8 Little Known Travel Hacks for Flying Carry-on Only (Secret Packing Tips)

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I fly a lot and I literally do most of this stuff. The best part about this video is that you got straight to the point and didn’t spend ages waffling so thank you for that it was very informative :)

I also adopted the practice of solids instead of liquids when I can. I even got a bit further, I got shampoo bars and conditioning bars instead of liquids. They last way longer and you avoid the risk of spills in your clothes.

I've travelled all over the world and finally figured out what works best for me. I haven't checked a bag since one got sidetracked on a cruise. I use a soft sided carryon for clothing and a Samsonite duffle bag for toiletries, shoes (only sandals) and accessories. A soft sided bag is much more flexible and has never had a problem fitting into the overhead bin. I wear sneakers and a hoodie to save packing space. Both bags have a water proof pouch, so there's plenty of space for personal items. When I pack the carryon, I lay out each item flat to the edges of the interior and fold it over. A shirt would lay flat (or folded once) with sleeves folded over. This uses the entire interior surface. Laying items flat reduces the air in the folds and the bulk. I then stuff socks and underwear in the gaps and edges. I amaze myself every time!! Packing things in other containers, like packing cubes, just takes up space.

You can also add another carry on by wearing a ScotteVest Travel Vest with a multitude of pockets for packing extra stuff. It doesn't count as an extra carry on because it's an item of clothing.

I always bring extra ziploc bags for wet swimsuits or trash or if one breaks. And they came in handy on my recent trip to Coron, Philippines where I bagged the items I took on a boat island tour. We swam all day; it rain on and off; and the boat was a wet mess. Fun times but I was glad to have those bags! Great tips in your video!

I have to be a “carry-on only” girly in March for my first trip to Europe and this was SO helpful bc I’m an overpacker and I was nervous but after this video I am ready to do this! thank you 🩷

Take lightweight layers such as merino wool, rather than thicker items. Choose a colour palette for clothing so every top goes with every bottom for maximum versatility and therefore needing to take fewer items. Aim for as many electrical items as possible charge through USBC so that you only need to take a single USBC charger and cable. Use packing cubes and some sort of compression system either in the bag/case itself or with compression cubes.

Unfortunately, flying from Australia means BOTH carry on and personal item must be within total limit of 7kg. We were charged at check in because we were slightly over. Lesson learned…

I've flown carry-on only for over a decade. I use soft sided bags because of the weigh limitations on overseas airlines. I have some soft sided wheeled luggage, but almost always use my Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45. It is at the max size for carry-on but because it has no wheels and it's black, I get away with it. I also convert it to duffel-mode and put away the backpack straps for a lower profile. Traveled to India, Vietnam and Cambodia and never once got weighed (and it was way of 7 kgs). I also use the Ziplock bags and I make sure to pack a few extras in case of a torn baggie. As I am sensitive to perfumes/scents, I don't buy products at my destination, nor use any provided products. I bring my own soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion.

Thank you for sharing your travel tips!! I have also travelled with only a soft-side carryon (very light at 5.5 lbs but durable) and "personal" duffle bag for a long trip in order to take public transportation in Europe and Asia. I do not use packing cubes but cheap giant ziplog bags bought at Dollar Tree store to pack clothes folded Mari Kondo way to save space. Camisoles, socks, and panties can fill small spaces in the suitcase. So, I was able to pack 10 camisoles; 10 tops, 2 jeans, 3 pants, 1 set of lounge wear/pajama, 2 maxi skirts, and 3 scarves for a 6-week trip to South Korea and Japan in the spring. In the duffle bag, I packed 2 pairs of sandals, 2 jackets, a blazer, toiletries and make-up, a laptop, some snacks, and some wipes. I worn a hoodies, big wool scarf (my blanket on the plane), and carried a light coat (folded to be a pillow later). For footwear I wore slip-on sneakers because they are bulky. Happy travel everyone! 🥰🤩

I totally agree about flying carry on only. I like a hard side bag because it won´t get so overstuffed that it doesn´t fit in the overhead compartment. I pack completely the night before and if I have to use the expansion zipper "gusset", I do, but I always find that by the next morning, I can re-zip it back to normal because the air has been squeezed out during the night. I also use compression packing cubes. I do buy gifts but make them small and/or flat (embroidered dish towels in Portugal, Greece, small jewelry and keychains, etc). COPA will weigh your carry on suitcase and check it in if over 15 lbs.

The rules are quite different when traveling through overseas airports. I had to remove items from my carry-on bag in NZ because it was marginally over 7kg whereas I’ve never had a carry on weighed for a US domestic flight. Being able to pull out the things that can’t be checked (valuables, electronics, essentials) is my number 1 priority. I’ve also been on small domestic flights where almost everything has to be gate checked and some people had to carry their laptops on board in their hands or risk checking them.

I'm a guy. travel cruise solo. I buy travel size toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. When cruise is over I toss everything in recycle bin. Leaves a little extra room for souvenirs. Also, roll clothes tightly instead of fold. you can fit more in and they won't wrinkle as much. Travel safe😊

Great information! My Amazon shopping cart just got bigger ;) I use contact lens cases for my moisturizers and creams. They are lightweight, small, and leakproof. One side can hold 2 weeks worth of moisturizer!

I've been doing this for years. I hate waiting at the luggage carousel. The only time I use big luggage is on the cruise because they left from the city I was living in lol. I always bring extra ziplocks, in case. Others have thanked me. Those little silicon bottle thingies look awesome! Thanks for the tip!

I LOVE the flat lay reusable pouches! Been a game changer when traveling.

BEST TIP EVER RIGHT HERE! To get more in your carry on and still get it to fit in the overhead bin: choose a bag that is expandable and will fit in all overhead bins in its smallest configuration and use a packing cube that holds the same amount as the difference of the expansion volume. Why? Because if you put clothes in the packing cube and get to a plane with small overhead bins you can take the packing cube out, shrink the bag and put the cube next to your bag in the overhead bin. Then when it’s time to exit, simply put the cube back into your bag! I have been doing this for years now and it has worked every time I’ve needed it. This allows you to use a bigger bag without having to check it. Specifics - get a bag the is 21 x 14 x 9 and is expandable by at least 3 inches to 21 x 14 x 12 (or thicker) and a packing cube that is 17.5 x 13 x 3.5. I am using the BRIGGS & RILEY BASELINE 21" GLOBAL CARRY-ON SPINNER with Gonex Packing Cubes Luggage Travel Organizers

If you’re flying domestic and have TSA Pre-Check then you don’t even have to take out your liquids bag! Also, you can save space with the big toiletry bag of you pack it open and lay it flat instead of closed. You’d be surprised how much extra space you get in your suitcase!

I always have my big backpack as my carry on bag which has a few USB inputs, and a few layers for my laptop, and iPad. It usually fits right under the seat, and it’s the best investment ever for me. Thanks for the great tips 👍!