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Get the Most Out of Your Carry-On Bag: What to Bring and How to Pack It

A carry-on bag is most people’s security blanket, best friend and lifeline when traveling. Your carry-on often has essentials for the airplane. For me, that means snacks and entertainment, but a carry-on should also include valuable, hard-to-replace items such as passports, prescriptions, toiletries, cash and clothes in case your checked luggage gets lost. Believe me, packing a day or two extra clothes saved me when my suitcase was lost on the way to London.

Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major US airline is also a must and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. What TSA officials confiscate isn’t in your control, but what you pack and how you pack it is in your control. Here’s how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for your next business or pleasure travel.

For more travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist.

The best carry-on travel bags

Before you start packing, you’ll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

What size carry-on should you get?

The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can’t exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane. 

Here’s a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines.

Carry-on items by airline

Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment

If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Be sure these compartments are easily accessible, since at security checkpoints, the TSA will require you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic X-ray tray.

Make sure you’re carry-on is comfortable on your back or shoulder

Remember, you’ll need to lug your carry-on bag or suitcase across the airport and down long corridors, and you might even need to run with it so you don’t miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or cushioned straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for ease.

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Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase. 

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Essential items for your carry-on bag

There’s some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination. 

  • Prescriptions and medications
  • Contact lenses or glasses
  • Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
  • Cameras and smartphones
  • Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
  • Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations

Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack. 

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Airline Cabin Maximum size
Air Canada All 55 x 40 x 23 cm; 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in
Alaska Airlines All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
American Airlines All 56 x 36 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
British Airways All 56 x 45 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in
Delta Air Lines All 56 x 35 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Frontier Airlines All 60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in
Hawaiian Airlines All 55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
JetBlue Airways All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Southwest Airlines All 60.9 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in
Spirit Airlines All 56 x 46 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in
United Airlines All 56 x 35 x 22 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in