If you’re planning a trip and want to pack light, you might be wondering what you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Carry-on luggage is the bag that you can take with you on the plane, and it has some advantages over checked luggage. For one thing, you don’t have to pay extra fees for it, and you don’t have to worry about losing it or waiting for it at the baggage claim. Plus, you can access your belongings during the flight, which can make your travel more comfortable and convenient.

But what can you actually fit in your carry-on luggage? And what are the rules and restrictions for what you can bring on board?

There are also some items that are allowed in checked luggage but not in carry-on luggage. These include:

– Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, or pastes that are more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each

– Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, or pastes that are not in a clear plastic bag that is quart-sized (1 liter) or smaller

– Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, or pastes that exceed one bag per passenger

– Sporting equipment, such as golf clubs, baseball bats, or hockey sticks

– Tools, such as hammers, wrenches, or saws

– Martial arts weapons, such as nunchucks, brass knuckles, or throwing stars

There may be some exceptions for these items if they are needed for medical reasons or if they are declared as antiques or souvenirs. However, you should always check with your airline and the security authorities before you pack them.

What are the best items to bring in carry-on luggage?

Now that you know what you can’t bring in your carry-on luggage, let’s talk about what you can bring. Here are some of the best items to pack in your carry-on luggage:

– Essentials: These are the items that you absolutely need for your trip or that you can’t afford to lose. They include your passport, ID card, boarding pass, tickets, money, credit cards, medications, prescriptions, jewelry, valuables, electronics, chargers, adapters, and headphones.

– Comfort: These are the items that will make your flight more enjoyable and comfortable. They include a pillow, blanket, eye mask, ear plugs, snacks, water bottle, gum, books, magazines, games, or puzzles.

– Hygiene: These are the items that will help you freshen up during or after your flight. They include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, deodorant, wipes, hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm, comb, brush, hair ties, or makeup.

– Clothing: These are the items that will help you cope with changing temperatures or unexpected delays. They include a change of underwear, socks, shoes, shirt, pants, sweater, jacket, or scarf.

Finally, here are some tips on how to pack your carry-on luggage efficiently and make the most of the space you have:

– Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize your items and save space.

– Roll your clothes instead of folding them to prevent wrinkles and fit more.

– Wear your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane instead of packing them.

– Pack your liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, or pastes in a clear plastic bag and place it on top of your carry-on luggage for easy access and screening.

– Pack your electronics and chargers in a separate pouch or case and place it near the top of your carry-on luggage for easy access and screening.

– Pack your essentials and valuables in a small backpack or purse that you can keep under your seat for extra security and convenience.

Carry-on luggage is a great way to travel light and avoid extra fees and hassles. However, you need to be aware of the size and weight limits, the prohibited items, and the best items to bring in your carry-on luggage. You also need to pack your carry-on luggage efficiently and follow the security rules. By following these tips, you can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. Happy travels!

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson