Carry-on tips come and go. We’ve seen everything from The Airport Jacket (toggles between coat and bag) to smart bags (with tracking systems) that are now banned at least by American Air. With changing guidelines, it’s smart to check newest carry-on tips regularly.
Here are current carry-on guidelines to help get more items on board with more success.
In General
Always check the airline baggage guidelines before travelling. Measure both your carry-on bags and your checked bag to make sure all comply. Are wheeled bags still a good option? They go a long way to saving back and shoulder strain but because wheels are counted as part of the bag’s dimensions, consider the pros and cons – easy to tote vs more clothes space.
Keep it light. When shopping for travel bags, opt for the lightest carry-on bag you can find.
Before leaving home, weigh your bags. Knowing that the weight and size of your cases comply goes a long way to giving you peace of mind that you won’t be scrambling for solutions last minute at the airport.
Make a list and stick to it.
Wear a few layers of clothing on the plane then you have them for warmth – some planes are ridiculously cold. With multiple layers, you can peel them off if warm and it means fewer clothes to go into your bags. Apparently, airport security won’t stop you from wearing up to 10 layers of clothing, though airlines may question it. For instance, there was a recent news story of a man who was denied boarding for wearing too many layers. One airline suggested the rationale behind that was to avoid the possibility of a traveler “overheating or fainting.” Really?
Packing the Carry-on Bag
Packing cubes are still one of the best tips for organizing and squeezing maximum space out of your carry-on bag. If you don’t have packing cubes, kitchen storage bags work just as well. Small snack bags for jewelry or vitamins. Medium sandwich bags for lingerie, cosmetics, chargers, cables or for liquids you need to take out at security. Use the larger bags for rolled pants or tops. By keeping liquids in zip bags, it also minimizes the risk of leaked contents through your bag.
To keep clothes from wrinkling, roll them. Here’s a current carry-on-packing-video that shows tricks for rolling clothes. Or use garbage bags. Lay a garbage bag on top of the item and fold it as you’d normally do. The bag helps avoid wrinkles and you also have it during your travels for other things – lining hotel drawers before placing your clothes on the shelf or for dirty laundry.
Always hand-carry medications.
A dryer sheet can keep clothes fresh scented through your trip.
Squeeze smaller items into packed footwear.
Use contact lens containers for small amounts of liquid cosmetics or lotions.
Use every spare inch of your bag. Where there’s space, fill it.
Don’t bring maps or guidebooks – download them before the trip to access on your tablet or phone.
Use straws to string necklaces through.
The Personal Item
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. Opt for the largest personal item permitted – a beach bag, soft-sided briefcase or backpack. Then stash a smaller item, like a cross-body purse, inside the personal item.
Within the personal item, use a large freezer bag to keep items you’ll use on the plane. Then just pull it out before placing the personal item under the seat. Your in-flight zip bag can include snacks, chargers, disinfectant wipes, reading material or a toothbrush and toothpaste for overnight flights.
Happy travels!
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