Master the Art of Packing: 40 Essential Carry-On Packing Tips

Efficiently packing a carry-on suitcase can be tricky — a delicate balance between necessity and optimizing space.

The skill of packing smartly in a compact carry-on has become an essential part of travel!

Airlines have gotten pickier about luggage, and let’s face it, lugging around a huge suitcase isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. And who wants to pay the additional charge to check a bag?! Not me!! 🙋‍♀️

From mastering the art of rolling clothes to choosing versatile items, the goal is to pack efficiently without compromising on essential comforts. 

We’ve got the low-down on carry-on packing tips that will revolutionize the way you approach packing and will leave you feeling prepared to pack your luggage like a pro!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

10 Reasons to Pack in a Carry-On vs. Checked Bag

These reasons highlight the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and peace of mind that come with opting for a carry-on bag instead of checked luggage when traveling.

1. Avoid Checked Baggage Fees

Most airlines charge fees for checked luggage.

Packing in a carry-on bag allows you to bypass these additional costs, saving money for other travel expenses.

2. Save Time at the Airport

With a carry-on bag, you can skip the check-in counter and proceed straight to security, saving time and avoiding long lines during check-in and baggage drop-off.

3. No Risk of Lost Luggage

Checked luggage occasionally gets lost, delayed, or mishandled during transit.

Carrying a carry-on bag reduces the risk of losing your belongings or facing inconvenience due to misplaced baggage.

I have heard the horror stories firsthand of people’s checked luggage never arriving to their destination or arriving several days late which adds unneeded stress to your trip.

If you do have to check luggage, I recommend putting an air tag in it so you are able to track its location in case it does get lost.

4. Efficient Travel Experience

Packing in a carry-on forces you to be selective with your items, ensuring you only bring the essentials, making your travel more streamlined and hassle-free.

I have a habit of overpacking, often including items I never actually use in my daily life. Why would I expect to use them magically just because I’m on vacation? 😂

Therefore, packing in a carry on forces me to be more selective with my choices on what to pack.

As you read on through this blog post, you will uncover the carry-on packing tips that helped me learn how to be more selective!

5. Quicker Departures and Arrivals

Upon arrival, you can exit the airport immediately without waiting at baggage claim.

Similarly, during departures, you don’t need to wait for luggage to unload after landing.

This is an added benefit, especially if you are arriving home late at night when the last thing you want to do is wait for your checked bag.

7. Flexible and Mobile

Carrying only a carry-on suitcase makes you more mobile and flexible, especially when using public transportation or moving between accommodations.

This especially holds true when traveling internationally to multiple European destinations known for their numerous sets of stairs and uneven cobblestone streets, turning the task of lugging around a checked bag into a workout in itself. 😅

8. Reduce Packing Stress

Limited space in a carry-on bag forces you to pack only what’s necessary, simplifying the packing process.

9. No Risk of Damage

Carry-on bags remain with you throughout the journey, reducing the chances of damage or mishandling by baggage handlers.

10. Easier Travel Connections

During connecting flights, carrying a carry-on bag means you don’t have to worry about transferring luggage between flights or potential delays due to baggage transfer issues.

P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

40 Carry-On Packing Tips

Planning and Preparation:

1. Make a List

Start by creating a packing list that includes essentials based on your destination and activities you will be doing.

2. Check the Weather

Research the weather forecast for your destination to pack suitable clothing and accessories.

Your packing essentials will change depending on if you are going to a warm Spring Break destination or a colder climate.

3. Know Baggage Regulations

Understand the baggage restrictions and guidelines of your airline or transportation method.

Be particularly attentive if you’re flying with an international airline for one part of your journey, as their baggage restrictions often tend to be smaller than those of U.S. airlines.

If it’s your first time traveling internationally, be sure to check out these 20 must-know tips for first time international travelers to make sure you are well prepared!

4. Choose the Right Luggage

Select a durable, lightweight, and appropriately sized suitcase or backpack.

I prefer hard-shell suitcases over soft-shell ones because they maintain their shape.

This makes it easier to fit them into overhead bins when tightly packed, as they don’t bulge as much as soft-shell suitcases do.

5. Consider Your Itinerary

Plan outfits according to your activities, making sure they’re suitable to what you’ll be doing on your trip.

If hiking is on your itinerary, I like to wear my hiking boots on the plane since they take up so much space in my carry-on.

I know it isn’t ideal to wear these bulky shoes on your flight, but it does save a significant amount of space in your carry-on.

I love these hiking boots as they are really comfortable and not too bulky if you are looking for a new pair.

6. Coordinate Outfits

Mix and match clothing items to create multiple outfits using fewer pieces.

Pack clothing in neutral colors (black, white, gray, navy) as they are easier to mix and match.

Bring basic items like plain T-shirts, a versatile dress, and neutral pants.

Pack items that can be layered to create different looks. For example, a cardigan or a blazer can be worn with multiple outfits, changing the overall style.

Choose shoes that can complement various outfits. For instance, a pair of black boots or neutral-colored sneakers can match multiple clothing styles.

7. Plan Outfits in Advance

Plan outfits in advance to avoid overpacking or carrying unnecessary clothes.

Organize your packing by planning a specific outfit for each day and night of your trip, ensuring each outfit serves a purpose.

I highly suggest including one extra outfit in case it is needed.

8. Utilize Hotel Amenities

Don’t pack items that hotels commonly provide, like hairdryers or toiletries.

Check with your accommodations ahead of time to see what they will provide.

You can also look for miniature versions of the hair tools you normally use, such as a portable blow dryer which takes up significantly less space in your carry-on than a regular sized one.

9. Coordinate Packing with Travel Companions

If you are traveling with others, consider sharing items to avoid overpacking duplicates.

Or if you have a husband who tends to be a light packer (like me!) then you can take over his unused space in his carry-on LOL!

10. Prioritize Essential Items

Pack essential items first before adding non-essential ones.

This ensures you are able to pack everything you need before you start adding “just in case” items.

11. Maximize the space in your personal item

Consider purchasing a travel backpack that can be used as your personal item on your flight.

This one I have below fits a ton of stuff and fits under the airplane seat!

When I went to Zion National Park, I flew with Allegiant and was able to fit this under my seat. Beware though that there is not much left over leg room!

It fit four days’ worth of clothing, a pair of slides, and all of my toiletries.

Be sure to check your airline’s dimensions on a personal item.

12. Check TSA Regulations for Prohibited Items

If you are unsure of what you can pack in your carry-on, make sure to check out this all encompassing list of items you can bring and can not bring.

Clothing and Accessories:

13. Roll Clothes

I always roll my clothes before putting them in packing cubes in my carry-on.

Rolling clothes saves significantly more space than folding and helps to minimize wrinkles.

14. Pack Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

Opt for fabrics that resist wrinkles to keep your clothes looking fresh such as polyester or nylon.

15. Limit the Number of Shoes

Bring versatile and comfortable shoes suitable for various occasions, while limiting the number of pairs to ideally two or three – including the ones you are wearing on the flight.

16. Wear Bulky Items

Wear your bulkiest items, like jackets or boots, during travel to save luggage space.

This isn’t the most fun thing to do as it might not be the most comfortable option on your flight, but you can always take your shoes and coat off once you have boarded the plane!

17. Consider Compression Bags

If you are trying to find the ultimate way to save space in your carry-on, use compression bags to condense clothing and maximize space in your luggage.

18. Pack Versatile Clothing

Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, saving space and weight.

19. Packable Jackets or Coats

Choose jackets or coats that can be folded or compressed easily.

This lightweight puffer jacket folds down into a small bag making it easy to fit in your carry-on if you are traveling to a cold destination.

20. Limit Jewelry

Bring only the essentials and use a designated case to store earrings or rings to keep them safe.

Toiletries:

21. Travel-Sized Toiletries

Purchase or transfer toiletries into travel-sized containers to comply with TSA regulations.

22. Solid Toiletries

Opt for solid versions of toiletries like shampoo bars to save space and avoid liquid spillage.

They will also last you longer than liquid travel-sized versions.

23. Opt for Travel-Sized Makeup

Bring miniature versions of makeup products to save space for liquid and non-liquid products

24. Remember the 3-1-1 TSA Liquid Rules

For a carry-on, all of your liquids must fit in one clear, quart-sized plastic bag.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less.

25. TSA approved size toiletry bag

These are the clear bags I use to store my toiletry and they always go through TSA with no problem. They are quite spacious and fit all of my toiletries nicely.

Check out some more information on the TSA Liquid Rules for carry-ons here.

Electronics and Gadgets:

26. Pack a Portable Charger

Ensure your devices stay charged while on the go with a portable charger.

This is convenient to use on the airplane or while on the go to keep your phone charged if you do not have access to an outlet.

My phone battery drains rather quickly while traveling due to using Google Maps and looking things up on the Internet more frequently.

Therefore, these portable chargers are a must-have for me!

27. Bring a Universal Adapter

Pack a universal adapter to charge your electronics in different countries.

28. Limit Electronics

Bring only essential electronics to save space and avoid unnecessary weight.

29. Protective Cases

Use protective cases or covers for your gadgets to prevent damage during travel.

30. Limit Books or Paper-Based Items

Opt for e-readers or digital versions of books and documents to avoid carrying bulky paper items.

Kindles are a great option as they are slim and compact and easy to fit into your personal item.

You are able to download multiple books on a Kindle which saves much more space than trying to fit several physical books in a carry-on or personal item.

31. Consolidate Cables and Chargers:

If you have a lot of cables and chargers, use a cable organizer or pouch to store cables neatly and all in one place.

Organization and Miscellaneous:

32. Laundry Bag

Bring a separate bag for dirty laundry to keep it separated from clean clothes.

These are nice to have while at your hotel or accommodations to keep your dirty clothes out of your suitcase and in a separate place.

33. Pack less clothes and wash them on your trip

If you have a washer/dryer available at your accommodations, consider packing less clothes since you can wash them during your trip. This will save significant space in your carry-on!

You could also utilize a laundromat if there is one near your accommodations.

34. Leave Room for Flexibility

 Allow some space for unexpected purchases or last-minute additions.

Trust me, I have been there trying to stuff my newly purchased items in my already overpacked suitcase. It is definitely a struggle worth avoiding if you can!

35. Utilize Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help organize and compress clothes, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

I never go without packing cubes now! I am able to pack significantly more clothes when I use them vs when I do not.

36. Utilize Empty Space

Fill shoes with socks or small items to make the most of every inch of space.

37. Utilize Clothing Pockets

Utilize the pockets of jackets, coats, or pants to store small items like socks, underwear, or accessories.

38. Fold and Stack Clothes Vertically

Another option besides rolling clothes is to use the KonMari folding method to stack clothes vertically in the suitcase, allowing for easy visibility and access to each item.

39. Utilize Waistbands for Rolled Clothes

Fold clothes and roll them tightly, then slide them into the waistbands of pants or skirts to maximize space.

40. Utilize Side Compartments of Suitcases

Use the side compartments or pockets of your suitcase for storing flat or slim items.

In conclusion, mastering the art of packing efficiently in a carry-on bag is a great way to save on airline baggage fees and reduce waiting times in airports.

By strategically selecting versatile clothing, utilizing space-saving techniques, and adhering to TSA rules for a carry-on, you are prepared to start packing your carry-on like a pro

With these 40 comprehensive carry-on packing tips, you’re equipped to embark on your next trip with a carry-on only!