This $20 Travel Accessory Doubled My Carry-on Space — and Now I Never Check a Bag (2024)

FAQs

How much can you fit in a carry-on? ›

Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches. For personal items, Alaska offers examples of a purse, laptop or briefcase.

And while most airlines don't impose a weight limit on hand luggage – the general rule is simply that you must be able to lift it into the overhead locker unassisted – there are one or two that do. If your bag turns out to be too big or too heavy for hand luggage, you'll end up having to pay to place it in the hold.

Pack smart.

Begin with the chunkiest items (such as shoes) first, then roll each clothing item and stack neatly. This will take up less room and makes it easier to remove items without the need to unpack your entire bag. Pack toiletries on top as you'll likely need to access them first.

If your carry-on luggage exceeds the airline's size or weight requirements, it may be subject to additional fees or required to be checked as regular luggage. Fees vary by airline and can depend on factors such as the size or weight of the item and your fare class.

Most domestic airlines specify 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches as the maximum size for carry-on baggage. There are some exceptions as listed below in our airline specific summary. Maximum dimensions include the wheels and the handles of your bag, so factor those into your measurements when assessing your bag.

Find yourself a suitable carry-on bag and “personal item” (a large backpack and laptop case for shorter trips, a roller bag and backpack for longer trips). Eliminate prohibited items from your baggage and consolidate liquids into 3.4oz containers placed inside a quart-sized plastic bag.

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Bread. Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Since a bar of soap is a solid rather than a liquid, TSA puts no restrictions on bringing them through airport security. You can bring a bar soap of any size or as many bars as you wish. And that's true for both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage.

Can I take a backpack and suitcase as hand luggage? ›

In most cases, an airline will allow you to bring one carry-on baggage and one personal item. A personal item is normally something like a purse, laptop, backpack or camera case. Personal items should always be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

From a few days to a few weeks, you can fit everything you need in a carry on. It all comes down to packing efficiently.

How many clothes are required for a 10-day trip? Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories.

Yes! 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.

Additionally, regardless of weather, one way to fit more clothes in a carry-on suitcase is to roll everything tightly and stack it carefully. Put the bulkiest rolls on the bottom and squeeze the thinnest ones into any gaps. Think of it like a game of real-life Tetris.

Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches.