Carry-On Packing 101: Essentials to Bring and Rules You Need to Know
Whether you’re a minimalist wishing to travel as lightly as possible or you need more room than your checked baggage offers, a carry-on bag is a convenient and beneficial companion. However, the limited space of carry-on luggage and TSA restrictions on what you can bring on board can be tough to navigate. We cover all this and more in Carry-on Packing 101, so you can fly with confidence.
Why travel with a carry-on?
Whatever your reason for traveling, you likely want to reach your destination as quickly and hassle-free as possible. Flying with just a carry-on is often a more cost-efficient and convenient option than checking bags. And if you must bring checked luggage, storing valuable and essential items in your carry-on can provide peace of mind in the unfortunate event that your luggage is lost or stolen.
Let’s break down the benefits of traveling with a carry-on:
Cost savings
Many airlines charge additional fees for checked bags but allow free carry-ons. Limiting your items to what you can fit in a carry-on avoids added costs so you have more money to spend on your trip.
However, check your airline’s policy before planning your luggage; some carriers charge additional fees for anything beyond a personal item (such as a backpack or purse), and carry-on luggage is often pricier than a checked bag.
Convenience
Traveling with only a carry-on enables you to bypass check-in counters and baggage claims so you can breeze through the airport. This added convenience can be a big relief if you have a tight layover or are traveling to multiple destinations. A lighter load is also beneficial after you leave the airport, especially if you’re navigating public transportation, taxis, or crowded hotel elevators.
Reduced risk
Though the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that airlines mishandle less than 1% of checked luggage, that still amounts to millions of lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen bags each year. Traveling with a carry-on helps you avoid the frustration of scrambling to replace items and dealing with customer service by keeping your essentials within reach. Plus, any fragile or valuable items are likely safer with you than in the cargo hold.
Time efficiency
Traveling with just a carry-on saves time at every stage of your journey. If you’re not checking a bag, you can arrive later for your departure. And upon arrival, you can skip past those long baggage claim lines and get to your destination faster. It’s also quicker to pack and unpack a smaller piece of luggage.
TSA restrictions on carry-on items
Though traveling with a carry-on has many benefits, these bags are also subject to several stringent TSA restrictions that checked luggage is not, such as:
Carry-on bag size limits
TSA rules state carry-ons must be no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, including wheels and handles. Some airlines may have slightly different guidelines, so check before you fly. If you attempt to board with a larger carry-on than is allowed, the airline will likely make you pay to check the luggage.
Liquid rules
One of the most common restrictions travelers encounter is the 3-1-1 rule, which outlines size and quantity limits on liquids and similar items.
Here’s a breakdown of the 3-1-1 rule:
- 3.4-ounce (100 milliliters) limit per container: Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each.
- 1 quart-sized, clear resealable bag: All containers must fit into a single clear, resealable quart-sized plastic bag, like a Ziploc bag.
- 1 bag per passenger: Each traveler may bring one quart-sized bag through the security checkpoint.
However, the TSA makes exceptions to the above for:
- Prescription medications, such as cough syrups, when properly labeled
- Breast milk and formula
- Duty-free liquids, such as alcohol, subject to additional guidelines
Prohibited items
Items forbidden in carry-on baggage include:
- Weapons, such as guns, knives, and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches
- Self-defense tools like stun guns and pepper spray
- Flammable materials, including lighter fluid, fireworks, paints, and gasoline. Travelers may carry one lighter or box of safety matches on their person.
- Batteries and electronics, such as lithium ion batteries and power banks over 100-watt-hour capacity
You may also need to check some larger items, such as sporting or musical equipment.
10 essentials for carry-on luggage
Packing the right items in your carry-on helps you have a smooth and comfortable travel experience. Here’s what to pack in a carry-on bag:
Travel documents
You’ll want to keep important documents, like your ID, passport, and visas, somewhere safe and easily accessible. Storing these in your carry-on allows you to reach them when needed–like when you’re going through security or customs–and is often safer than carrying them in your pocket.
Wallet and money
Keeping your wallet in your carry-on bag can also help prevent loss or theft. Consider packing a small amount of emergency cash in a separate compartment for unforeseen situations.
Clothing basics
Pack 2-3 sets of clothing basics, like comfortable pants and tops, that you can mix and match for multiple looks. Having one or two dressy options is also a good idea if you plan to go out on the town.
And don’t forget essentials like socks, undergarments, and the appropriate shoes for the activities on your itinerary.
Toiletries
Adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule by travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoo, face wash, and toothpaste, in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. A small brush or comb and a pack of wet wipes can also come in handy for freshening up on the go.
Electronics
While you’ll probably want to keep frequently used items like your smartphone and earbuds on your person, your carry-on bag is a great place for bulkier items like a tablet or e-reader that you use less often. Also pack a power bank or spare battery (while keeping in mind TSA guidelines), charging cables, and any necessary adapters if you’re traveling internationally.
Analog entertainment
You might not always have an outlet nearby to charge your devices when traveling. A deck of cards or a printed book can help pass the time if your phone or tablet dies–or if you just prefer to unplug for a while. A small notebook or journal can also be great for jotting down thoughts, plans, or memories while traveling.
Comfort items
Bring items like a neck pillow, eye mask, and a small blanket to keep you comfortable during a long flight or layover. These small additions can make a big difference, especially for overnight trips.
Snacks
Snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit are great for long flights or unexpected delays and aren’t subject to the 3-1-1 rule. Packing a few of these non-perishable, travel-friendly items can save you money and keep hunger at bay when food options are limited or overpriced.
First aid kit
A small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness tablets can feel like a lifesaver when you’re traveling. If you’re carrying prescription medications, make sure they’re properly labeled and packed together in case security wants to check them.
Reusable items
Stay hydrated by packing an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing through security. Many airports now have water refill stations, making it easy to save money and reduce plastic waste. Reusable utensils and a small food container can also come in handy when eating on the go.
Tips for maximizing carry-on space
Here are a few simple strategies to help you get the most out of your carry-on:
Pack smart
The right packing techniques can maximize the space in your bag. For example, rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles. Consider packing cubes to organize your belongings efficiently and compression bags to squeeze out excess air and give you more room for essentials. Ensure no space is wasted by tucking socks and underwear inside shoes and fitting chargers, toiletries, and other compact essentials in the gaps between larger items.
Optimize your personal item
Most airlines allow a personal item, such as a backpack, purse, or tote bag, in addition to your carry-on. Use this to your advantage by packing heavier or bulkier items, like electronics and books, in your personal item. This frees up room in your carry-on for clothing and other essentials.
Wear what you can
Unless you’re traveling to a tropical climate, consider wearing your heavy or bulky clothing on the plane. Shoes, jackets, and sweaters can take up significant luggage space, but are usually manageable to wear or carry. And if it’s chilly on the plane, the extra layers will keep you warm.
Minimize
Ultimately, the best space-saving strategy is simply bringing less stuff. Skip packing items “just in case,” unless you’d truly need them in an emergency. You can also adopt a minimalist mindset by focusing on multi-purpose items. For instance, a soft jacket could serve as a pillow, and a large scarf could double as a blanket in a pinch.
Travel insurance for your carry-on
Traveling with your items in a carry-on doesn’t mean they are completely safe from being lost or damaged. Most travel insurance policies include Baggage & Personal Items Loss coverage to provide reimbursement for damaged, stolen, or lost luggage.
Written by Casey Clague