What You Can and Can't Pack in a Carry-On

Whether you are a frequent traveler or are traveling for the first time, it is important to pack effectively. Packing smartly ensures you enjoy a smooth travel experience and have everything you need for your trip. However, packing effectively can be a little tricky; and it's sometimes hard to pick and choose which things to take. Whether you are an over-packer or an under-packer, you need to figure out which items are necessities for you and then make sure you pack those. Additionally, it can be hard to figure out what to pack in a carry-on and what to keep in your regular suitcase. A carry-on is essentially any piece of luggage that you take along on a plane with you and either stow under a seat or in the overhead storage compartment. Consider these dos and don'ts for packing carry-on luggage.

Types of Carry-On Luggage

There are some types of bags that work better as carry-ons than others. A backpack is a simple yet effective carry-on. The best part is that it is easy to carry around at the airport and can usually be kept with you on the plane. You can also use the backpack later on in your trip if you go shopping or even on hikes. A lightweight tote bag or duffle bag can also be a hassle-free choice which can be used to pack clothes and shoes. The best part is that it is malleable, which means you can easily fit it into any space. However, it is not the most secure which means it is not a good option for any expensive possessions. It also lacks any proper compartments to organize your luggage. A roller board is essentially a small wheeled suitcase that works amazingly as a carry-on. You can pack a lot of things in it and organize them properly as well. However, some roller boards may be large in size so make sure the one you purchase will fit in the overhead space. A soft case roller board is great for carrying clothes and shoes; but if you are carrying something fragile and expensive, you should opt for a hard case roller board. You can opt for 2-piece carry on luggage sets that come with a big suitcase and a rollerboard carry-on, which will serve all your travel needs.

Benefits of Carry-On Baggage

Since you will have access to your carry-on throughout the flight, it is a good idea to pack things you might need during the flight. This can include a change of clothes if you have a long flight and might feel the need to freshen up. Having an extra pair of clothes can also be beneficial if your main luggage gets lost or misplaced and you do not have access to your other outfits. If you have a long flight, then you might want to pack some things for entertainment such as books or a magazine. In case you are on a work trip or want to get work done on the way, then keep your laptop with you. Packing smartly is important, so make sure you do not keep unnecessary things in your carry-on. Additionally, make sure you do not waste space. If you are going on a short trip, then you can even fit all of your luggage in a carry-on and avoid having to check in a suitcase or find a luggage locker.

Guidelines and Restrictions

Once you have picked a carry-on and decided what to pack, make sure you keep certain rules in mind. There are certain restrictions regarding what you can and can't carry on a plane, so make sure you pack accordingly. You cannot carry big bottles of liquids or gels in your carry-on, as most airlines have a limit of 100ml. So either keep your big bottles in your suitcase or keep smaller bottles. You are also not allowed to keep ammunition, guns, and sharp objects such as knives in your carry-ons. Chemicals such as bleach and chlorine are also not allowed. Besides this, you can safely pack clothes, shoes, and books in your carry-on. Surprisingly, you can even take a single disposable razor and a pair of scissors (with blades shorter than 4 inches) in a carry-on. For details specific to your airlines, be sure to check regulations beforehand.

In order to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free flight, make sure you know what is allowed on a carry-on and then pack accordingly. It is also important to pick a suitable carry-on and pack it smartly.