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Things to Pack for an Airplane Carry-On


Anam Ahmed, Leaf Group Updated August 22, 2018 Packing your carry-on carefully makes traveling easier. (Photo: Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images )


Figuring out which things to take on a plane can be complicated. Experienced travelers know that having all of your essential items at your fingertips during your flight is key, but you also need to follow TSA guidelines while making sure your carry-on fits into the overhead compartment of the plane or under the seat in front of you. For those travelers who want to avoid checking any baggage, the carry-on is of even more importance.

If you’re traveling domestically, most United States airlines will allow most passengers to bring a personal item, such as a backpack or purse, plus a carry-on bag on the plane. In general, the personal item needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you, and it should be under 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Although airlines differ in their requirements, the carry-on typically needs to either fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, and it should measure less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. On some airlines, you cannot bring a carry-on onboard if you have a Basic Economy ticket, so be sure to check with your airline to avoid any hassle at the gate. International airlines and some budget airlines have different rules for the size of baggage allowed onboard, so check with them directly.

Remembering the Essentials

The most important items to take on a plane are your essentials: your tickets, passport or other identification. In addition, you’ll want to pack some entertainment, such as a book or magazine, and a pair of headphones, as most airlines charge for using theirs. Take your smartphone or tablet with music, TV shows and movies. It's best to download these in advance so you're not using up your data if you have trouble connecting to the airport Wi-Fi or don't want to pay for it.

If your flight is long and you want to sleep on the plane, consider taking an inflatable neck pillow for support. If you're in a pinch, a large item of clothing, like a jacket or extra pair of pants, can easily double as a comfy neck pillow when rolled up. Some planes can get quite chilly, so consider bringing a sweatshirt and socks to keep cozy. A large scarf or shawl doubles nicely as an in-flight blanket.

To avoid spending money on snacks on the plane, bring a few with you in your carry-on. You're allowed to bring food onto the plane for yourself as long as it's not liquid or gels. However, you may be required to pull out your snacks for additional screening, so organize your carry-on so that your snacks are easy to remove if they are flagged for inspection. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to invest in a collapsible water bottle to fill once you’re past the security check-in. Not only will you save on purchasing water at the terminal, you’ll save space in your carry-on, too.

Following the TSA Liquids Rule

One of the most important things to remember when packing your carry-on is the 3-1-1 TSA liquids rule. The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to limit the quantity of liquids they bring in through the checkpoint. Each passenger can bring in 3.4 ounces of liquid in a travel-sized container, packed into a 1-quart sized bag. This rule applies to all liquids including toiletries and drinks. However, an exemption exists for any medications, baby food, liquid baby formula, breast milk and juice for children.

If you need to keep any baby food or drinks cold, you are allowed to bring a frozen liquid or gel ice pack through the checkpoint as long as it is completely frozen during the time of inspection. If you choose this route, put the ice pack and food into an insulated bag so it will remain cool. That way, it will also be easy to remove for inspection.

If you’re concerned about limiting the amount of toiletries you can bring in due to the 3-1-1 rule, consider substituting liquid items for solids or powders. For example, bring a bar of soap instead of liquid body wash. Fragrances and aftershaves are available in solid or powder form as well.

Optimizing Your Carry-On Space

Travelers don’t have a lot of room to work with when it comes to a carry-on, so it’s best to start with a list of things to pack for a trip. This way, you can easily cross off any duplicates or items you can purchase at your destination. When selecting your carry-on bag, opt for one with soft sides so that it’s more flexible and can easily fit into the overhead compartment. Roll your clothes so they fit into tight spaces. If you’re packing shoes, fill them with your socks or other small items like a cellphone charger. Also consider taking multipurpose toiletries such as a combination shampoo-and-conditioner to save space. Pack large electronics, like a laptop or tablet, in the top layer of your carry-on so they're easy to remove for additional screening.






Ahmed, Anam. "Things to Pack for an Airplane Carry-On." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-pack-airplane-carryon-102547.html. 22 August 2018.
Ahmed, Anam. (2018, August 22). Things to Pack for an Airplane Carry-On. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-pack-airplane-carryon-102547.html
Ahmed, Anam. "Things to Pack for an Airplane Carry-On" last modified August 22, 2018. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-pack-airplane-carryon-102547.html




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