Carry-On Suitcases::Everything You Need To Know

Travel

Feb 18

Written By Andrea | Good Midlife Travels

carry-on suitcase, personal item bags, travel tips

So You Want TO Try a Carry-on Suitcase Trip?

Let me take out all the stress of traveling with a carry-on suitcase {+personal item bag} on your next trip.

I pinky-promise it CAN BE DONE!

You’ll also save a ton of time never having to wait at baggage claim again.

First…

Do you have the right size carry-on bag?

Not all carry-on luggage is equal, not the same size. And size DEFINITELY matters!

I’ve seen carry-on bags from 20” to 23” in height, but you need to follow your airline restrictions, so check there first before purchasing any carry-on luggage.

All airlines have a luggage size webpage to reference. A good standard is staying BELOW 22” in height and 14” in depth.

Second…

Check the weather for your destination so you know what type of clothes to pack.

We can’t pack the closet + dresser when we fly in a carry-on suitcase {sorry}. Knowing what type of weather you’ll have helps pair down what you pack.

Third…

Count down with me…

5️⃣ Bottoms {neutral trousers, jeans, solid colors}
4️⃣ Tops {match to the weather + interchangeable}
3️⃣ Layering + Accessories {cardigans, blazer, scarves}
2️⃣ Shoes {wearing 1 on the plane}
1️⃣ Dress or nice outfit {if needed}

We’re building a mix-n-match travel closet for a 5-7 day trip. Being able to mix between your tops, bottoms + layers is the BEST WAY to make the most out of your suitcase space.

Depending on the personal item bag you pack along, you can fit an extra outfit inside there.

I pack 1 spare outfit in a compression cube inside my personal item bag for longer trips.

This is also a good idea if you check your luggage in case your bag gets lost or delayed.

SIDENOTE:: If you’re in the last few boarding groups you also may be forced to check your carry-on bag if they run out of overhead bin space.

SHOES::

I am a shoe-lover, but I don’t pack more than 3 on any trip because shoes are a luggage hog lapping up suitcase space like a piggy in a mud bath.

If packing 2 pairs, stuff the inside space with socks, charging cords, or any small garments.

Fourth…

Toiletry Bag is still under the 3-1-1 rule so we need to pack strategic here.

The current carry-on liquids rule = 3.4 oz / 100 ml per item, all fitting inside a clear quart-size bag.

Needless to say, your whole vanity isn’t invited on the trip.

Smart Swaps::

Solid shampoo/conditioner or bar soap {I love THIS SET}
Travel-size skincare favorites + mini sunscreen packs
Multi-use products (tinted SPF, lip+cheek stick)

I pack a tiny “refresh kit” for long-haul flights::

It’s a mini reset button for my longer travel days that doesn’t take up much space in my personal item bag.

Another space-saving option if you’re renting a car at your destination is to grab travel sizes at a Target or CVS on your way to the hotel or Airbnb.

Staying in a hotel, and not picky about the shampoo and conditioner, use what they have in your room.

Fifth…

How you pack opens up more space.

Rolling is great, folding a few, and bundle + cubes takes you to the next level.

Packing cubes = instant organization
One cube per category (tops, bottoms, undies)
Bring one small foldable tote for the laundry {or plastic bag}

Opening your suitcase and seeing neat cubes fitting everything into a carry-on suitcase…caffeine rush without the coffee.☕️

I’ve reviewed two of my favorite suitcases in THIS VIDEO if you’re looking for a new carry-on suitcase.

My **top-opening carry-on suitcase** organized with tops, bottoms, accessories.

I mix-n-match my packing style depending on my trips.

I use packing and compression cubes to organize and pack extra. I will also roll clothes and fold bulkiest items {jeans, blazers, sweaters}.

Sixth…

Wear your bulkiest pieces on the airplane. They’re basically walk-in refrigerators anyway so having an extra layer in-flight is a cozy idea.

I’ve collected “a few” carry-on suitcases + personal item bags over the last 28 years of flying. If you want ideas, or starting point, for a carry-on suitcase + personal item bag, I’ve listed my favorites below.

My Voyageur for short trips {no expansion on this one}
My Adventure does expand and opens on the top instead of the middle {GENIUS!}
My pink cutie with expansion and small handle

Most used Personal Item Bags::

mini weekender bag of goodness
for the organized traveler trips & 1-2 day trips
personal item shiny bag-soft pockets-full-of-goods

Topping off this carry-on suitcase goodness post are three pieces that come in handy on EVERY TRIP.

Packing Cubes or Compression Cubes?

These Compression Cubes can be zipped tight or left loosey-goosey {unzipped} for short trips.

This 8-piece set is another great gift pack with shoes bag, laundry, and see-through tops.

packing cubes, compression cubes, travel packing

THE Travel Scarf

One piece every traveler needs in or on their personal item bag is THIS TRAVEL SCARF.

It’s a pillow, a jacket, an accessory, and leg elevator when you place it around the seat tray-table and rest your ankles through it. Even comes with it’s own belt to attach to a travel bag.

Portable Travel Chargers

A MUST HAVE for devices when traveling::

When we travel we’re Googling, videoing, direction-ing…And they all drain the phone battery fast.

I travel with these 2 portable chargers on my trips.

IMPORTANT AIRLINE CHANGE

DO NOT pack portable chargers in your checked luggage. These need to be in your personal item bag and not packed into your carry-on suitcase or checked luggage.

Due to past airline fires from portable chargers {low quality chargers}, airlines want them accessible if needed in flight.