There’s nothing quite like the freedom of traveling with just a carry-on bag and personal item.
Traveling with only carry-on bags allows you avoid waiting in line to check bags and the dreaded baggage claim area, you can also quickly move through the airport.
These travel packing tips for flying with only carry-on luggage can help you get to your vacation faster!
Flying with checked luggage is becoming increasingly more expensive, and airlines are limiting the size of carry-ons.
It is more important than ever to start traveling light with only carry-on luggage!
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Shop Now Skip Airline Fees with these Carry-Ons from Travelpro!
Why Should You Travel Light?
If you can skip baggage claim, you won’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost or ending up at the wrong destination!
Additionally, checking a bag can easily add $30 to your travel costs every time you fly. (we have some trip budgeting tips and hacks here)
The amount of time spent at baggage claim can vary depending on the plane’s size, how many bags need to be unloaded, and the bag handling methods in place at the specific airport.
Most passengers must wait for an average of 15-50 minutes for their baggage to be returned. This can be a significant inconvenience, particularly for those who have to catch a connecting flight.
In addition to saving money, using a carry-on bag also saves time. It’s fantastic when you can walk past the baggage claim after a long flight!
So save yourself the time, the money, and the hassle by following our packing tips while flying using just carry-on luggage and personal item!
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Carry-On Only Helpful Travel Tips
If you’re looking to travel with only a carry-on bag, there are a few things you can do to make it work.
Here are some smart packing tips that will help you travel light:
- Make a list of the personal items you want to pack. This will help you narrow down your choices and only pack the essentials.
- Choose a smaller bag that can easily fit in the overhead compartment. Avoid bulky bags that will take up too much space.
- Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched. This way, you’ll have more outfit options while traveling light.
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This will save space in your bag and prevent wrinkles.
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane. This includes sweaters, jackets, coats, and shoes.
- Pack your personal items 1 or 2 days in advance to make them fit efficiently into your luggage.
- Plan to wear bulky items to the airport so you can save space in your luggage.
1. Choose the Right Carry-On Bag
When shopping for a carry-on bag, weight, durability, and size are key factors to consider.
Many airlines have weight limits for carry-on bags, and it is worth noting that you must lug the bag around the airport and lift it in and out of overhead storage bins on the plane.
When packing for your flight, be sure to check the luggage restrictions for your airline.
Many airlines have strict size and weight limits for carry-on baggage, so you’ll want to ensure everything fits before you get to the airport. No one wants to have to pay extra fees at the gate!
I usually go by the most restrictive airlines when deciding what sizes to buy.
For example, Spirit Airlines allows carry-on dimensions of 22 x 18 x10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) when flying domestically.
Most international carrier flights usually have dimension requirements of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm X 36 cm X 23 cm), but some have 21″ requirements. The dimensions include the wheels and handles as well.
I usually stick with 21″ spinner ones to be versatile no matter what my destination is and to make sure it complies with most carriers. Travel and Leisure has a helpful guide to help with luggage dimensions.
Here are some of our favorites that are durable:
After you pack your carry-on, check your bag’s dimensions and weight. It may be different when it’s full, and you want to avoid paying any unnecessary fees for a few extra inches or pounds.
Travelpro is our usuall go-to for carry-on! Introducing the new Crew Versapack. These Carry-Ons plus zip-in organizers allow you to personalize the way you pack!
If a soft-sided one is more preferable (mainly because of the pockets!) check out this 21″ spinner soft-sided luggage that has the charger and toiletry bag as well from Brookstone. We also love this 21″ expandable one from Travelpro and it is on Sale!
Another Sale carry-on set that will keep you from checking bags is this Travelpro Maxlite 5 Women’s Backpack /Rolling Carry-On Tote Bag Set in Midnight Blue
2. Utilize the Personal Item Allowance When Flying With Only Carry-on Luggage
Most airlines permit you to travel with one small personal item in addition to your carry-on bag.
This item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
The best bet is to opt for an enormous backpack you can pass off as a personal item while meeting the size requirements.
Double-check the dimensions and fill it with all the stuff you want to bring but can’t squeeze into your carry-on.
You’ll want to access certain things quickly, like your ID, wallet, phone, passport, headphones, and water bottle.
- You can also pack additional items that you couldn’t fit into your carry-on, like toiletries and snacks.
- Having multiple pockets in your personal item will help with easy access to the things you will need during the flight.
I usually pack a small purse inside of the backpack so that I can use the backpack as my personal item and rolling carry-on for overhead storage.
- The dimension limits for personal items on most airlines (including Spirit) must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.
We love this Soho Backpack from Baggalini because it can be carried like a tote or backpack and has front pockets for easy access to headphones and travel documents!
Check out our Travel Makes Me Happy free and useful Easy Travel Budget Calculator that can help with planning.
3. Wear Bulky Clothes to the Airport
One way to ensure you stay within the weight limit for your carry-on luggage is to wear your heaviest and bulkiest items. [….not all of your items at once like we’ve seen people try]
This means packing your favorite thin cardigan and flip-flops and wearing your coat and hiking boots on the flight.
While slip-on shoes are more convenient at security, the extra hassle is a small price for the extra packing space.
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4. Pack Mix-and-Match Clothes
When packing for a trip, choosing clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits is essential.
Key pieces to pack include solid-color tops, bottoms, and a neutral jacket or sweater.
Take note of which clothes are bulkier too. Jeans take up so much space, so only pack one or two pairs.
They should be versatile and match all your shirts and sweaters. You can also save space by wearing jeans to the airport.
Having really comfortable travel clothes that are versatile is also an important consideration when packing light. We love the yoga dress pants and super-comfortable denim from BetaBrand!
5. Roll and Compress Your Clothes
One way to maximize the amount of clothing you can pack in your carry-on is to roll them instead of folding them.
This simple packing hack will take up less space and allow you to bring more clothes on your trip.
To roll your clothes, start with heavier items such as jeans and sweaters. Then, fold each item in half lengthwise and roll from the bottom up.
Once you’ve rolled all your clothes, pack them into your carry-on bag and compress them with delicate items like scarves or socks.
With this method, you’ll be able to bring more clothes and have fewer wrinkles in your clothing when you arrive at your destination.
6. Pack Only 2 or 3 Pairs of Shoes (or less)
When packing your shoes for a trip, try to limit yourself to three pairs – two in your carry-on and wear the third pair to the airport.
This packing tip will help you save space and prevent you from overpacking.
Aim to choose shoes that can be versatile and work for a variety of different occasions.
For example, pack a pair of comfortable sneakers, sandals, and a pair of heels that can be dressed up or down.
We love our Birkenstocks for travel shoes (we have a review on them), but Frye Company also make really comfortable boots and sneakers that we love.
7. Use Travel Size Bottles
According to the TSA, you can only travel with liquid, gel, and aerosol items stored in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
If you only have large containers of your favorite cleanser and shampoo, transfer a small portion into an empty travel-size bottle.
8) Pack Ahead of Time
Packing your bag for the trip a day or two early can give you more time to place everything into your suitcase efficiently.
This can help ensure that you have everything you need for flying with just carry-on luggage.
This also allows you to really think about what you want to bring with you and what you really need (and don’t need) without being rushed.
9) Wash Your Clothes During Travel
If you’re staying somewhere without a washer and dryer, you can hand wash your lightly-worn clothes in a bathtub or sink.
Just be sure to buy some laundry detergent when you reach your destination.
Your clothes will be clean and dry overnight in most cases. If you are staying at a great short-term rental or hotel with laundry facilities, even better!
10) Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Our next travel packing tip for flying with carry-on luggage is to bring a refillable water bottle.
Don’t forget it needs to be empty before you enter the security checkpoint!
You may regret it if you don’t have easy access to water or have to spend $5 on a single water bottle at the airport when bringing one is easy!
You can even hook it to the outside of your backpack to save space inside.
Bottom Line on travel packing tips for flying with carry-on luggage
Checking a bag can add extra time and effort to your travel day.
First, you must drop your bag at the baggage area and brave the long lines, then you’ll have to wait for it at the baggage claim.
Both steps may involve lots of extra time away from fun and plenty of waiting around – no thank you! So it’s in your best interest to pack lightly and stick to one carry-on bag and a personal item.
If you’re a packing pro, you’re ready to take on the world of lightweight, carry-on-only travel.
Just follow these space-saving packing tips and rules, and you’ll have no problem traveling with only a carry-on luggage only.
Once you try it going back to checking bags seems like a waste of precious vacation time. Lightening your load with a carry-on bag will free you up to explore the world on your own terms.
Happy Travels!!
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