Everything you need to know about packing a carry-on bag

Understanding how to pack a carry-on goes well beyond merely cramming everything you need into one bag to avoid checked luggage. With various bag styles, airline-specific rules, unexpected fees, and banned items, packing a carry-on is anything but trivial. When it’s just one more sleep before you head to the airport, use Dinogo’s out-of-office generator for a fun sign-off and start packing.

1. Types of carry-on luggage

Carry-on luggage comes in an impressive array of styles. For minimalists, a small handbag or backpack can suffice for the essentials, but most travelers will prefer something larger. Traditional carry-on options include duffel bags for hand-carrying and small suitcases, often referred to by airlines as roll-aboard bags.

The perfect duffel bag size for carry-on luggage is typically the weekender style, which can accommodate two or three outfits, an additional pair of shoes, and some personal items. However, adventure duffels meant for gear might be too large for carry-on, especially when fully packed.

Roll-aboard bags get their name from their ability to roll onto the plane, available in either two or four wheels. These compact suitcases come in both soft-shell varieties made from sturdy fabrics and hard-shell versions crafted from materials like polycarbonate or aluminum.

2. Carry-on baggage policies

Most major US airlines adhere to a carry-on guideline known as the 1:1 rule. This permits one carry-on bag and one small personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase, or umbrella. The good news is that these items usually come at no additional cost. However, not all airlines are as accommodating. Budget carriers may impose fees for carry-on, irrespective of whether you checked a bag, and some might only permit one item in total.

To avoid unexpected fees for your carry-on, refer to the airline fees section for a quick overview. Since most airlines don't charge for carry-ons, you won't see a dedicated column for this; any applicable fees will be noted under the first column labeled “Checked Baggage.” If you haven't chosen your airline yet, Dinogo provides a Baggage Fee Assistant on every flight search results page. Simply input the number of carry-on and checked bags at the top, and your search results will display updated rates that factor in your baggage estimates.

3. Ensure your carry-on meets size regulations

Your carry-on items must fit completely under the seat or in a closed overhead bin, so they need to adhere to size guidelines. Generally, your bag must comply with specific dimensions that can vary slightly by airline, calculated by adding together the total inches of your bag’s height, width, and length. You can measure with a tape or let Dinogo assist you. The mobile app features a Bag Measurement tool that accurately measures your bag through a live scan, confirming if it’ll be permitted on your chosen flight (or others). This tool is not only easy but also enjoyable. Watch the video below to see it in action.

Your carry-on bag must also adhere to weight limits, though this rule is less strictly enforced by major US airlines, which typically check the size of bags rather than weigh them. However, it's wise to avoid packing heavy items just in case. Airlines do reserve the right to weigh your carry-on and deny boarding if it exceeds the weight limit. You can find this information on your airline’s website.

4. What to include in your carry-on bag

Remember that many items are not allowed in carry-on bags, and these restrictions are usually set by the country rather than the airline. Once you've confirmed that you’re not attempting to bring any prohibited items on board, it’s time to think about what essentials you’ll need for your trip.

Most people prefer to bring a carry-on for two primary reasons: to skip the hassle of checking a bag or to ensure that their essentials are on hand if their checked luggage is delayed or lost. If your goal is to avoid checking a bag altogether, focus on minimalism as your top packing strategy. You must adhere to size and weight limits, so making the most of your space (more on this below) and eliminating unnecessary items are crucial.

For extended trips that challenge your carry-on capacity, opt for lightweight fabrics and choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits without adding bulk. Limit heavy shoes and avoid packing toiletries that can easily be bought at your destination if you're short on space.

No matter how long your trip is or if you have checked baggage, there are essential items everyone should carry on board. Valuables like expensive jewelry and small electronics should never be checked. Keep your identification documents handy, as they may be required during airport procedures at both ends of your journey. Additionally, ensure that any daily necessities, such as medications, are in your carry-on to mitigate issues if other luggage gets delayed or lost. If you have the room, packing at least one complete outfit in your carry-on is wise, even if you’ve checked a bag. This way, you’ll appreciate having a fresh set of clothes in case of baggage delays the next day.

5. Packing Tips for Your Carry-On

Regardless of the carry-on bag you decide to take, we have 6 tips to simplify the packing experience.

Opt for a lighter carry-on suitcase

Since some airlines enforce weight limits on carry-on bags, choosing a lightweight option can help maximize your total allowance. Additionally, lighter bags are easier to lift into overhead compartments during boarding.

Check the weather forecast the day before packing

Regardless of whether your destination boasts sunny weather or frequent rain, it’s wise to check the forecast a day before your flight. While weather patterns can be predictable, temperatures and precipitation can vary daily, so ensure you pack appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear (like umbrellas) for the specific days you'll be there. Arriving unprepared for unexpected weather is never a good idea.

Maximize your carry-on luggage allowance

If your airline permits only one item, don’t hesitate to opt for the largest dimensions permitted. Soft-sided carry-on bags like duffels can easily be squished into the measuring bin used by stricter airlines, allowing you to pack more than you could in a hard-sided case. Keep in mind that roll-aboard bags come with wheels, which count against your size limit but don't contribute to packing space.

Optimize your carry-on space

Be aware of your liquids

Depending on the airports you pass through and your security status, you might need to take liquids out of your carry-on during security checks. In such cases, they should be contained in a single bag, which should be stored in a location that’s easy to access within your carry-on to avoid delays at the security line. The same applies to larger devices like laptops and tablets.

Maintain a carry-on packing checklist

Draft a detailed carry-on packing list a few days before your departure and review it daily until you leave. This is particularly crucial if this will be your sole luggage, but it’s beneficial for everyone to ensure all essentials are packed. Daily necessities, such as medications, might not be packed until the last minute, making them easy to overlook. Remember to use this list when repacking for your return trip to ensure nothing gets left behind.

How was this guide developed?

The art of preparation! I fly every week of the year, averaging over 120 flights annually, so I’m well-acquainted with the various challenges and surprises that can arise when traveling with just a carry-on. I once lived solely out of a carry-on suitcase for two months, so I can assure you that it’s entirely feasible to pack everything you need without breaching any airline regulations, as long as you plan effectively. I’ve combined my extensive experience with the expert insights from Dinogo’s tools and teams to create this guide.

Begin Your Planning! By following the tips above, you’ll eliminate the stress of managing carry-on luggage, from selecting the right airline to packing your bag efficiently. Now that you’re equipped with carry-on know-how, explore this year’s travel trends and start planning your next adventure. Here’s a pro tip to kick things off: consider traveling during the quieter months for lower prices and fewer crowds!

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How do I pack a carry-on for four days?

A typical carry-on can easily accommodate enough clothing for four days, as long as you limit yourself to just one or two pairs of shoes. This becomes more challenging in colder climates where bulkier clothing is necessary. For such trips, prioritize lightweight layering options to minimize the need for heavy outerwear, and reuse layers when they’re not visible or dirty.

How do I pack a carry-on for a week?

While some claim a carry-on can hold up to ten days' worth of clothes, packing for a week can be a challenge, especially for those who enjoy a more stylish wardrobe. However, it is achievable. Plan outfits using versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and emphasize accessories that can easily change your look without consuming too much space. This is definitely the time to utilize packing cubes.

How can I pack a suit in a carry-on?

While some carry-on bags feature a built-in garment bag for suits, it's not essential. The main goal is to minimize folds and avoid compressing or cramming the fabric. Ensure there’s ample space and gently lay the loosely folded garments on top of your other belongings.