To fit everything in a carry-on, use strategic packing by rolling clothes, stuffing socks into shoes, utilizing packing cubes, packing heavy items first near wheels, wearing bulky items, and organizing toiletries for easy access, focusing on versatile clothing and minimizing extras to maximize space like a game of Tetris.
Start with the larger items first and then fill in the gaps and spaces with smaller items such a tank tops, workout pants, etc. I also like to put socks inside my shoes to fill that space as well. Rolling your clothing makes the items more compact and you can fit them in the corners of the suitcase and along the edges.
The 54321 packing rule is a minimalist travel strategy for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, suggesting you pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layers/dresses/bags, and 1 set of accessories (like jewelry, sunglasses, hat). This method helps prevent overpacking by focusing on interchangeable items, allowing for many outfit combinations (often 20+) from fewer pieces, ideal for carry-on travel by ensuring items mix and match well for different occasions and climates.
You can't bring sharp items (knives, scissors over 6cm), many tools (hammers, saws), firearms, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive chemicals (bleach, oven cleaner), explosives, pepper spray/mace, large lithium batteries, and items that look like weapons on a plane carry-on. Restricted liquids (over 100ml), certain powders (over 350ml/g), and some electronics like hoverboards also face limitations or bans.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
Can I bring deodorant on a plane? Yes, you can bring deodorant on a plane. Stick and solid deodorants are allowed in your carry-on luggage without restrictions. Spray, gel and liquid deodorants over 3.4 ounces need to be packed in your checked baggage.
5 be respectful of other passengers. 6 High heels, flip flops, and slides. 7 avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. 8 Over-sized coats can make economy class feel claustrophobic.
The 333 packing method is a minimalist travel hack where you pack 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes to create numerous outfits for a trip, often fitting everything into a carry-on bag by focusing on versatile, mix-and-match pieces. Popularized on TikTok by creators like Rachel Spencer, this strategy helps avoid overpacking by challenging you to build many looks from a small capsule wardrobe, maximizing outfits (sometimes over 20) from just nine core items.
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
This may seem an ambitiously small suitcase, but the golden rule of packing is to always take half the clothes you were planning to bring (and twice the money).
The "Rule of 7" outfit is a styling method where you assign points to each clothing item and accessory (basics get 1 point, statements get 2) aiming for a total of 7 to 10 points to create a complete, intentional look, making outfits feel more polished by adding interest without being overdone. It's a flexible guideline to elevate simple looks by adding layers, jewelry, bags, or hats until you reach the target, and taking things away if you go over 10.
Tightly rolling your clothes allows for much more compact packing. You can fit more clothes in your bag and reduce creases. Popularized by Japanese clean-freak sensation Marie Kondo, this is a slower, more aesthetically pleasing way of packing (typically Japanese, right?).
Always put your chargers and spare batteries in your carry-on before you head to the airport.
Essential Tips
Place shoes heel to toe with soles facing outward, like in a shoe box, place them in shoe bags for protection, and line them up in the zippered compartment side of your luggage – starting at the bottom. If your shoes don't fill up the whole compartment, pack clothes in between to keep everything in place.
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Longer Trips: For longer vacations, consider packing a few extra pairs. Two weeks might require 14-20 pairs. If you have access to laundry facilities, you you may only need a weeks worth of socks (7-14 pairs).
You can pack 10 days of clothes in one carry-on bag. The key is to pack clothes that all work together, and of course, to use clothing organizers that maximize the space in your bag.
Avoiding Jeans and Synthetic Fabrics
Jeans and synthetic fabrics like polyester are commonly avoided by frequent flyers. Stiff denim limits mobility and can dig into the stomach or legs during extended flights, while synthetic materials trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort.
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Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
But, the list of items you cannot bring on a plane is too long to cover in its entirety here. Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.