How to Pack Carry-On Only
One-Minute Summary
Packing carry-on only means fitting everything you need for your trip into one cabin-approved bag (and sometimes a personal item). This guide walks you through the mindset: capsule wardrobe, rolling vs. folding, TSA liquid rules, what to wear on the plane, and how to handle longer trips with laundry. You'll learn practical techniques that work for business travel, vacation, and everything in between. Result: no checked bag fees, no lost luggage anxiety, and faster airport exit. Takes 20–30 minutes to pack once you have the system down.
What does carry-on only mean?
Carry-on only means everything you need for your trip fits in one bag that goes in the overhead bin (or under the seat) plus one personal item. No checked bag. No baggage claim. No lost luggage. No $30–40 bag fees each way.
Airlines allow one carry-on (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack). That’s your entire luggage allowance. It sounds tight, but with the right approach, it works for weekend trips, business travel, and even week-long vacations.
Our Carry-On Checklist and Packing List give you the structure. This guide explains the how — capsule wardrobe, packing techniques, TSA rules, and mindset shifts that make carry-on only sustainable.
Step 1: Choose a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is 4–6 tops and 2–3 bottoms in neutral, mix-and-match colors. Each top works with each bottom. One dress or one extra layer covers variations. You’re not packing 7 unique outfits — you’re packing pieces that create 10+ combinations.
Example for 5-day trip: 4 tops (2 t-shirts, 2 blouses or polos), 2 bottoms (1 jean, 1 chino or skirt), 1 cardigan or light jacket, 5 underwear, 4 socks, 1 sleep set. Wear your heaviest pants and shoes on the plane. Total: about 12 items of clothing. Fits in half a carry-on with room for toiletries and electronics.
Colors: Black, navy, gray, white, denim. They all go together. One accent color (e.g., red scarf) adds variety without bulk.
Step 2: Master packing techniques
Rolling vs. folding: Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles for most fabrics. Bundle wrapping (wrap clothes around a central core) works for dress shirts. For a mix: roll soft items (t-shirts, underwear), fold structured items (blazers, dress pants). Experiment — your bag shape matters.
Packing cubes: Organize by category or by day. Compression cubes squeeze out air. They add structure so you can fit more without chaos. Not required, but they make unpacking and repacking faster.
Shoe strategy: Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane. Pack one alternate (flats, sneakers) if needed. Stuff socks inside shoes to save space. Max two pairs for most trips.
Liquids: TSA 3-1-1 — 3.4 oz per container, 1 quart bag, 1 per person. Buy travel sizes or refillable bottles. Solid alternatives (shampoo bar, solid deodorant) don’t count toward the limit. Pack the quart bag at the top of your bag for easy security pull-out.
Step 3: Wear your heaviest items
Jeans, boots, jacket, sweater. Wear them on the plane. That’s 2–4 lbs and significant bulk out of your bag. You can always take the jacket off and stash it under the seat. This single tip often frees 20% of your bag space.
Step 4: Know TSA and airline rules
Liquids: 3.4 oz (100ml) per container, quart-sized clear bag, one per person. Exceptions: medications, baby formula — declare at security.
Electronics: Laptop out for screening. Power bank in carry-on only (never checked — lithium battery rule).
Personal item: Purse + laptop bag often counts as one if they’re combined. A backpack that fits under the seat = personal item. Check your airline’s dimensions.
Weight: Some international or budget carriers have weight limits (7–10 kg). U.S. domestic typically doesn’t, but bags must fit overhead. If you’re close to full, weigh before you leave.
Step 5: Plan for laundry on longer trips
For 7+ days, plan one laundry session. Many hotels have guest laundry. Laundromats are in most cities. Sink wash works for underwear and quick-dry tops — bring a small detergent sheet or use hotel soap. Hang dry overnight. You don’t need 10 days of clothes; you need 5–6 days plus a wash.
Real-life examples (U.S. context)
Business trip, 3 days: One suit (wear jacket on plane), 2 dress shirts, 2 ties, 1 spare pant, underwear and socks, toiletry bag, laptop. One roller bag. Total pack time: 15 minutes.
Beach vacation, 7 days: 4 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 swimsuits, 1 cover-up, 1 light dress, minimal toiletries, sunscreen (buy there or travel size). Wear sneakers and light jacket on plane. Laundry mid-week or hand-wash. One 40L backpack.
City weekend: 2 tops, 1 bottom, 1 layer, toiletries, phone charger. Personal item only — no carry-on needed. Ultra-minimal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Packing “just in case.” You won’t need it. If you do, buy it there. Most things are replaceable.
- Too many shoes. Two pairs max. Wear the heavy pair. Pack the light pair.
- Full-size toiletries. TSA will confiscate. Travel sizes or refillables only.
- Overstuffing. A bulging bag might not fit overhead. Leave 10% empty for souvenirs or flexibility.
- Not testing before the trip. Do a trial pack at home. Weigh it. Ensure it fits. Adjust before you’re at the airport.
Recommended tools
Carry-On Checklist — TSA-compliant packing categories. Check off as you pack.
Packing List — Full trip packing by category. Use the business variant for minimal packing.
For itinerary planning: Itinerary Planning Tips.
Recommended Printables & Templates
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size bag can I use for carry-on?
Most U.S. airlines allow 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches total). Check your carrier — some budget airlines are stricter. A standard carry-on roller or 40L backpack typically fits. Personal item (purse, laptop bag) is usually 18 x 14 x 8 or similar. Check before you fly.
How do I pack for a week in one carry-on?
Capsule wardrobe: 4–5 tops, 2–3 bottoms, 1 layer, underwear and socks for 5–6 days. Plan to do laundry once, or use quick-dry fabrics and hand-wash in the sink. Wear jeans and jacket on the plane. Neutral colors mix and match.
What about liquids?
TSA 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz per container, 1 quart-sized clear bag, 1 bag per person. Buy travel sizes or use refillable bottles. Solid alternatives (shampoo bar, solid deodorant) don't count. Medications and baby formula are exceptions — declare them.
Should I use packing cubes?
They help. Organize by category (tops, bottoms, underwear) or by day. Compression cubes save more space. Not essential, but they make unpacking and repacking faster. Many frequent carry-on travelers swear by them.
What do I wear on the plane?
Your bulkiest items. Wear your heaviest shoes, jacket, and thickest pants or jeans. That's 2–3 lbs of weight and bulk out of your bag. Layers work — you can take off the jacket if you get warm.
What if I need something I can't carry on?
Most things are replaceable or available at your destination. Full-size sunscreen? Buy there. Too many shoes? Wear one pair, pack one. Truly essential oversized items (medical equipment, etc.) — check the airline's exemption policy. For most trips, you can make it work.