How to pack your carry-on luggage

Traveling with carry-on luggage has tons of benefits! You can take it with you on board the plane. By keeping your carry-on suitcase under the seat or in the overhead compartment on the plane, you’ll have all its contents right at your fingertips. Check out the WINGS team’s ideas for packing your carry-on luggage smartly!

Why is it worth traveling with only carry-on luggage?

Carry-on luggage is also an easy way to save money—unlike checked luggage, most airlines offer to transport it for free, included in the ticket price. It also saves time—by taking only carry-on luggage, you don’t have to wait for check-in or go through security screening before departure. You also don’t have to wait to collect your luggage in the arrivals hall. Carry-on luggage also guarantees freedom and flexibility when planning your trip. Thanks to it, you don’t have to worry about whether your luggage will be lost by the airline or whether it will arrive on time at your hotel or rental apartment.

What should you pack in your carry-on luggage?

Before you start packing your carry-on luggage, it’s a good idea to check the maximum dimensions set by the airline you plan to fly with. These guidelines vary by carrier. Most airlines allow each passenger to bring one piece of carry-on luggage. If you’re interested in the maximum carry-on luggage dimensions allowed by Ryanair, WizzAir, LOT, and Lufthansa, check out our other blog post.

Do you already know the carry-on luggage size restrictions that apply to you? It’s time to make a list of the items you want to bring with you. On your checklist, include clothes, accessories, and electronic devices that you absolutely must not forget, and mark them as “essential.”

Place additional, less essential clothes and accessories further down the list. Add a note next to them, such as “nice bonus.” When making your list, pay attention to the climate conditions at your chosen destination. Also, tailor the contents of your carry-on luggage to the nature of your trip. W a business trip, pack primarily business outfits, and for a vacation under the palm trees—sunscreen, lightweight clothing to protect against excessive sun, and swimwear and a beach towel. Regardless of the type of trip, don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit or a toiletries bag with basic medications.

Before packing your luggage, weigh your suitcase

After creating your travel checklist, it’s time to select the items on it. W do this, check the size and weight of your carry-on suitcase. Then pack all the items marked as “essential” into it. Weigh the suitcase again and make sure it doesn’t exceed the maximum weight limit. Does your luggage weigh less than the airline’s limit? That’s great news! W that case, you can add a few “bonus” clothes or accessories. The next step is to weigh the suitcase one last time. If it still meets the weight requirements, that means your wardrobe and travel essentials are all set!

How to pack your carry-on luggage to save space?

Once you’ve decided what to pack in your carry-on, you can move on to packing specific clothes and accessories. W a small carry-on, every millimeter of space is precious. Instead of folding your clothes the traditional way, try rolling them. This method not only saves space in your carry-on but also minimizes the risk of wrinkling clothes made from delicate, easily creased fabrics. Depending on your preference, you can create rolls from a few items stacked in a small pile or roll each blouse or sweater separately.

Pack miniature versions of your cosmetics

How do you pack cosmetics in your carry-on luggage? A great way is to transfer your bath and hygiene products into small empty cosmetic containers. Another, more expensive option is to buy miniature cosmetic containers at a drugstore or travel goods store. Transparent containers of this type usually have a capacity of up to 100 ml and come in the form of small bottles, cream boxes, or spray bottles. You can find more tips for smart suitcase packing in a separate article.

Make the most of every inch of space

Instead of carrying empty space, fill every available spot in your suitcase, backpack, or travel bag. If you plan to bring an extra pair of shoes, stuff them with socks or other small items. You can use the inside of a mug or decorative souvenir bowl you bought while traveling W a similar way. Fill the empty space between shoes or pants with small accessories such as underwear, belts, or pocket-sized books. Packing your carry-on luggage is like playing "Tetris"—though arranging everything precisely will require a lot of focus, the sight of a perfectly packed suitcase or travel bag is a huge source of pride!

Pack your clothes in plastic wrap or vacuum-sealed bags

In addition to rolling, there are many other practical methods for efficiently packing carry-on luggage. One of them is using vacuum-sealed bags or wraps. Clothes placed inside them will have the air removed, allowing them to take up minimal space in a suitcase or backpack. This is a great trick for reducing the bulk of thick jackets, sweaters, or hoodies. Vacuum packing is also made possible by special plastic wrap. It works by sucking the air out of the package and sealing it tightly. This prevents moisture and bacteria from getting inside the wrap. As you can see, it’s a great way not only to save space in your luggage but also to extend the life of your clothes.

Dress in layers, or “like an onion”

To ensure your luggage meets the allowed dimensions and weight limits, it’s also a good idea to dress in layers for the flight. Instead of bringing one thick jacket, it’s better to wear two layers of clothing, such as a thinner parka or coat over a sweatshirt. It’s also a good idea to wear thick sweatpants and sturdy, heavy shoes on the plane.

Take advantage of an extra bag or backpack

It’s rare for someone to travel with just a suitcase or a travel bag. When getting ready for the airport, in addition to your carry-on luggage, bring a handbag, a fold-out backpack, or a comfortable fanny pack. Put your documents, wallet, and printed airline tickets in the fanny pack. That way, they’ll always be within reach! Store heavy items and small electronic devices such as a smartphone, tablet, or camera in a shoulder bag or laptop backpack. Also pack snacks, books, and magazines in your carry-on to make your trip more enjoyable.

We hope this article will help you pack your free carry-on luggage. By using the simple tips in our article, you can not only reduce the weight and size of your luggage to a minimum, but also travel without being limited by the weight or size of a large travel bag. Let us know if you were able to put all the tips we’ve prepared into practice!