you up to enjoy the moment without worrying about when a lost bag will catch up to you at your destination, or how to replace something that’s gone missing on the road.
Once you’ve experienced the ease and benefits of a well-packed carry-on bag, you’ll never travel any other way!
Avoid Checked Baggage Fees
In 2020, baggage fees for airlines totaled $2.8 billion; by 2023, that number was $7.4 billion. The average fee for one piece of luggage is $40. You can avoid that cost with a smartly-packed carry-on bag.
Keep Your Essentials Within Reach
All of us have known that panicky feeling when your luggage either doesn’t make it to your destination or goes missing altogether. Avoid it by keeping everything you need with you in a carry-on.
Carry-On Essentials: What You Should Always Bring
Besides your clothes, medications and any needed travel documents are a must in your carry-on. Bring your toiletries and personal care items along; a liquid carry-on bag makes it easy to have them inspected at the TSA checkpoint.
Many travelers also add a lightweight travel blanket for napping on the plane or to hygienically cover their hotel bed linens.
These days, an extra phone charger is a must, and any power adaptors required for foreign countries. As a courtesy to fellow travelers, headphones that let you enjoy your music or take calls should be included.
Of course, snacks and bottled water will keep your energy and hydration levels up.
Must-Have Items for Every Traveler
Packing cubes and compression bags maximize the space in your carry-on bag. They keep you organized, which is essential on the road. A liquid carry-on bag protects your clothes against unexpected spills and makes the TSA checkpoint much easier to navigate. A lightweight travel blanket comes in handy on a chilly airplane or anywhere else you want to stay cozy.
Toiletries and Personal Care Tips
Some travelers prefer solid items like bar soap or dry shampoo over liquid versions. They reduce the risk of spills and can be lighter to carry. For liquids, use small refillable bottles or sample sizes. Choose products that do double-duty, like a tinted moisturizer with sun protection. Keep your toiletries in their own waterproof packing cube or zippered bag; they’ll be easier to access, whether in a luxury hotel room or a rugged campsite.
Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Your Carry-On Efficiently
First, check the size of your carry-on bag to ensure that it meets TSA requirements. Roll your clothes tightly versus folding them; place lighter items on top of heavier ones. Packing cubes and compression bags help you get even more out of your carry-on’s interior and stay organized.
Streamline your toiletries and either use a small packing cube or liquid carry-on bag to pack them.
Plan to wear your bulkier clothing; limit shoes to those that can be worn with multiple outfits and use the inside space to stuff socks or small items.
Finally, look for any hidden spaces that can be utilized to add extra underwear, a phone charger, and the like.
Choose the Right Carry-On Bag
Check that the bag will fit airline regulations for overhead or under-the-seat storage. Lighter bags are easier to carry, plus airlines charge for bags over 50 pounds. Squared corners versus rounded ones make the bag easier to store. Choose a carry-on bag made from materials that can withstand travel conditions, and consider if you want padded handles, straps, or the like. Look for a bag with multiple compartments and one that can be securely locked.
Use Packing Cubes and Compression Bags
Packing cubes and compression bags make the most out of every bit of space in your carry-on bag. Cubes come in various sizes, making them perfect for organizing everything (almost like a little closet), and keeping dirty or wet clothes separate. Compression bags flatten out bulkier pieces so you can fit in more items.
Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Carry-On Bag
Start by tightly rolling (vs folding) clothes; it’s a classic space-saving technique. Use every “hidden space” – inside of shoes, small pockets, and the like – for small items. Packing cubes make efficient use of space; some cubes can even be compressed making even more room inside the carry-on. Compression bags shrink down bulky items like sweaters.
Choose toiletries that can multi-task (like a moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen), and use small refillable containers for liquids. Store them in a liquid carry-on bag that easily fits into the carry-on.
Shoes take up a lot of space, so limit pairs to those that can be worn with many outfits. Wear your bulkiest items.
Utilize Hidden Spaces
Most carry-ons feature multiple pockets and little places to stash small items, both inside and out (just ensure those outside pockets are secured with zippers or similar). You can also tuck things into the inside of shoes or between packing cubes.
Choose Multi-Purpose Items
When it comes to toiletries, look for ones that do double-duty (like body lotion that can also work as a facial moisturizer). A hanging toiletry kit also features pockets to store a phone charger, earbuds, and the like. A lightweight travel blanket works on a plane, in a hotel room, or on a chilly night around a campfire. And think of shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits.
Carry-On Bag FAQs: Answers to Common Questions
Common questions about carry-ons involve the right size to fit in overhead bins or under an airplane seat. The typical size limit for domestic flights in the US is 22 in by 14 in x 9 in, which includes the handles and wheels.
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, like a purse. That personal item should also be able to fit under your seat.
Liquids need to be in TSA-approved containers for inspection. A liquid carry-on bag makes it easy to store your toiletries and present them for checking. Then you just slip the bag back in the carry-on.
There are also certain things that aren’t allowed in a carry-on bag, ranging from ammunition to straight razors. The TSA keeps a comprehensive list here.
What Items Are Not Allowed in a Carry-On?
Among the items not allowed in a carry-on include ammunition, firearms, fireworks, knives, self-defense items, aerosol insecticides, certain types of alcohol, and certain batteries. Again, check this TSA list.
How to Handle Liquids in a Carry-On Bag
Liquids in clear containers of 3.4 ounces or less are allowed, stored in a clear zip bag. Some exceptions include medications and baby formula, which can be carried in larger amounts.
An easy way to both pack and present your liquids for TSA inspection is in a liquid carry-on bag.
What to Do if You Run Out of Space?
Re-assess what you absolutely must bring and pare down accordingly. Use packing cubes and compression bags to get more space out of your carry-on bag. Roll your clothes tightly and look for any hidden space, such as in shoes, to pack small items. Pack small, sample-sized toiletries and wear your heaviest items, such as a sweater or jacket.
Conclusion
Smarter use of your carry-on bag can make travel a breeze. You’ll be able to enjoy the journey with less hassle (and spend less money on things like ever-increasing luggage fees).
You’ll be more relaxed knowing you have everything you need at your fingertips and don’t have to worry about lost luggage or wasted time spent at the baggage claim.
COCOON offers so many smart solutions to get the most out of your carry-on, things like packing cubes and compression bags. They’ll help you stay beautifully organized, keeping dirty or wet clothes separate, and making it simple to find exactly what you need without digging through your bag.
Enjoy the spirit of carefree travel with a smartly-packed carry-on bag!