The Carry-On Packing List That’s Saved Me Hundreds Of Dollars In Bag Fees
Let’s be honest, airline fees are basically a scam at this point. Every time you think you’ve scored a great deal on a flight, the airline sneaks in bag fees that quietly inflate your total. The good news? A well-packed carry-on bag is your secret weapon for keeping that money where it belongs: in your wallet. After years of trial and error, I’ve finally nailed down exactly what to bring and how to fit it all in. This is the packing list that’s saved me hundreds of dollars, and one that can do the same for you.
Jump to:
Carry-On Bags
Plane Pocket
Tech Accessories
Snacks
Organization
Don’t Forget to Pack
FAQs
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Carry-On Bags
US and international airlines are getting more strict when it comes to carry-on luggage size and weight. If you don’t want to be forced to check your bag or pay a fee at the gate, you’ll want a carry-on bag that’s no larger than 22in x 14in x 9in. This is the most common size requirement for most US airlines, and is generally safe for most international airlines.
Carry-On Suitcase
Suitcases can be an investment, but I’m still not convinced that I need to spend over $100 on something that will get thrown around and beat up. I’ve had my Coolife 20” Carry-On Suitcase for 3 years now. And for a carry-on suitcase that’s under $100, it’s still going strong. The best part? It meets the carry-on size requirements for all the major US airlines.
If you’re more of an adventure traveler, I highly recommend the CALPAK Terra Duffel 50L Duffel. I purchased one for my 2-week Peru trip, and it made hauling my luggage to a different hotel every 2 days a lot easier.
Personal Item
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is my go-to personal item when I fly to Europe or fly with United. It measures 17 inches x 10 inches x 8 inches, which may seem small but it surprisingly fits A LOT thanks to its organized compartments and multiple pouches. Not traveling for a long period of time? No problem. The Nomad Lane Bento Bag easily fits up to three days worth of clothes, making it the perfect bag for a long weekend.
When I need a little extra room, I’ll use the CALPAK Luka Duffel as a personal item. (I have the color Chocolate!) Unlike the Nomad Lane Bento Bag, which opens like a clam shell, the Luka is a more traditional personal item. When I traveled to Peru, I was able to store everything I usually pack in a personal item as well as my drone.
Prefer a backpack as a personal item? Check out these 20 Travel Backpacks.
Plane Pocket
Ever since I discovered the concept of a plane pocket, it’s changed the way I pack my carry-on bag. A plane pocket holds your most frequently used in-flight essentials in one place. And as the name suggests, you store it in the seat-back pocket. No more digging or rummaging through your personal item in the middle of your flight. It’s all right there within reach. (I always think my passport will sprout legs, so I like to keep it in here after getting on the plane for easy access.)
Compression Socks
I used to be a compression sock skeptic. But when I arrived in South Korea after a 12-hour flight and my feet weren’t swollen, I believed the hype. Now compression socks are non-negotiable for long haul flights. If you’re a skeptic like I was, compression socks aren’t a fashion statement. The added pressure helps reduce swelling, improves circulation and helps lower the risk of developing blood clots in the legs (aka deep vein thrombosis).
Headphones
When I travel, I usually bring two types of headphones: earbuds and over-the-head headphones.
Apple AirPods are great for short flights or to use on tours that use a Quiet Vox. (I’ll use my AirFly to connect to the in-flight entertainment and to avoid using the cheap, wired headphones.) But for long-haul flights, I’ll wear these affordable and lightweight noise-canceling headphones. I find they’re more comfortable than earbuds and I don’t have to worry about them falling out.
AirFly
The AirFly is probably one of my most-used travel essentials. It lets you connect your AirPods or headphones via Bluetooth to the in-flight entertainment. If you don’t like using the cheap and low-quality airline-provided headphones, this inexpensive gadget is a must-have.
Sleep Mask
We’ve all sat by that one person who has to have their overhead light on or open the window before it’s appropriate to do so. And in case I find myself next to them, I’m prepared with a sleep mask. The one I use is really comfortable and features extra padding around the eyes.
You probably noticed I didn’t include a neck pillow in this carry-on bag packing list. Personally, I think it’s a hassle to carry around and it takes up too much space. (My neck may disagree with me.)
Melatonin
Up until recently I’ve avoided using sleep aids while flying. (It stems from a bad experience I had on a flight when I was 16.) Now I take ¼ of a melatonin gummy and it is lights out for me.
Medication
I always keep a small container with Aleve and any other medication I may need during my flight. These cute little containers are the perfect size when you need a small amount of medication on you.
Toothbrush & Breath Mints
Nobody likes funky breath, especially on a plane. These mini disposable toothbrushes are not only convenient, but they also don’t require any water. I also like to keep breath strips on me because you can never be too fresh.
Lip Balm
I absolutely hate having chapped lips. I usually have a stick of Vaseline lip balm or Aquaphor lip balm in my plane pocket.
Kleenex
I’ve always been the type of person who needs a Kleenex on my person at all times. I keep one travel-size Kleenex in my plane pocket and one in my bag.
Antibacterial Hand Wipes
We all know airplanes are disgusting. I like to travel with these antibacterial hand wipes as a way to reduce the amount of liquids I bring. But if you prefer hand sanitizer, that works too!
Hand Lotion
Low humidity hates to see me coming. I like to use this travel-size hand lotion to keep my hands from looking like Crypt Keeper. It’s non-greasy and leaves my hands feeling both super soft and hydrated.
Tech Accessories
To quote the Little Mermaid, I have gadgets and gizmos a plenty when I travel. And that means I need to make sure they’re charged, won’t blow a fuse or won’t go missing.
Apple AirTag
Whether the airline forces you to check your luggage due to lack of space or you’re taking a train, you never know when you might be separated from your luggage. I purchased an Apple AirTag before my trip to Peru and now I never travel without one. It made me feel better knowing I could see where my luggage was at any time. And if it went missing, an AirTag could help the airline or porter locate it faster. I also bought this AirTag keychain so I could attach it to a zipper.
Voltage Converter
If you’re traveling to a country that has a higher voltage than the US (110V), you will need a step-down converter. I didn’t know this when I traveled to Italy with my parents right after I graduated college. I ended up blowing a fuse in the hotel and killing my straightener because I used an adapter instead of a step-down converter. (Adapters only change the plug shape; converters change the voltage.)
Since I started using this step down converter, I’m happy to report I haven’t blown any fuses or killed any hair tools. (It also helps if you have a dual voltage straightener or curling iron.)
Charging Cords
I bring a variety of charging cords when I travel. There’s really no need to bring those obnoxiously long ones, so I keep a 1 foot USB C cord and 3 foot USB C cord in my tech organizer. This 3-in-1 cable, which has interchangeable connectors, is also great. And now that a lot more hotels have USB ports next to the bed, I throw one or two of these USB to USB C adapters into my organizer as well.
Power Bank or Portable Charger
The last thing you want while traveling is a dead phone. That’s why I always pack a portable charger or power bank. I really like this magsafe phone charger because it’s slim and lightweight. If you don’t have a magsafe phone, this power bank is a great alternative.
Airalo eSim
Staying connected while I’m abroad is a must. Paying my phone company $11 a day for data is not. That’s why I stan for Airalo. From Thailand to Peru and all throughout Europe, their affordable eSims have kept me connected wherever I go. (Seriously, I paid less than $40 for data on my 15-day European river cruise.)
Airalo eSims are super easy to install, but if you have any issues their customer support will help you out. And if you’re a Chase credit card user, you can usually earn cash back on your Airalo eSim purchase, too.
Organization
When it comes to carry-on only travel, staying organized is important. It will not only help you save space, but it will also keep you sane. (If you’ve ever riffled through your bag trying to find the one item you swore you packed , you know what I mean.)
Compression Cubes
I never got the hype of compression cubes until I started using them. They helped me save precious space when I traveled to Peru for two weeks and Europe for nearly 3 weeks. As far as compression cubes go, these ones from Bagsmart are the GOAT.
Tech Organizer
Unlike my mom, who uses a plastic bag, I keep all my cords and tech accessories in a zippered electronics pouch. I also use these cord bands to keep the cord chaos to a minimum.
Travel Toiletry Bottles
I’ve always found travel size products and silicone travel bottles to be bulky, which is why I use flat pouch travel bottles for liquids. This travel set from Kitsch is my go-to for shampoo, conditioner and other liquids. And it also comes with other travel size items, like a spray bottle, pump bottle and mini jars. You can also buy just the pouches.
For products like detangler, anti-frizz spray, hypochlorous acid or wrinkle release fabric spray, I transfer them into mini spray bottles. I never need to fill the bottles all the way. And if there’s a little left over at the end of my trip, I won’t feel bad about pouring it out to reduce my liquids even more.
Makeup Brush Holder
Hate digging through your toiletry or makeup bag to find your makeup brushes? Same. This silicone makeup brush holder keeps them all together. (I have this travel makeup brush set by Sigma Beauty. It comes with a carrying case, but I find that it’s too bulky and heavy to use when I travel. I use it to hold my brushes on my bathroom counter instead.)
Mesh Zippered Plane Pouch
Sometimes you have to choose function over fashion. And this mesh zippered pouch, which I use for my plane pocket, is a perfect example of that. It’s simple, durable and stores everything I need in one spot. (It comes in a set with different sizes. I use the smaller ones when I travel, too.)
Toiletry Bag
When it comes to my toiletry bag, I keep things simple. I use a hanging toiletry bag that came in a packing cube set. (The packing cubes are fine, but they don’t compress.)
TSA-Approved Clear Liquids Case
If you’re flying within or outside of the United States, you need to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. In simple terms, any liquids need to fit into a resealable, quart-sized bag. (I have this TSA-approved liquids bag.)
Remember, any liquid product (e.g. toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, liquid makeup, aerosols, gels, etc.) must be in containers 3.4 oz (100 mL) or smaller. Travel size toiletries are your friend!
If you have TSA Precheck, this is a non-issue. But if you worry about your liquids exploding in your suitcase, it’s always nice to have them in a contained space.
Quart Ziploc Bag
Liquid allowances in other countries are not the same as the United States. For example, Europe has a 100mL rule. That means if you’re traveling back from Europe, your liquids need to fit in a 1 liter re-sealable plastic bag — about the equivalent of a quart plastic bag. I always keep one in my toiletry bag when traveling.
As of 2025, some airports in Europe and the UK (including London Heathrow!) are getting rid of this rule thanks to new scanners. However, most major airports still enforce this rule.
Snacks
Vegan airplane food is either good or bad, there’s no in between. More often than not, it’s the latter, which is why I always bring snacks.
Protein Bars
NuGo dark chocolate protein bars have been a longtime favorite of mine — mostly because they’re like a guilt-free candy bar. It also helps that they’re vegan, pack a decent amount of protein and all the flavors taste really good. (My favorites are Pretzel and Sea Salt, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Almond.)
Liquid IV
As someone who struggles with drinking enough water, Liquid IV has saved me from dehydration on and off the plane. I take a Liquid IV Immune Support packet before a long haul flight to defend my body from all those airplane germs and combat the dry cabin air.
I also bring additional packets with me to have throughout my trip. When I traveled to Cusco, where hydration is essential to prevent altitude sickness, I’d have a Liquid IV packet every morning. It’s now part of my morning ritual wherever I travel.
Don’t Forget to Pack
It probably goes without saying, but double or triple check to make sure you have these items on you or in your carry-on bag.
FAQs About What to Pack in a Carry-On Bag
What is considered a carry-on bag?
A carry-on bag is the main piece of luggage you bring onto the plane and store in the overhead bin. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a backpack or tote, that fits under the seat in front of you.
What size carry-on bag is allowed?
Most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. You can find carry-on size allowances for all major US airlines here.
How much can a carry-on bag weigh?
Many U.S. airlines do not enforce a carry-on weight limit, but international and budget airlines often do. Carry-on weight limits typically range from 15 to 22 pounds.
What is the personal item size limit?
A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Common personal item size limits are around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. However, United and JetBlue have specific personal item sizes.
Is a backpack considered a carry-on?
A backpack can count as a carry-on or a personal item depending on its size. Larger travel backpacks usually count as carry-ons, while smaller backpacks often qualify as personal items.
What liquids are allowed in a carry-on bag?
Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and liquid makeup count as liquids under TSA rules. Liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule. Each liquid must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit inside one quart-sized, clear bag. One liquids bag is allowed per traveler.
Can I pack a razor in a carry-on bag?
Yes, you can pack a razor in a carry-on, but the type of razor matters. Disposable razors and cartridge razors are allowed in carry-on bags. Electric razors are also permitted. Safety razors are only allowed if the blade is removed and packed in checked luggage, and straight razors are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Can I bring chargers and power banks on a plane?
Yes, chargers and power banks are allowed in carry-on bags. Depending on where you’re flying from, you may have to take them out of your luggage to go through security.
Can I bring medication in my carry-on bag?
Yes, medication should always be packed in your carry-on.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too big?
If your carry-on bag exceeds size or weight limits, it may be gate-checked and you could be charged a fee. The bag is usually returned at baggage claim after landing.
Are carry-on rules different for international flights?
Yes, international airlines often have stricter carry-on size and weight limits than U.S. airlines. You can find carry-on and personal item size and weight limits for 25+ international airlines in my free carry-on size guide.
Ready to Pack Your Carry-On Bag?
Packing a carry-on bag doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes a little strategy and planning. Stick to the tips and product recommendations in this carry-on packing guide and you’ll save money every time you fly.
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