Make the most of your carry-on luggage: what to take and how to pack it

A hand luggage is most people’s security blanket, best friend and lifeline while traveling. Your hand luggage often contains essential items for the plane. For me, that means snacks and entertainment, but carry-on luggage should also include valuable, hard-to-replace items like passports, prescriptions, toiletries, cash, and clothing in case your checked luggage gets lost. Believe me, packing a day or two of extra clothes saved me when my suitcase got lost on the way to London.

Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major U.S. airline is also a must, and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you enjoy the experience without being held up. What TSA officers confiscate is out of your control, but what you pack and how you pack it is up to you. Here’s how to pack your carry-on luggage efficiently for your next business or pleasure trip.

For more travel tips, check these out travel essentials you need for every holiday and then take a look at this travel checklist.

The best carry-on travel bags

Before you start packing, you need to find the right carry-on luggage. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

What size hand luggage should you take?

The first and most important aspect to consider is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations require carry-on luggage to be no larger than 8 by 14 by 9 inches, although there may be a difference of several inches depending on the airline. The general rule is that it should fit under your seat or in the locked storage compartment at the top of the plane.

Here is a quick overview of the size limits for the most popular US airlines.

Hand luggage must have an easily accessible technical compartment

If you decide to bring electronics such as a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on luggage should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packaging. Make sure these compartments are easily accessible, as at security checkpoints the TSA requires you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic x-ray tray.

Make sure your carry-on luggage is comfortable on your back or shoulder

Keep in mind that you will have to lug your carry-on or suitcase through the airport and down long hallways, and you may even have to run with it so you don’t miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or padded straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for your convenience.

How to properly pack your carry-on luggage

While what to pack in your carry-on ultimately depends on your preferences, there are a few guidelines for the best way to pack your luggage:

• Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothing one layer, electronics one layer, etc.).
• Place the items you use least at the bottom of the bag.
• Keep most of your valuables in your carry-on and stash them in side pockets or securely padded around other items.
• Place valuables at the bottom of your bag, away from the opening.
• Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in an inside pocket so they are harder to steal.
• Bring a small, separate bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in hand luggage must comply with the 3-1-1 fluids are the rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit into a one-liter, clear, zip-top plastic bag; one bag per passenger.)
• Roll your clothes tightly to save space in your luggage.

Sometimes you lose your luggage. It happens. Although frustrating, it’s important to pack a spare set of clothes (including socks and underwear!) in your carry-on so you can stay there until your bags are found and returned. Pack clothes that can easily be rolled up and tucked into the bottom of your bag.

Essential items for your hand luggage

There are some items that simply fit better in your carry-on luggage. If you decide to check a bag, make sure you keep these items with you during the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that are difficult to replace or purchase when you arrive at your destination.

• Prescriptions and medications
• Contact lenses or glasses
  
• Valuables such as jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
• Cameras and smartphones
• Entertainment such as tablets, books and laptops
• Headphones for watching TV or movies during a longer flight
• Chargers for electronics
• Printed itinerary or hotel and flight confirmations
  

Discover this complete guide for essential travel items you might forget to pack.

What you should never put in your hand luggage

The TSA has specific guidelines about which items are excluded from flights, and the agency takes these rules very seriously. In 2022 alone, the TSA screened and seized nearly 761 million passengers and crew nationwide a record number of firearms (6,301) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, may face fines or criminal penalties.

These are some of the most commonly seized items:

• Firearms
• Fireworks
• Box cutters, utility knives and razors
  
• Bats, bats and knives
• Swiss army knives
• Sharp

If in doubt, always consult TSA guidelines about flight packing so you can travel safely and easily.

If you’re headed on vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help you. Prepare for your next trip with these hacks and tips: