I’ve noticed that a lot of people seem to pack way more than they need when it’s time for airplane travel.
If you overpack carry-on luggage, you may wind up paying more fees and run the risk of losing your valuables.
The worst offenders are women who bring multiple pairs of high heel shoes and dudes who bring baseball caps.
Shoes with heels take up way too much space and baseball caps, they’ll crush if you stack them in a small bag.
In this quick/simple Passport Kings travel guide I will tell you all you need to know when it’s time to pack carry-on luggage and we’ll go over the rules airlines have in place, that you have to follow
I’ll also recommend my favorite luggage brand and items that I use for efficient carry-on packing.
I’ve been traveling internationally for almost ten years now while making Passport Kings Travel videos on YouTube.
If there is a mistake to be made, I’ve already made it and today I’ll tell you what I’ve learned and what you should do instead.
Hoping this plane has comfortable seats
Packing Cabin Luggage
Most times when I travel, I try to pack as lightly as possible.
I will literally have 1 outfit for each day I know I will be out of the country.
If I can fit everything into my backpack, I will call it a win.
for times I’m unable to get it all in there I will use my Samsonite Winfield 2 hard Expandable Luggage with 20-inch Spinner wheels
If you have to bring a carry-on it should be as flexible and easy to handle as possible.
They were also scientifically cut and shaped to fit in the overhead of all airplanes.
That’s why I recommend this Samsonite Winfield because of the durable spinning wheels.
It makes everything so light that it can feel like it’s floating on air.
I want to be as comfortable as I can when traveling and picking the right suitcase to pack carry-on luggage makes you more maneuverable and keeps your mind at ease.
How to pack Luggage for international flight
Packing for an international flight is the same exact process as packing for local travel.
It’s more important that you don’t forget your documents like your Passport and Covid test proof when you are ready to go overseas.
There were times I packed even lighter when traveling abroad because I figured I could buy extra clothes when I arrived.
When I must travel with bags, I prefer Samsonite
How to Pack Overhead Luggage
I’ve mastered the art of taking one bag that fits on my back.
The people who pack carry-on luggage filled with unnecessary items make everything that could’ve been easy, a lot harder hard.
Where are you going with all of that junk?
I’ve seen some people, mainly women take 9 outfits for a 5-day trip.
Sometimes I understand why.
They say they don’t know what they’re going to wear because they are unaware of the situation they will find themselves in.
But imagine all the space you could be saving.
How to pack the most into a suitcase
-
Keep in mind how many days you’ll actually be at your destination.
Not travel time.
I mean days you’ll actually wake up out of bed in a new city.
Get that many pairs of socks and roll them into tiny balls.
-
Fold clothes until they are as flat as possible.
I’ve tried the “rolling method” that I’ve found on other travel hacking websites but my clothes would always add too much bulk and waste space.
I’m tall.
My jeans become a pretty thick cylinder when they are rolled up.
Folding and laying everything flat is a better method because luggage zippers can help press the clothes in more tightly than you would imagine.
-
Ziplock the same amount of underclothes
Put your tank tops, drawers, or panties in Ziploc bags, and stuff them into the bottom of your backpack while it’s laying flat.
Not only does the lack of air save space, but the plastic bag also makes it easy to find them when you’re later looking for them.
The bags will also keep everything in your luggage smelling fresh when you start mixing dirty and clean clothes as your vacation days are winding down.
-
Put half of your jeans and shirts on top of that
-
Pack the electronics that you won’t need at the airport
This is where I store my drone and stabilized camera as well as extra chords and extension cables.
-
Put your remaining outfits on top of your electronics and zip the bag closed.
Make sure you don’t pack the outfit you will be wearing to the airport on the morning of travel.
And make sure your travel outfit is not pajamas.
Everyone treats you better when you are dressed presentably at the airport.
I understand that being super comfortable is important when traveling but you could wind up missing that 1, most important networking connection because you looked like a bum.
I’ve seen some things in the airport that would make Greyhound look like a luxury shindig.
You could get some merch from passport kings if you truly want to travel like the royalty you are.
If the weather at your destination is sunny, pack and wear t-shirts every day instead of button-downs and polos.
1 T-shirt for each day will take up a lot less space and become the flattest item when you pack carry-on luggage.
As a matter of fact, subtract 2 or 3 of your shirts from home and buy them from your destination’s tourist stores when you arrive.
T-shirts can cost close to nothing if you find the right store, plus you can represent the island you paid so much to visit and keep the shirts as souvenirs.
What not to pack in carry-on bag for flight
I will tell you what has worked for me but your best option is to check out the TSA website for specific details and carry-on luggage rules.
I try to avoid extra shoes because they take up a tremendous amount of space.
You could’ve fit multiple shirts and pants in the same amount of space.
This is how seasoned travelers pack carry-on luggage.
I don’t bring extra baseball hats because they will get crushed and be unwearable and out of shape when you retrieve them from your bags.
Ladies if you need more than 1 pair of heels, I’m sorry but you’re going to have to wear them on your feet on the plane.
The heels of shoes take up too much space in your bag if you want to pack light.
Your ultimate goal when you pack carry-on luggage is for it to fit on your back and to keep your hands free.
You should limit your footwear to sneakers and 1 pair of heels in your bag.
How else are you going to stay on the phone everywhere you go?
Your other option, if you absolutely need heels on the trip to where you’re going, you’re also going to have to buy them once you get to your destination.
Having loads of luggage is nothing more than a hassle.
I’m sure your husband or the trick who’s paying for everything is eager to show how strong he is pay carrying all of your luggage for you, but give that dude a break.
Airports are an exercise in, walking one inch, standing in line, sitting down, repeat!
The less luggage you’re carrying, the happier everyone involved will be.
Next is 1 pair of Jeans.
lol, I know, I know…
Make these your favorite pair because this rule is not negotiable!
Jeans, take up a lot of space in bags
The only time you can ever have more than 1 pair of jeans when you pack carry-on luggage is if you’re going to
- Alaska
- Canada
- Iceland
- Russia
- or New York
during October, November, December, January, February, or March, and a little bit of April.
Or any other cold places on the map because chances are, you won’t have a great time shivering out there anyway!
Everywhere else, you only have 1 pair of jeans.
Every other day you be wearing khaki shorts or Jogging pants or stretches for the ladies.
The more shorts you can wear per day, the better.
Shorts are very small when folded correctly and they save a lot of space as you pack carry-on luggage.
You will most likely be able to fill a bag with enough shorts for the entire trip and still have room left over.
Carry-on luggage size
Each airline has different carry-on luggage weight limits. If you are afraid that you have too much, call your specific airline.
They also have many carry-on luggage rules
Spirit and Frontier Airlines have some of the most strict luggage limits.
They also have no problem calling you out if you try to pack carry-on luggage to their capacity.
when you pack carry-on luggage efficiently it will usually fit in the overhead
FAQs about what to bring to pack carry-on luggage
Can you bring hairspray on a plane?
Yes, as long as it’s small.
Having a brand new and sealed can of spray for travel is your best bet
Can you Bring sunscreen on a plane?
Yes, in small containers.
When I pack carry-on luggage I buy smaller containers and bottles for every gel and liquid I have.
Dollar Tree sells small liquid containers able to store small rations of many different products.
Can you pack alcohol in checked luggage?
The small bottles that some call “nips” are ok to put in your carry-on as well as your personal items.
Larger bottles must be stowed under the plane.
Make sure you thickly wrap your liquor bottles or keep them in their boxes so they don’t burst.
When you pack carry-on luggage the bottles should also be sealed and brand new.
Can you pack food in checked luggage?
Ziplocked and Tupperware-sealed food can travel.
Just make sure when you pack carry-on luggage with food that it will not leak.
This is a great way to save money while traveling.
Airport food is ridiculously overpriced.
Another great idea is to bring an empty bottle and packets of crystal light. You can get water from the airport fountains and have a new drink every few minutes.
I can’t think of a better way to eat what you like most than to pack carry-on luggage with your favorite food and drinks.
What are the rules about portable chargers on the plane?
I have never had any charger confiscated while traveling.
The companies that make chargers are well aware of TSA guidelines.
They usually make sure their charger’s specs are compliant with airport security.
In the airport being a minimalist and free from luggage
Why I usually never pack carry-on luggage?
Passport Kings’ 3 main rules to keep in mind while traveling are:
- PACK LIGHT
- PACK LIGHT and
- You guessed it… Pack Light.
According to CNBC, airlines have been charging prices comparable to the flight itself when you pack carry-on luggage.
In other words, they agree with Roklan’s 3 rules.
When I only have 1 bag to worry about everything is immeasurably easier and I’m more comfortable.
I’ve become a minimalist when traveling.
The smaller any company can make my products, like drones and cameras, the happier I am to buy them to reduce my cabin luggage.
Conclusion
It should not be a complicated mission to pack carry-on luggage.
Shoes are usually your main space hog.
Stick to 1 pair of shoes if you’re a man, and 2 pairs of shoes if you’re a woman.
If you absolutely need more than that then you are a DIVA!
DIVAs can afford to pay hefty airline fees for extra bags or buy shoes when they get to their destination
Remember, you can also wear a 2nd pair if you’re a man going through the airport
Women can also wear their 3rd pair on their feet but you have to wear those while you’re in the airport and you have to keep them on your feet on the plane ride
You also keep them on while traveling to or from the airport, any cabs, and to and from the hotel when you get to your destination.
Personally, I would include that pair as my only pair.
Other than that, you need to pack light.
Your main goal when traveling to new islands, countries, and cultures should be to enjoy yourself and meet new people.
Not win a fashion contest!
Once you pack carry-on luggage light a couple of times it’ll get easier and quickly realize you never needed that extra bag full of crap!
Royal Family, stop packing so much crap and you will have a better time traveling like a king.
If you have a comment about this topic or you have more tips and tricks for the rest of the audience, Please comment below.
I’d love to answer all of your messages.
I get a kick out of keeping travel conversations going.
Join 1 of the Passport Kings Travel Facebook groups
I really appreciate you guys that have rocked with me for the last decade.
