There’s an art to packing a carry-on bag. Wise travelers must balance the requirements of airlines and airport security, make sure important items are easily accessible, and remember all the little things that will keep them comfortable in flight.
I’ve gathered seven common carry-on bag mistakes that you should steer clear of to save money, have a better flight, and avoid running afoul of airport security.
Don’t Pack Liquids or Gels Larger Than 3.4 Ounces
Let’s start with the basics of how to pack a carry-on: If you’re traveling with a full-size bottle of shampoo or sunscreen, it must go in your checked bag, not your carry-on. The world’s
This means that if you’re going to pick up a bottle of water or soda for the plane, be sure to buy it and stow it in your carry-on after security, not before. (Don’t be that bleary-eyed traveler who shows up at an early-morning checkpoint with a cup of coffee you just bought, only to have to throw it away.)
Note that there are a few exceptions to this rule, including essential medications and food for infants or children.
Don’t Pack Prohibited Items
Each country’s government has slightly different rules about what can and can’t be brought aboard a plane, but as a general rule you should never put any of the following in your carry-on: firearms, explosives, baseball bats or other sporting equipment that could be used as weapons, self-defense sprays (such as mace), and sharp objects such as knives and safety razors.
Scissors are generally okay when packing a carry-on, as long as the blades are shorter than 4 inches. Nail clippers and disposable razors will also pass muster in most parts of the world. Swiss Army knives, however, are a no-go. Snow globes are not permitted unless they’re small enough to fit inside your quart-size plastic bag with the rest of your liquids and gels.
You can find lists of prohibited items for the following destinations at the links below. If you’re flying to or from a different country, do a Google search for its security rules, or call your airline.
Don’t Bury Liquids and Gels Deep in Your Bag
Save time in the security line by making sure your plastic bag of liquids and gels is right at the top of your carry-on or in an easily accessible pocket—that way you’re not digging around for it while the passengers behind you tap their toes in irritation.
The same goes for a laptop computer; unless you’re in an expedited travel line (such as TSA PreCheck in the U.S.), you’ll have to take this out at the security checkpoint for screening.
You’re aware that checked bags are subject to extra fees if they’re overweight or oversized—but did you know that many airlines weigh carry-on bags as well? Both Qantas and Air New Zealand, for example, have a 15-pound weight limit for carry-on bags, while Air France allows a more generous 26 pounds as the total weight of your carry-on plus your personal item. Consider buying a small luggage scale to weigh your bag before you leave; that way, you can redistribute or discard items in the privacy of your home rather than at the airport counter.
Don’t Pack Too Much
Many other airlines, including the biggest U.S. carriers, do not currently have weight limits for carry-on bags, but they do have size limits—and unfortunately, they’re shrinking.
Don’t Assume Your Carry-on Won’t Be Gate-Checked
Even if your bag is perfectly within your airline’s weight and size limits, you might still have to check it at the gate if the plane is full or it’s a smaller aircraft than expected. Just in case this happens to you, make sure everything truly vital—travel documents, pricey gadgets, medicine—is stowed in the personal item you keep with you, not in the carry-on you gate-check.
Also, make sure there’s a luggage tag on your carry-on; gate-checked bags are occasionally mishandled just as regular checked bags are, and you’ll want your contact information on the bag in case your airline sends it astray.
Don’t Forget Your In-Flight Essentials
Especially for longer flights, you’ll want to stock our carry-on bag with must-haves such as earbuds/headphones (some airlines charge for these), antibacterial hand sanitizer, an eye mask, a travel pillow, and plenty of Don’t Forget to Prepay for Your Carry-on
Some low-cost carriers, including Spirit and Frontier, charge fees
not only for checked bags but also for carry-ons. You will pay the
lowest possible fee for your carry-on if you pay it online in advance
rather than when you arrive at the airport. If you know you’ll be
bringing a carry-on aboard your flight, pay for it when you book.