It’s a question that has plagued travelers since the beginning of time: should I check a bag or not?
Is packing a carry-on only possible or even a good idea?
In my experience, it’s unusual for me to check a bag. When we went on a family vacation to Italy back when I was in college, I learned my lesson.
Due to bad weather, our flight was delayed in Miami, so we missed our connection in Milan. We were stuck in the Milan airport for 8 hours waiting for a flight to Rome.
Needless to say, that was a nightmare but what’s even worse is the airline lost our luggage!
It took days for our luggage to be returned to us. Because of this mishap, I decided that if it could be avoided, I would never check a bag.
You do not realize how important it is to pack smart until something like this happens to you. The carry-on became my most essential travel accessory and I want it to be yours as well.
My goal with this post is to save you from the headache of lost luggage and being stuck with only the clothes on your back. Packing a carry-on doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful.
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Choose the right carry-on
Choosing the right travel gear when you’re packing a carry-on for any trip length can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. When it comes to choosing a carry-on, you’ve got choices. There the backpacks, rollers, hard shells, soft shells, travel duffels, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers.
But which is the right one?
I used to think that it didn’t matter where it came from, but after traveling more often I’ve realized that not all carry-ons are created equal.
I have 2 bags that I love, the Away Carry-On and the Monos Carry-On Plus.
I was able to snag my Away Carry-On during their first-ever sale at 40% off, but honestly, now that I’ve owned it for a while I would pay full price for it.
It’s light, durable, functional, and stylish.
Should you get a hard shell or soft shell?
Hard shells are great for protection but can add extra weight, while soft materials offer flexibility but might not shield your items from heavy rain or accidental spills.
Choosing a bag that balances these aspects with your specific needs will set you up for packing success. I love my hard shell!
I always felt like the soft shell was harder to fit in the overhead bins, but with a hard shell I know it will slide right in.
Important Note: Always check the carry-on regulations of the airlines you’ll be flying with.
Dimensions and weight limits can vary, and what works for one airline might not pass muster with another.
Opt for a bag that is versatile and fits within the most restrictive guidelines. That way you can avoid any last-minute gate-check surprises.
If you’re looking for some other great travel-related gear and accessories I’ve got you covered in this post about awesome travel gifts.
My new favorite duffle is on this list!
Packing Essentials
When packing your carry-on for a long trip, there are a few essentials you should never leave behind. These should be automatically included when packing.
Travel Documents
- Passport and visa(s)
- Personal ID/Driver’s License
- Boarding passes and travel itinerary (if not digital)
- Travel insurance information (if not digital)
- Emergency contacts and important addresses (if not digital, I have this in a note on my phone)
Health and Medication
- Prescription medications in original bottles
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and allergy pills
- Small first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Extra face masks
Change of Clothes
- A lightweight, versatile outfit
- Extra underwear and socks
- A sweater or scarf for layering (useful in chilly planes)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
- Travel-sized deodorant
- Compact hairbrush or comb
- Lip balm and moisturizer (airplane cabins are dry)
- Sunscreen (if you’re heading to a sunny destination)
Tech and Entertainment
- Smartphone and charger
- Earphones or noise-cancelling headphones
- Portable power bank
- E-reader or tablet loaded with podcasts, books and movies (download before boarding)
- Travel adapter for international trips
Snacks and Hydration
- Non-liquid snacks (nuts, protein bars, dried fruit)
- An empty water bottle to refill post-security
Pack Light and Maximize Space
You’re probably thinking, “Duh, I’m only bringing a carry-on, of course, I’ll be packing light”.
Not necessarily.
Packing light doesn’t always mean packing smart. Forget about hoarding the space in your suitcase with tiny toiletries and instead be strategic about packing a carry-on.
Don’t bring items that can be purchased at your destination. Think about what your trip entails so you can plan before packing a carry-on.
Use Packing Cubes and/or Vacuum Seal Bags: Yes, they really do work! These small, lightweight bags compress your clothes and make it easier to keep things organized. Try to get the ones that are “compression” because not all packing cubes will compress your clothes even further.
I have “non compression” ones and although they do the job, it would be better if they also compressed. If you really need the space, the vacuum seal bags are magical!
Pack like you’re stacking a bookshelf: This may be a hot take, but I don’t roll. I fold my clothes and then stack them like I’m stacking a bookshelf. I find that my clothes compress better if I pack this way.
Layer and Fill: Start with heavier items like shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. I use every inch of space by filling shoes with small items like socks, sandals etc. This will help maximize every inch of space.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Rather than packing them, wear your heaviest shoes and bulkiest jacket on the plane. It might be a bit less comfortable, but it frees up a lot of space in your carry-on.
Strategic Folding for Bulky Items: For bulkier items like sweaters or blazers, use the bundle technique: lay clothes flat, place a small item like a pouch in the center, and wrap the clothes around the pouch. This keeps your bulkier items compact and can reduce creasing.
Zip and Compress: After packing, I use my compression straps to tighten everything down and then I compress it while I zipper.
Yea, I need to sit on it but it always zips! I haven’t broken a zipper yet!
Dress Smart and Strategically
First, figure out what you’re packing for. Plan your outfits ahead of time and choose clothes that are versatile and can be mixed and matched.
Choose Versatile Pieces: Start by selecting clothes that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits from a few pieces. Neutral colors like black, white, and grey are easy to coordinate.
Embrace Layering: Instead of packing separate outfits for different weather conditions, choose clothes that can be layered. A base layer like a t-shirt or tank top, a middle layer such as a cardigan or flannel shirt, and an outer layer like a lightweight jacket can be combined or worn separately depending on the temperature.
Plan Your Outfits: Before you pack, lay out all your clothes and plan your outfits day by day. I do this by going through my closet and just throwing stuff on the floor. I then start to create piles for clothes that fit together to make versatile outfits.
Like one pair of jeans can be 3-4 outfits if I pack different tops that easily packed.
Focus on Fabric: I like to choose fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant, thin and durable. I can fit a ton of tops in a carry-on if I choose the right fabric.
Consider Your Footwear: Shoes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, so I only bring what I need. I always have a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a casual slip-on, and a dressier option for evenings. I wear the bulkiest pair on the plane to save space.
Accessorize Wisely: I love to bring accessories like belts, hats, jewelry and even lightweight jackets because they can dramatically change the look of an outfit. I only bring a few versatile pieces.
How many clothes to pack?
Talking about being strategic about packing is all well and good, but you’re probably wondering exactly how many clothes I actually pack for a trip.
This is what I would pack for a 7-12 night trip:
Tops – 9 (all lightweight and folded easily)
Tanks – 4
T-Shirts – 3
Jeans – 2
Shorts – 5 (including bike shorts)
Dresses – 4
Socks – 10 pairs
Underwear – 12
Lightweight Jackets – 4
Sweat pants – 1
Nightgowns – 2
Bras – 4-6
Shoes – 2 (not including the sneakers I’ll wear on the plane)
Hair straightener – 1
I fit my toiletries, hair brush, laptop, makeup, and other misc stuff in my Calpak hue duffle bag which I use as a personal item.
Be strategic about your personal item
A personal item isn’t limited to a tiny thing. You’re fine as long as the it fits underneath your seat in front of you.
I have an inexpensive back pack from Target that has lots of compartments.
If I’m traveling with more than one pair of bulkier shoes, I’ll stow them in the backpack along with my toiletries, hair accessories, money, laptop, and anything else I can fit.
My backpack can get pretty bulky with everything, but it will STILL fit under the seat in front of me.
Just make sure that you are not also bringing a purse and if you are, it fits inside the back pack for when you’re going through security and boarding the plane.
Once you board the plane no one cares as long as everything can fit under the seat.
To be on the safe side, I double-checking the airline’s permitted size measurements.
Some are stricter about what is considered a personal item, but I’ve flown domestically around the US on Jetblue, Southwest, American, United, Delta and have never had a problem.
Bring a foldable bag for your return flight
One of my favorite tips and tricks for packing a carry-on for long trips is to bring a foldable duffle or backpack.
I’ll convert the duffle bag into my carry-on for the journey home, then check my original carry-on luggage. I found the foldable duffle bag that I use in the luggage section of Target. It was cheap and a good size. You’ll also find plenty on Amazon.
It’s great for packing souvenirs or maybe you just don’t want to fold everything as neatly as you did before (guilty). It fits easily in your carry-on or backpack, and can accommodate a lot of stuff.
If you have a non stop flight home then checking your carry on bag is not a huge risk.
Do Laundry
I know that last thing you want to think about when it comes to travel is – laundry. But it’s really not that bad or inconvenient.
If I’m only traveling for 4-6 days I won’t bother with laundry, but if the trip is closer to 2 weeks then its a possibility that we’ll have to do some laundry.
You can check with your hotel to see if they have laundry facilities, but if they have to send it out for you it’s probably expensive (depends on your destination.
I usually just Google “laundry near me” or something like that and take my clothes to a laundromat. This is when the laundry bags that come with good carry 0n luggage comes in handy!
FAQs
Can I take my straightener on my carry on? Yes, items like hair straighteners, and curling irons, are generally allowed in carry-on luggage. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific airline you’re flying with to ensure there are no restrictions or limitations.
Can I bring a steamer in my carry on? Most steamers are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Steamers often contain water and due to the heating element and the potential for leaks may be classified as hazardous materials. To be safe, pack a steamer in your checked luggage.
Can I bring a speaker in my carry on? Yes, portable speakers are generally allowed, but it’s a good idea to check the airline’s policies, as some airlines may have specific size or weight restrictions for carry-on items.
Can bar soap go in carry on? Yes, solid toiletries like bar soap generally do not fall under the liquid restrictions imposed by the TSA. However, if you have liquid or gel-based soaps, they should be packed in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
Does a fanny pack count as a personal item? Yes, a fanny pack is considered a personal item. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a personal item in addition to a carry-on bag, and a fanny pack or a small purse are generally considered personal items.
Can you carry on an umbrella? Yes, you can carry an umbrella in your carry-on bag. Umbrellas are not typically restricted by the TSA, but it’s good to double-check with the specific airline.
Is a garment bag a carry-on? Yes, a garment bag can be considered a carry-on item, but it depends on its size and the airline’s policies. Some airlines may count a garment bag as a personal item or allow it as an additional carry-on, while others may require it to be stowed in the overhead bin.
Can I bring shaving cream in my carry-on? Shaving cream is subject to the TSA’s liquid restrictions. If you want to bring shaving cream in your carry-on, it must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag along with other liquids and gels.
Ready to pack?
You’ve got the tips, now it’s time to pack the carry-on!
Of course, there will be times when you must check your luggage even for a brief trip. That’s fine. You may still apply these methods to save space.
Before booking your flight, make sure to read my post on 5 big mistakes to avoid when booking flights and whether you should book flights direct vs. OTAs. Don’t let anything stressful you out, and most importantly have fun!
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