Carry On Luggage Travel Hacks: What You Need to Know

For the vast majority of us, traveling by plane is both a wondrous privilege and an indisputable hassle. Nothing seems to be in our control, which can become frustrating even for the most Zen of persons when faced with delayed flights, missing the day’s only layover, or unforeseen cancellations that result in us not making it to our destination at all. Even if all goes well and we maintain our cool from terminal to terminal, the process of traveling takes a toll on our bodies. It’s downright exhausting!

Fortunately, we have heaps of options for in-flight entertainment and comfort nowadays. Of course, if we rely on our airline to assist us with these options, it’s likely that we will need to shell out extra coin for each perk. A more favorable, personalized, and economical choice is to pack smart, providing all we need for easy cruising right in our own carry on luggage. Space can be tight, however, so it’s important to know exactly what’s worth carrying on and what we should stow away or leave behind.

First and foremost, it’s important to check the regulations set out by the particular airline and airport authority in use. While most airlines still allow a complimentary carry on item and one personal item (such as a purse or knapsack), some have monetized carry on bags, allowing only a personal item for free. Rules for what is permissible within the bags that board the plane’s cabin may vary among airlines as well as between destinations, especially when flying internationally. Your carry on luggage, itself, will also likely need to conform to some size and weight restrictions, as can be seen here.

With the specific rules on hand, a list of general rules can help guide the packing process.

What Not to Do

The first mistake that travelers tend to make is deciding to pack vital items, such as passports, medicines, and itineraries, into a carry on bag. This might sound like a great idea at first, but it can quickly create a moment of panic if the plane is incapable of hosting as many carry on bags as the passengers are attempting to tote along. I’ve flown quite a fair amount in my life so far, and I would estimate that 8 out of every 10 flights I’ve been party to have requested, and then demanded, that passengers check their carry on at the gate due to weight distribution or lack of space.

This can be a perk, as airlines rarely (if ever) charge for a carry on as a typical piece of luggage in these instances—at least for now. On the other side of that same coin, a lot of unwanted stress can come raining down in the 12th hour if you’ve neatly packed all your critical essentials into the very carry on you now need to part with. Although we hope that our luggage arrives safe and sound at our destination with us, items do get lost in transit often enough that our daily medications, important documents, chargers, and anything else of a high priority should be kept not in the carry on, but in a personal bag that will unfailingly make it onto the flight with us.

Bring It On

Keeping the essentials on our person may help free up some room in our carry on luggage, which is excellent since there are a number of practical and helpful ways to fill that space.

Consider how long the flight is and what will be desired for comfort. Neck pillows, ear plugs, noise-canceling headphones, books, magazines, notebooks, puzzles on paper, and electronics can all keep us occupied and relaxed at high altitudes. A sweatshirt or long-sleeved pullover can help keep us warm, but such items do not count as “extras” when boarding, so save some space in your luggage by tying your cozy layer around your waist or by throwing it over your arm.

Providing a different sort of comfort, it’s a great idea to bring water, lip balm, and maybe even a travel-sized moisturizer, as high altitudes and cabin conditions are very drying. Keep in mind that liquids cannot be brought through security in water-bottle-sized amounts at most airports, but nothing prohibits bringing an empty water bottle through and filling it from a water fountain on the other side. Wrapped snacks can also make the security cut, together freeing us of waiting for the in-flight cart to make its rounds.

Prepare for Landing

Finally, consider your destination. If traveling to a warmer climate, consider bringing a light change of clothes to slip into post-flight. Aim for a total-refresh by packing a spare set of undies, a toothbrush and paste or other mouth freshener, and perhaps some deodorant. Antibacterial hand wipes and/or baby wipes can also help keep us safe from germs and can remove accidental deodorant stains on clothing, together keeping us from looking, feeling, and smelling like we’ve just been on a flight.

If it’s possible to fit your trip’s entire needs into your carry on, more power to you! Just remember to abide by air-travel regulations, keep your most indispensable items with you at all costs, and don’t forget a charger if you’re banking on technology for entertainment or directions.

Safe travels!

Resources — Travel and Leisure, Mental Floss