Advice for Traveling “Carry-On Only”
Carry-on luggage is quite literally what you are “carrying on” to the plane. To fly only carry-on means that you are not checking in any bags before boarding. And this is pretty much the only way I travel! It saves money and it makes for a faster experience at the airport in general (no waiting in line to check in bags or waiting at the carousel). That said, I’ve consolidated some advice for those of you considering making your next flight a simpler experience. Happy and safe travels!
Pack an additional “day bag” / purse
Ideal carry-on luggage is usually a bag that will allow you to fit the most inside of it, while still meeting the airline’s carry-on dimension/weight requirements. That can still be a pretty big bag you might not want to lug around town! Additionally, most people leave the bulk of their luggage at their lodging after arriving at their travel destination. That said, you might benefit from packing a smaller bag / purse for the day-to-day adventures at your destination. I’d recommend a forgiving purse or drawstring bag that can be easily tucked into your carry-on bag.
Check specific airline carry-on requirements and do a dress rehearsal.
Typical dimensional limitations for carry-on luggage are 22” x 14” x 9”. That said, there is some variation in these restrictions depending on what airline you are flying. Always double check that your (packed) bag meets the requirements for your specific airline. Although there are many stories of people getting away with testing those limitations, some airlines/attendants are pickier than others. I’d err on the side of caution. On particularly lengthy trips where I’m putting more into my bag, I sometimes run a “dress rehearsal” and pack the entire bag just to measure the backpack to make sure it meets the requirements for every airline I will be on.
Wear Cargo pants and bulky items to the airport!
My husband’s favorite carry-on travel hack is to wear cargo pants to the airport. I admit, I laughed at this at first but there is a lot you can put into your pockets! My husband even fit his Nintendo Switch (his beloved entertainment for the flight) in one of his cargo pockets. Personally, traveling to Iceland “carry-on only” was probably my most challenging packing experience because cold gear and snow boots take up a lot of space! Fortunately, it was still very possible. I just wore my snow boots and jacket at the airport!
Take advantage of that Personal Item *if allowed
Most airlines distinguish between a “carry-on” bag and a “personal item” and will allow you to bring both with you onto the plane. Rule of thumb: the carry-on bag will need to fit in the overhead bin on the flight and the personal item (usually smaller) will need to be able to fit under the seat during the flight. For me, the personal item is usually my purse. That said, I love to be hands free when I’m at the airport, so I usually opt out of carrying an additional bag and just keep my personal items in my pockets. Sometimes, I don’t utilize the personal item allowance until the returning flight (with my bag of souvenirs). Remember, not all airlines are equal and double-check the specific size-limits for a personal item.
Know How to Store Liquids!
The well-known 3-1-1 Rule is really important if you plan to travel carry-on only. (Each liquid must be in a 3.4 ounce or less container, all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized bag, and each passenger is only allowed one of those bags). A 1-quart sized Ziploc bag does the trick.
Pack an empty water bottle!
Many people learn too late (and with some frustration) that the water bottle they just purchased cannot go through security/TSA at the airport. Although true, an empty water bottle is just fine. It’s a habit of mine to literally empty my canteen outside the airport so that it can get through security and then I just refill at the gate.
Make sure Electronics and “Liquids Bag” are Easy to Reach!
Some airport security checkpoints will want you to take out your electronics and/or your bag of liquids from your carry-on bag. It saves some time if you keep those things “near the top” of your bag.
Clothing considerations: Are washing machines/driers available at any point during your trip? Will you purchase clothes where you are going?
This advice can go a long way in how much you decide to pack. Nowadays, checking whether the Airbnb has a washer/drier is something I look for first so that I can pack even lighter and plan on washing clothes while I’m on vacation. Although the chore of doing laundry might sound like the enemy on a vacation, it is usually not as labor-intensive as people imagine and in the interest of saving space in your carry-on so you can skip the checked-luggage, it is totally worth it. Also, if you’re like me and like to shop on your trips, leave a little extra room in your carry-on for the must-have dress/blouse you know you’re going to purchase at your destination!
Pack layerable clothing, Pack light
I remember that I used to pack two of everything “just in case” and would more often than not, ignore the vast majority of what I’d packed for a few staples. IMHO, having clothing options is overrated on most trips! Advice: figure out what the staples are in your wardrobe. Do you really need more than one pair of flip flops? Is there one dependable jacket you can take instead of four sweaters? It is a fun challenge to pack light!
Compression Packing Bags
I admit I was initially skeptical about the purchase of the compression packing bags… but THEY ARE AMAZING. Essentially, they not only provide a means of organizing the clothes in your carry-on bag but they also have an additional zipper that helps you compress the clothes so that they take up less space. There are several youtube videos out there showing you how the compression bags work but honestly they are pretty user-friendly and self-explanatory.
Dependable, Sturdy Luggage… Just in case
Lastly, on an overbooked flight, it is possible that flight personnel at the gate might request that your carry-on bag be checked in because there is no more room in the overhead bins. Although this is rare (it has only happened to me once over the course of thirty-some flights) this means that you shouldn’t opt for a bag that couldn’t make it through the rough-and-tumble world of luggage handling. All of my carry-on bags close securely and do not have flaps or open compartments for this reason. I’d recommend literally tossing your carry-on bag around. If you have to worry about something falling out of it, it might not be prepared for a (worse case scenario) last-minute journey under the plane. Regarding that durability and dependability, my husband and I swear by the Osprey bags (pictured in red and teal below).
