When flying, we rarely check luggage. This not only saves us money, but time. Fitting all your travel items into a carry-on bag can be challenging but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to wait for your checked luggage at the airport again. Our guide will walk you through how to fit all of your luggage in a carry-on bag.
When we went to Europe for 3 weeks in July 2016 , we both only brought carry-on bags. Since then, we’ve continued to master the art of fitting all of our travel items in a carry-on bag. On that trip alone, not checking bags saved us approximately $240 in baggage fees (due to flying between cities numerous times). Moreover, only having carry-on bags makes us much more mobile and reduces the time we spend in the airport.
Furthermore, we have both previously had luggage ruined and/or lost by different airlines and find we prefer to be in control of our luggage as well. Trust us–it’s not fun to arrive at your destination or come home to all of your luggage items ruined or lost.
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Here are our top 7 tips on how to fit all of your luggage in a carry on bag:
1. Pick versatile clothing pieces
We recommend sticking to mainly neutral colors so you are able to make numerous outfits out of the same pieces. Natalie typically packs one or two colorful pieces that serve as an outfit on their own (usually a colorful dress or two) but she tries to really minimize these to maximize space. Try to pack jackets and sweaters that can be used with numerous outfits as well since these tend to be more bulky items.
2. Set out everything you plan to bring, plan out potential outfits and eliminate excess
Put together all of your potential outfits. Natalie tries on her clothes with each potential outfit in mind, usually having at least 2 extra options for the total trip. If you are a visual person like Natalie, you may find it helpful to take pictures of each outfit and then eliminate outfits/clothing pieces through looking at those pictures. This also makes it easier to pick out outfits on your trip when you already have in mind what you were going to wear. Sam is not nearly as calculated in his clothing choices while packing but keeps a similar mindset of minimalism.
3. Use packing squares and roll your clothes
Packing Cubes will really help you organize your luggage and fit more in your bag. We typically have 2 or 3 packing squares per bag and find them really helpful for both space maximization and organization. It is much easier to find items when you have them separated out in different packing squares versus just thrown into your suitcase. We also recommend you roll your clothing (i.e roll all your t-shirts together) to really maximize space. You’ll be surprised by how much more you can fit in your bag when you roll your clothes.
We use also this Compact Toiletry Bag. It’s great for space maximization saving you vital extra bathroom space by being able to hang on the door (or elsewhere).
4. Get a bag that will maximize/allow you the most space
We have one bag that maximizes space–an eBag –as well as a normal sized but high quality normal sized–SwissGear— backpack. Natalie uses the eBag that is the maximum carry-on size because she always has more items. Sam always does just fine with the smaller normal sized carry on bag.
For a heavy packer, we would recommend getting the eBag or another backpack that is the maximum carry on size. Natalie never flies without her eBag and considers it a game changer when packing. Beware though, from our experience, the eBag is perfectly sized but not as comfortable wearing for extended periods of time.
Otherwise, if you are a concise packer, using a normal sized more comfortable backpack is your best bet. One with a lot of different compartments may be helpful for organization too, especially if you are doing a lot of moving around on your trip. The one Sam uses, this SwissGear Backpack, even has a USB charging port.
5. Wear your largest items
On the plane, if you are trying to maximize carry-on space, plan to wear your largest coat and hiking boots (or bulkiest shoes). You can always take your bulky coat off when you get on the plane. Bonus–it’s nice to have your coat on the plane if you are cold or want to use it as a blanket.
6. Remember, you get one personal item in addition to your carry on. Maximize this!
It still needs to fit under the seat in front of you but you can essentially bring another small backpack, duffel bag or large purse. Sam typically brings a small duffel bag that can be collapsed down if not being used and Natalie brings a large purse. We have learned how to fit a lot into these bags as well and it is nice to have the extra space if you buy something.
Natalie uses a Tom Clover Crossbody Bag as her personal item. This purse is a Mary Poppins bag with how much you can fit in it!
If you are looking for a smaller versatile purse, this is the one Natalie uses: Travelon Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag
. This bag is great for traveling as it has built-in security with it’s locking zippers and built-in anti-slash properties.
7. Don’t forget to weigh your carry on
Check maximal weight for carry ons on each airline you will be flying with. Many airlines will not weigh carry ons. However, if they do, you do not want to be stuck checking a bag because it is overweight. The easiest way to check the bag’s weight is to step on your scale with/without the carry-on and do a little math.
Note: Be mindful of items that are allowed in a carry on versus require checking a bag. Pay special attention to liquid sizes. This mindfulness should apply to souvenirs you may purchase to bring back with you. Avoid getting stuck checking a bag or having to throw out a purchased item.
8. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle & Clip it to your Backpack
Bring a reusable water bottle. Not only is it better for the environment, it is better on your wallet. Water can cost upwards of $5 per bottle in the airport and with needing extra hydration while flying, especially on a long travel day, you could really spend a lot of unnecessary money. We like the lightweight reusable water bottle linked here. And if you want to use your water bottle pouch for other luggage (such as an umbrella), use a karabiner to clip it to your backpack and save space.
We hope this post helps you fit all of your items into your carry on luggage. Any tips you’d add to guide on how to fit all of your luggage in a carry-on? We’d love to hear your feedback or questions. Please leave us a comment!
Planning a multi-city trip to Europe? See our How to Plan Your First Europe Trip on a Budget guide for more tips on how to do this.
And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!
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