What to Pack in a Carry-on

Being a carry-on person was never a big deal to me…until it was. I used to be one of those people who brought every item in my wardrobe that I had never worn but “might on this trip.” As I got older, I realized three things: carrying extra weight wasn’t worth it, no one cared if I repeated outfits on vacation, and losing luggage could derail an entire trip. So, I became a person who primarily opted for a carry on bag. Occasionally I break this rule, but mostly I stick with it.

Packing in a carry-on can be challenging. Knowing what you want to take or leave at home can feel stressful and irritating. However, having a thoughtful packing list will ease these frustrations  and create a lighter load for your trip. I’ve learned after countless trips, near and far, that it’s not about squeezing in as much as possible. It’s about intentional packing. The right items will make your travel days more comfortable, help you stay organized, and potentially save your trip in the case that your luggage is delayed or lost.

Whether you are a seasoned flyer or a first-time traveler, this guide will help you decide which items deserve a spot in your carry-on, which can stay at home, and how to pack the winners efficiently. You can confidently go on your trip knowing that you’ve got the right formula for your travels.

My Newest Carry-on Suitcase by Away

I’ve vacillated between checking a bag and carrying-on, but in my heart I know that taking a carry-on is always the best option. When I landed in Italy after 30 hours of travel and my bag was not on my flight, I almost lost my mind. I had to cancel a Michelin star restaurant reservation I had scheduled for the day of my arrival, as I had nothing to wear. The experience changed the way I pack forever. I realized that while I can’t control what happens to my checked luggage, I can control what I keep with me.

Most recently, I packed the beginnings of my life in a few suitcases for my move to Paris. After deciding what to ship, donate, and what absolutely had to travel with me (which, believe it or not, included cat litter and portable litter boxes), I became even more intentional about every item I packed. It reinforced that when space is limited, you discover very quickly what you really need and what’s fluff.

With all my trips, I like to think through a good packing plan and really get down to what I know I’ll need and wear rather than throwing a bunch of useless items in my bag. Even if you end up checking a bag, building a well-packed carry-on bag will ease the burden of having to get it all right. I’ve learned to pack a backup outfit, my toothbrush, and other items that will carry me to the following day or two in the case that my suitcase and I reunite at a later date. It is a nice way to ensure your future self will be taken care of by your present self. Trust me, after enough travel packing snafus, you’ll never regret having a clean outfit and a toothbrush waiting in your carry-on bag.

Making a plan for yourself in your travels is worth the effort on the front end. Once you get the hang of how and what to pack, you’ll have your list forever. This is one of those things that I’ve never regretted thinking through, and my trips have gone much more smoothly because of it.

My Calpak Backpack Carry-on

My love for carry-on bags is strong, and I have, over the years, acquired many because of the amount of travel that I typically do. A carry-on bag is essentially a piece of luggage you bring into the airplane cabin with you rather than checking it to board under the aircraft. You have all the control over your carry-on, whereas the checked bag is in the control of the airline employees. It stays with you throughout your entire trip.

There are multiple types of carry-on bags that travelers use, including:

• Hard-sided rolling suitcases
• Soft-sided luggage
• Travel backpacks
• Duffel bags designed for air travel

In addition to your carry-on piece, you are also allowed a personal item, which can include:

• Backpack
• Purse
• Tote bag
• Laptop bag
• In my most recent case, my pets in their carriers

Your personal item is stored underneath the seat in front of you, whereas the carry-on is stored in the overhead bin.

Here are the carry-on bags, backpacks, and travel accessories I personally own and recommend after years of traveling.

Carry-on Bags During Solo Travel

Each airline has its own baggage policies for both checked and carry on luggage. My recommendation is to always check with whichever carrier you are flying to see what theirs is. I fly Delta primarily, so I know their policies and requirements, but recently I flew with an airline I haven’t flown with in quite a while, so I did a quick online check to make sure I wasn’t out of bounds with my packing. While many airlines do have similar policies, international carriers and budget airlines are their own ball of wax, so do make sure that you’re following their rules.

When choosing a carry-on, consider these things:

• Overall dimensions
• Weight of the luggage or bag
• Spinner wheels versus two-wheel design
• Expandable versus fixed-size luggage
• Interior organization (though I use packing cubes so it matters less for me personally)

Having a relatively lightweight suitcase that complies with most airline requirements can make all your trips a lot easier. You’re not scrambling to find the right size bag for each trip you book with a new airline. Think through your modes of transportation outside of the airline, too. After your long flight, you may also be taking trains and navigating stairs with your luggage once you arrive. Make sure you’re able to carry it if need be, or it will be a frustrating experience.

Some of the Snacks I've Taken on a Trip

Packing a carry-on is a strategy, and one that can make or break your entire trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway domestically or you’re heading abroad, your carry-on should contain certain items that you’ll need during your travel day and the items that would be more difficult to replace quickly (ladies, think makeup; everyone else: items like a camera or laptop). It’s basically a travel survival kit: everything I need to stay comfortable for my travel day until I arrive at my destination.

Travel Documents and Wallet

In my opinion, this is the most important piece to what you’ll have to carry with you. Keeping all of your travel documents together will make your whole life a lot easier. Scrambling and rummaging around for needed items will earn you a lot of huffs and puffs and eye rolls from other travelers as well, so prepare this part of your packing nicely.

Include these items:

• Passport (for international travel)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Boarding pass (if not on your phone)
• Credit and debit cards
• Cash in local currency
• Travel insurance information
• Hotel confirmations
• Transportation reservations
• Emergency contact information

Medications and Health Essentials

This is a non-negotiable to pack any medications in your carry-on versus a checked bag. If your luggage is delayed, you’ll still be able to take any necessary meds that you have.

Items to consider:

• Prescription medications
• Daily vitamins
• Pain relievers
• Allergy medication
• Motion sickness medicine
• Small first-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks, if you prefer to travel with them

Electronics and Chargers

Whether this is for entertainment only or you’re going to be working on the flight, do pack your electronics in your carry-on bag.

Bring the following, if applicable:

• Cell phone
• Phone charger
• Portable power bank
• Charging cables
• Laptop and/or tablet
• Camera
• Camera batteries
• Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
• Travel adapter for international trips

Toiletries

I like to take travel size toiletries regardless of the length of the trip I’m going on because they are lighter. Sticking them in a carry-on is a good idea in case you and your checked bag don’t arrive together.

Items to think about:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm
• Hairbrush/comb
• Makeup essentials
• Sunscreen

Clothing and Extra Layers

After having a disastrous delay with my luggage to Italy, I decided that even if I’m checking a bag, I’ll have a backup plan with some clothes that I can wear for a day or two in my carry-on. This can literally be a lifesaver if something unfortunate happens to your luggage.

Suggested items are:

• Shirt or two
• Bottom (pants)
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sweater or jacket
• Sleepwear

Snacks and Water Bottle

My personal policy is that I don’t eat plane food, so I am a huge advocate of stuffing some snacks into my bag for the flight. Depending on the duration is how I determine what and how much to take with me.

Some favorite travel snacks include:

• Protein bars
• Trail mix/granola
• Turkey jerky
• Nuts
• Dried fruit
• Sweet treat (I like chocolate)
• Pretzels
• Empty reusable water bottle

Entertainment and Comfort Items

Sometimes I like to get sleep in, but other times I like to have some entertainment, whether watching something, listening to something, or reading. Having some prepared entertainment will go a long way.

Some of my favorites:

• Kindle or book
• Downloaded movies or TV shows
• Journal and pen
• Neck pillow
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Compression socks
• Lightweight blanket or scarf

If you’re packing for a shorter getaway, my weekend trip packing list includes everything I take without overpacking. A more comprehensive checklist for longer vacations can be found in my packing list for women. Both are helpful for trips.

From TSA's Instagram Page

Because airport security guidelines and regulations change from time to time, it’s a good idea to review your airline’s baggage policies and the latest security guidelines before packing. Other requirements can vary depending on the country from which you are departing or arriving.

There are generally the same rules and common categories of restricted or prohibited items for carry-on bags:

• Large containers of liquids, gels, or aerosols
• Sharp objects like knives or box cutters
• Certain sporting equipment
• Flammable materials
• Fireworks or explosives (imagine that)
• Fuel and combustible products
• Certain tools over permitted sizes
• Items considered hazardous materials

If you’re still unsure about your items, check directly with your airline or TSA before your trip. Taking some time to verify the rules can save you time and hassle, and your neighbors in security won’t give you death stares for holding up the line.

My Packing Cube Game is Strong

Packing nicely is something that generally makes your trip a better experience. It’s not just about fitting everything into the bag; it’s also about being able to find everything you need throughout the trip. Here are some simple steps that will help you stay organized while maximizing your available space.

Start with a Packing List

Create a custom packing list for yourself that is for the trip you’re going on. Having a checklist helps prevent overpacking and it also ensures you won’t forget your travel essentials.

Some things to think about while making your list:

• Your destination
• Weather forecast
• Trip length
• Planned activities
• Airline baggage restrictions/allowances

Use Packing Cubes

I love a good packing cube. They are one of the easiest ways to stay organized while traveling, as you can separate your clothing into categories. This makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for when you need an item, and you don’t have to unload your whole suitcase to get what you need.

You can organize by:

• Tops
• Bottoms
• Undergarments
• Workout clothes
• Sleepwear

Keep Essentials Within Reach

There are always items you need to access more easily than others, so keep that in mind when you’re packing.

At the top of the bag should include:

• Passport
• Wallet
• Boarding pass
• Headphones
• Chargers
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Medications (if applicable)

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

One trick to the trade is to wear your heaviest shoes and biggest jacket on the plane if you are taking heavier things. I’ve worn two coats on the plane when traveling to Europe during the winter so I could maximize my space in my carry-on bag. A little excessive, but I needed the room in my luggage. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Leave a Little Extra Space

I have a couple of thoughts on this. First, in my case, I like to take a foldable bag in my carry-on so that on the way home I can check a suitcase and take souvenirs back with me. If that’s not what you want to do, you can always leave some space in your carry-on to haul whatever you buy back home. You have to decide what’s best for you and how you like to travel best.

Pets as Carry-ons

Whatever team you’re on, whether carry-on or checked bags, it’s good to have the right idea of what and how to pack the bag that goes on the plane with you. By focusing on the essentials and organizing with care and thought, you’ll be prepared for anything from a weekend getaway to a long haul flight. When you can keep your medicines, passport, snacks, and a set of clothes at the top of your mind, the rest is easy.

I’ve learned that a thoughtfully packed carry-on gives me more freedom, less stress, and far more flexibility when I travel. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or crossing the Atlantic, packing with intention means you’ll spend less time worrying about your luggage and more time enjoying the destination. Safe travels, and bon voyage!

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like my guide on the best travel bags or what to wear to the airport.

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