Ah yes. The art of the how to travel with a carry on is a great yet complex one.
One must not make the carry-on too heavy, as it will then be a pain to get into the airplane overhead storage.
One also must consider the carry-on luggage size as airlines have strict regulations in place to ensure no one takes a bag that’s too big.
However, one must not under-pack either, as this will leave you unequipped & feeling empty at your destination.
Don’t get me started on the whole liquids things.
The beauty of a carry-on is that it takes away any anxiety about losing luggage or missing a transfer due to the long wait for your suitcase to appear. Carry-ons are great because you can walk right off the plane and out of the airport without waiting at a luggage carousel (#tbt to the time Newark Airport lost my suitcase on a direct flight).
But they admittedly can be a bit of a drag sometimes (literally) if you have to drag them through airports and multiple transfers.
Overall, the most important parts of traveling with a carry-on are getting it through security and situated in the plane. I’ve put together a few tips on how to travel with a carry on that’ll hopefully make your journey with a carry-on a little easier.
Tips for getting through security like a pro:
- get your liquids sorted before you go to the airport
- have your laptop, tablet, etc either outside of or at least on top of your carry on
- if you’re not sure if you’re allowed to bring something, just leave it at home or put it in your checked bag
No one wants to be hanging around security for an extra minute to have their bag searched. The last step of getting on your way is actually boarding the plane… My tips are:
- the fuller the flight, the more strict cabin-bag-sizes are; make sure your bag fits in the little bin
- if they offer to check your carry-on bag on a full flight, it’s sometimes worth it (you won’t have to worry about squeezing your bag into overhead storage that’s ten rows away from your seat)
- take out what you’ll need for the flight before boarding (I’ve been that person who has to open the overhead storage multiple times during a flight… you don’t want to be that person)
With those six tips for how to travel with a carry on you should be well on your way to becoming an carry-on pro. I’ve always been a fan of checking a huge bag for international cross-ocean flights and then traveling with just a small purse. But carry-ons have really grown on me.
What are your insider packing tips? Any funny luggage stories?!
great post! love it!
http://www.alovelystyle.com
Thanks for reading Rakel!
Thanks for reading Rakel!
I am taking a plane this week + your posts are always so appropriately timed 😉 I am terrified of my luggage being lost! I am so sorry that happened to you, that’s the worst. I am definitely using these carry-on tips ASAP!
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
I try, I try! haha. Good luck and may the not-losing-luggage gods be with you!
I’m travelling in May with just a carry on! Thanks for these tips 🙂 Do you have a post on how to pack JUST a carry on for a trip (how to pack all your essentials without going overboard) that would be so helpful!
Kat | http://www.kathorrocks.com
I’ll definitely make a post on how to pack for a carry-on sized trip! In the meantime, these might help:
https://gymbagsandjetlags.com/2015/08/how-to-pack-when-you-have-no-time/
https://gymbagsandjetlags.com/2015/06/how-to-pack-an-overnight-bag/
Have a good trip, Kat!
I’m travelling in May with just a carry on! Thanks for these tips 🙂 Do you have a post on how to pack JUST a carry on for a trip (how to pack all your essentials without going overboard) that would be so helpful!
Kat | http://www.kathorrocks.com
Great tips! Usually all my electronics come with me in my carry-on and therefore most the room is filled by those. Also if you are doing flights with a stop-over it’s a good idea to pack some travel toothpaste/ a toothbrush depending on how long! (maybe I’m just OCD about teeth)
http://www.lindseyginge.com
You’re so right! Gross teeth-feelings are the worst. Also I agree; my computer takes up the most space in my carry on 🙁
These tips are wonderful, I usually stuff my travel bags with so many unnecessary things!
Fashion Soup
Aw, thanks Alice! I think we’re all guilty of that!
Great list! And I’m loving your blog!
Thank you so much Samantha!
I traveled to thailand with one carry on, it was full of stuff but it was a good choice to travel without a lot of luggage. Great tips:)
meluswardrobe.blogspot.com.ar
I agree! Sometimes no (or little) luggage is the best!
If you don’t have much in your carry on, put heavy items in there. This will save a little weight in your checked baggage, which is useful if you’ve done lots of shopping! Carry ons also have a weight limit but you usually won’t be reaching that with just your necessities for the flight.
Love your tips!
ivyholly.blogspot.com
Good tip! Thank you so much for reading!
Love this post!
I still have problems with packing because I can’t decide what to take with me, especially for short trips. 🙂
xx
Kat
http://www.teastoriesblog.com
I’m the same! I start thinking I’ll have an empty suitcase but then keep adding things….
Love this post!
I still have problems with packing because I can’t decide what to take with me, especially for short trips. 🙂
xx
Kat
http://www.teastoriesblog.com
Great tips! It’s so easy to travel with a carry on as your only luggage. I usually always travel with then when I’m going on a weekend trip. If it’s a longer trip it’s simply not enough. Otherwise I love them!
http://Www.Thesparklingdarling.com
Agreed! It can be hard to pack just enough for a long weekend too!
I can never travel with only a carry on 🙂 I like the fact that my things are in a suitcase and I don’t have to worry about it, until I’m at my last stop. I always like to bring magazines and books to read since I usually have to fly to the other side of the world :p
But these are great tips for short trips <3
xo
https://stylehue.wordpress.com/
Fair point; I hate having a huge carry-on if I have airport transfers. Thanks for reading!!
🙂 I wish I could fly with a carry on
One time I was going to Florence in October, so I packed some rainy day essentials in my carry-on luggage, but when I got through airport security the guards were giving me weird looks and asking me what was that cylindrical object in my suitcase… An umbrella, you dirty minded people!!!
http://www.booksandtrips.com/