How I pack a carry-on (& get the most out of it!) — Part 1
Sometimes, you just want to take a quick weekend trip & not have to hassle with a checked bag. Sometimes a carry-on can be all you need!
For those who struggle with over-packing, this post is for you!
For me, the 5 keys to successfully packing a carry-on you can actually make outfits from are:
1) Maximizing the size of your carry-on and personal item (aka taking the biggest ones you can that fit the airline’s dimensions) — TODAY’S POST
2) Packing your absolute essentials (personal hygiene items, makeup, etc)
3) Packing versatile/neutral pieces that can be dressed up or down (denim, a little black dress, white sneakers, etc)
4) Letting jewelry highlight the outfit (doesn’t take up much space and can change the look of outfits)
5) Wearing your bulky layers vs packing them (especially if traveling to cold weather) -or- using compression bags
Ok, let’s break part 1 down in detail:
Part 1: Maximizing the size of your carry-on and personal item (aka taking the biggest ones you can that fit the airline’s dimensions)
Maximizing the size of your carry-on and personal item (aka taking the biggest ones you can that fit the airline’s dimensions)
This is an obvious one but something that a lot of people don’t take advantage of. Each airline has specific dimensions of what they will allow for luggage and a personal item. To get the most out of your bags, check each airline’s dimensions before travel and find a bag that matches the dimensions as closely as possible but does not go over.
You might be surprised at some of the dimensions different airlines allow — for example, as of April 17, 2026, Southwest Airlines will allow a 24” carry-on size while American Airlines will only allow a 22”. Checking the airline’s dimension requirements ahead of time allows you to get the most space from your bags.
Amazon sells many backpacks, bags, and suitcases that are specifically made for the dimensions of various airlines; for example, just search: “(insert airline name here) personal item” & check the dimensions and airline to make sure it fits.
Just remember that if you are flying on two different airlines, make sure your bags fit the dimensions of both airlines — you don’t want to take a 18×14×8” personal item on your departing trip only to find out it doesn’t fit the 9×10×17” requirement of the airline for your return trip, and now you have to check it at the gate.
Make sure to weigh your bags as well (an easy idea is to stand on your bathroom scale holding the item, then by yourself, and subtract the numbers to get the weight of the luggage), or, use a portable luggage scale.
Note: this post is part of a 7-series of posts on “How to pack a carry-on (& get the most out of it!)”: (intro, parts 1-5, and conclusion)
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