How to pack a carry-on
One bag means no waiting at the carousel and nothing lost in transit. It also means every item has to earn its spot. Here's how to make it work.
Pick the bag
Check your airline first. Carry-on size and weight limits vary by airline, and sometimes by fare. Look them up for every airline on your trip, including the return leg and any connections on a different carrier.
Check whether you get a personal item. Many fares also allow a smaller bag under the seat. If yours does, put the things you'll want during the flight in it: documents, medication, chargers, a snack and a layer.
Measure your bag when it's full. Soft bags and expanding zips can grow past the stated size.
The 5-top rule
You don't need a fresh shirt for every day of a week away. Our carry-on preset caps tops at five per person, however long the trip.
- Pack 5 tops that all work with your bottoms.
- Pack fewer bottoms. They show wear less. The preset suggests 4 for five nights.
- Wear your bulkiest layer and shoes on travel days.
- Plan one laundry stop on trips longer than five nights: a sink wash, a hotel service or a laundromat.
- Stick to one or two colors so every top works with every bottom.
Liquids bag
Liquids are where carry-ons get stuck at security. The rules depend on where you're flying from.
- US (TSA): travel-size containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-size bag.
- Canada (CATSA): containers of 100 ml or less, all in one clear, resealable plastic bag of up to 1 L, one bag per passenger.
Both have exceptions for medications and for baby food and formula. Check the rules for your departure airport and any connections.
To save space:
- Pack your liquids bag last so it sits on top and comes out quickly.
- Pick solid versions of shampoo, soap or deodorant if you like them. Check how your airport treats them.
- Buy sunscreen when you land on a beach trip.
Packing cubes and rolling
Cubes keep a carry-on organized. One cube for tops, one for bottoms, a small one for underwear and socks. When security or a hotel room means unpacking, everything comes out in a few blocks. Read more: Are packing cubes worth it?
Roll soft things, fold structured things. T-shirts, leggings and sleepwear roll tight. Button-up shirts and blazers do better folded flat.
Fill the gaps. Socks go in shoes. Chargers go in corners.
Keep power banks with you. The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks, belong in carry-on bags only. If your bag gets checked at the gate, take them out first.
Build your list
The carry-on preset starts with five nights for one adult, a temperate climate and tops capped at five. It leaves off bulky items you won't bring on board.
FAQ
How many tops should I pack in a carry-on? Five tops that all work with your bottoms is enough for a week away. Our carry-on preset caps tops at five per person, however long the trip.
What size carry-on is allowed? It depends on the airline, and sometimes the fare. Check the size and weight limits for every airline on your trip, including the return leg and connections.
Should I roll or fold clothes? Roll soft things like T-shirts and leggings. Fold structured things. Packing cubes keep everything in a few easy-to-lift blocks.
Sources
- TSA, "Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule": https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule
- CATSA, "Liquids, Non-solid Food & Personal Items": https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/liquids-non-solid-food-personal-items
- FAA, "Airline Passengers and Batteries": https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/airline-passengers-and-batteries