The Art of Carry-On Packing: Essential Tips
There’s a certain kind of traveler who always seems effortlessly prepared—breezing through airport security, gliding their sleek bag through terminals, and somehow never forgetting anything. The secret? Mastering the art of carry-on packing.
If you’ve ever struggled to zip your bag or debated whether your shampoo counts as a carry on travel size liquid, this guide’s for you. Below are essential, practical tips to help you pack smarter, travel lighter, and move through airports with a little more ease (and a lot less stress).
Start with the Right Carry-On
Your carry-on luggage is the foundation of everything. A well-designed bag makes all the difference. Some people swear by hard-shell options, while others go for soft-sided bags for flexibility and extra pockets.
Check your airline’s size limits too. What fits on one carrier may not fly with another. Here’s a quick rundown of a few major U.S. and Canadian airlines’ carry-on size restrictions.
Always double-check your airline’s website before you fly, as size policies and enforcement can vary.
Carry on luggage size Air Canada: 21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches (55 x 23 x 40 cm)
Carry on luggage size Delta: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm)
Carry on luggage dimensions United: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 22 cm)
Carry on luggage size American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Even a half-inch difference can mean your bag gets gate-checked, so when in doubt, measure twice. This is especially important when you fly on a budget airline. ALWAYS check (and double-check) the carry on size for airlines like Ryanair and Spirit.
Backpack or Roller?
If you prefer being hands-free, a carry on travel backpack might be a better fit than traditional rolling luggage. Look for one with padded shoulder straps, a water-resistant exterior, and a laptop sleeve if you’re bringing tech. The best carry on travel backpack should also have top or side access so you’re not digging through layers of clothing to find your passport.
For city breaks, train hopping, or anywhere you expect stairs or cobblestone streets, a backpack is hard to beat.
But if you’re loyal to rolling bags, no judgment—just pay attention to the carry on luggage wheels. Look for smooth-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels that can glide over carpet, tile, and even pavement. Dual wheels tend to be more stable, and rubber-coated ones are generally quieter in busy terminals.
And hey, no one says it’s one or the other! Most airlines let you bring a carry on and a personal item, so make the most of your space by accounting for both in your packing.
Get Clear on Liquids
TSA’s rules around liquids still trip people up, even seasoned travelers. Here’s the gist: All your liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of carry on travel size (3.4 ounces or 100ml or less), and all of those must fit inside a single quart-sized zip-top bag.
That includes things like toothpaste, contact lens solution, face cream, sunscreen, and yes—even food items like peanut butter or hummus. When in doubt, it counts as a liquid.
Make sure you’re familiar with the rules for carry on travel liquid size before heading to the airport, especially if you’re flying internationally where local rules may be stricter. If you’re wondering what qualifies as carry on travel size liquids, most big-brand travel toiletries are labeled accordingly.
How to Pack Like a Pro
Packing light doesn’t mean going without. It just means packing with a little strategy.
Here’s my go-to system after years of trial and error:
- Lay everything out the night before.
I used to pack directly into the bag and always forgot something. Now I lay everything out on the bed first. Seeing it all at once helps me cut out duplicates and think through outfits. Roll your clothes.
It really does save space and helps prevent creases. I use packing cubes for different categories—tops in one, bottoms in another, underwear and socks in a third. It keeps the bag organized and makes unpacking a breeze.Use the bundle method for nicer clothes.
If I’m packing a blazer or a dress, I’ll wrap it around softer items like t-shirts or scarves to avoid harsh folds.Shoes on the bottom, against the wheels.
This keeps the weight balanced and helps the bag roll better. I usually pack one pair and wear the other, max.Keep a small pouch for “in-flight” stuff.
I always have one zip pouch with lip balm, eye drops, earbuds, hand sanitizer, and a snack. It goes in the front pocket of my bag so I don’t have to dig for it at 35,000 feet.Leave a little space.
I once packed a bag so tightly that I couldn’t fit a book I bought at the airport. Ever since, I’ve made sure there’s room to spare. I like to bring a foldable bag like the ones from Baggu to have extra bag space on the way back.
Don’t Pay Full Price
If you’re in the market for an upgrade, keep an eye out for a carry on luggage sale. They pop up more often than you’d think—especially during holidays, back-to-school season, or travel-heavy months like May and September. Whether you’re eyeing a carry on luggage Rimowa or just need a basic upgrade with good carry on luggage wheels, there’s no reason to overpay. You can also usually find them on Facebook marketplace, if you’re looking for a deal.
My Favorite Carry-On Luggage Options
After way too many trips spent dragging awkward or unreliable bags through airports, I’ve narrowed it down to a few carry-ons that I actually trust and use. Whether you want something sleek and sturdy or soft and flexible, here are my top picks:
1. Rimowa Essential Cabin – The Fancy One
If you’re into design, durability, and smooth-as-butter wheels, this one’s hard to beat. The carry on luggage Rimowa line is pricey, but if you travel often, it really pays off. Lightweight, nearly indestructible, and the telescoping handle doesn’t wobble (finally!).
Best for: Frequent flyers, design lovers
Why I love it: Glides effortlessly, minimalist interior, holds up beautifully
Look for it during a carry on luggage sale—discounts pop up more often than you’d think.
2. Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Spinner – The Sturdy Sidekick
This is a fantastic value for a hardside suitcase. The Samsonite Omni 2 is light, scratch-resistant, and fits within most carry-on restrictions—including carry on luggage size Delta and carry on luggage dimensions United. It’s ideal for travelers who want something reliable without a designer price tag.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Why I love it: Tough shell, smooth carry on luggage wheels, expandable design, and it looks more expensive than it is
3. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack – The (very organized) Backpack
My favorite carry on travel backpack. It opens like a suitcase, fits under the seat on most planes, and has just enough compartments to stay organized without going overboard. I hiked the Inca Trail in Peru with a girl who had this backpack, and I bought one immediately on return.
Best for: Hands-free travelers, adventure trips
Why I love it: Super comfy straps, water-resistant, ethically made, optional fun colors
4. Away The Bigger Carry-On – The Icon (in every color)
Sleek, durable, and fits most major US airlines’ limits (though always double-check). The internal compression system is great for overpackers. I’ve used one of these for the last 8 years and recommend it to anyone who asks. Trust me–Don’t buy it in white.
Best for: Organized travelers who like extras
Why I love it: Built-in laundry bag, smooth zippers, clean aesthetic
5. Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner (20-Inch) – The Budget Option
If you just want something affordable that gets the job done, this Amazon Basics carry-on is surprisingly decent. It fits carry on luggage United and Delta size requirements and works well for short trips.
Best for: Occasional travelers, tight budgets
Why I love it: Super budget-friendly, decent interior space, lightweight, and it holds up better than you’d expect at this price point
Carry-on packing is part art, part strategy. The goal isn’t to bring less—it’s to bring better. Whether you’re rolling a carry on luggage Rimowa through LAX or zipping up with our suggestion for the best carry on travel backpack in Rome, the freedom of skipping baggage claim is hard to beat.
And once you’ve fine-tuned your packing system, you’ll wonder why you ever checked a bag in the first place.