Backpack as Carry-On Luggage – What to Pay Attention To?

Traveling with carry-on luggage is not only convenient but above all a way to reduce costs. Traveling by plane with a backpack or bag makes flying really affordable! How to choose the right backpack as carry-on luggage so that you can easily take it on board the plane while fitting everything you need inside?

Carry-on luggage for the plane – types

Carry-on luggage is a backpack, bag, or suitcase that you can take on board the plane. Checked luggage is usually a large suitcase that you check in at the counter and it goes into the cargo hold. Carry-on luggage is very convenient for travel and if flying with scheduled airlines, it allows you to save on ticket costs. Airlines usually distinguish two types of passenger luggage. The first is free carry-on luggage. Depending on the airline, it can have different size limits.

The second type of carry-on luggage is larger. This category includes cabin suitcases measuring 50 x 40 x 20 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. This option is available for an additional fee on low-cost airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air. On traditional airlines like Lot or Lufthansa, this type of carry-on luggage is included in the ticket price.

Backpack for the plane – dimensions of free carry-on luggage

Backpacks are popular choices for carry-on luggage because they are handy and often fit within size restrictions. On Ryanair backpacks or bags must fit within 40 x 20 x 25 cm to be carried free of charge. On Wizz Air, these limits are 40 x 30 x 20 cm. That’s not much. These limits accommodate women's handbags, laptop bags, but it can also be a small hiking backpack. If you manage to pack only the essentials, you can travel really cheaply without having to pay extra fees. This is a great way to travel short routes as a city break and explore all of Europe on a budget.

Which carry-on backpack to choose?

Travel backpacks come in various sizes. If you want your backpack for the plane to fit within carry-on size limits, you don’t have to buy a backpack with exactly those dimensions. If it’s bigger, that’s okay. The important thing is that the backpack fits in the measuring device at the airport. Just don’t pack it to the brim so it can fit inside. The backpack is soft and will easily conform if packed properly. When choosing a backpack for the plane, it’s important that it is also comfortable and functional. It’s great if, besides a large main compartment, it also has a smaller pocket for small items or documents. After all, everything has to fit inside. It’s also worth paying attention to the material it’s made of. It should be sturdy and waterproof. A good backpack as carry-on luggage must protect its contents.

Backpack for the plane as carry-on luggage – why choose a fabric model?

Carry-on luggage size limits are very strict if you want to take free luggage when traveling with low-cost airlines. It turns out that fabric backpacks are the best solution. What is the significance and connection of fabric to luggage size? First of all, it allows you to fill the backpack to the brim, somewhat adjusting to its contents. More importantly, if you need to check the size at the airport, you can reduce the backpack’s size by removing some items. This creates more space inside the backpack, which helps reduce its volume. Ultimately, it’s better to lose a few pairs of socks or a t-shirt than to pay extra for larger luggage. This would be impossible with a hard suitcase.

With a backpack on the plane – what to remember?

You can’t have everything in your backpack as carry-on luggage. Restrictions mainly apply to dangerous and sharp objects, but also liquids. You cannot carry water or other drinks through security. You can buy them after security and bring them on board without problems. Travel backpacks cannot contain liquid cosmetics unless they are in transparent bottles up to 100 ml. You can have a maximum of 10 such bottles. Cosmetics should be placed in a zip-lock bag or a transparent toiletry bag.

Where to place the backpack during the flight?

Travel backpacks on board the plane are placed under the seat. You can put a backpack or cabin suitcase in the overhead bins, provided it has been paid for additionally. On short routes, this is usually not a big problem. For longer trips, it’s better to buy larger carry-on luggage or checked luggage.

How to pack a hiking backpack for a few days?

Travel backpacks are surprisingly spacious. You can easily pack for a few-day trip. Rolling clothes is a good idea because rolled clothes take up less space and are easier to pack. It’s also worth carefully planning your wardrobe and deciding what you will wear. There’s no room for extra clothes. Also consider whether you really need cosmetics. Gel or shampoo take up a lot of space, and you can buy them anywhere.

Electronic equipment in carry-on luggage

You can carry electronic equipment like tablets or laptops in your carry-on luggage. It’s worth buying a special laptop backpack designed for this purpose. It works well as carry-on luggage and protects your devices. This way, you can transport them safely, reducing the risk of damage.

What if the carry-on luggage turns out to be too large?

If you choose a backpack as carry-on luggage but it turns out to be too large, you will have to pay an extra fee, so it’s worth checking the carry-on luggage dimensions carefully. Remember that even slightly oversized luggage is not yet a problem. If you don’t want to pay for excess baggage, unpack the least necessary items that can be bought on site to reduce the backpack’s size. In this case, consider what is more advantageous – paying extra for excess baggage or buying the needed unpacked items. Keep in mind that you won’t get the left-behind items back.

Carry-on backpack or maybe a bag?

Some people prefer bags, while others prefer backpacks. Besides appearance, functionality also matters a lot. Both bags and backpacks are equally convenient, but it’s worth considering how you will carry your luggage. If you know you will have to carry it a lot, it’s better to choose travel backpacks, which are more comfortable. They distribute the weight across your entire back, preventing pain and discomfort. Properly fitted, they make carrying even heavier luggage easier, providing greater comfort during travel.

Travel backpacks are a great way to travel comfortably and economically. Most airlines allow you to bring them on board free of charge. This is an excellent solution for people who want to travel comfortably and cheaply.