A hand luggage is most people's security blanket, best friend and travel lifeline. Your carry-on bag often contains essential items for the plane. For me, that means snacks and entertainment, but a carry-on bag should also contain valuable and hard-to-replace items, such as passports, prescriptions, toiletries, cash, and clothing. in case your checked baggage is lost. Believe me, packing an extra day or two of clothes saved me when my suitcase was lost on the way to London.
Following the Transportation Security Administration guidelines from each major U.S. airline is also a must, and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you have a successful experience without getting held back. What TSA agents confiscate is not in your control, but what you pack and how you pack it is in your control. Here's how to efficiently pack your carry-on bag for your next business or leisure trip.
For more travel tips, explore these the travel essentials you need for every vacation then take a look at this travel checklist.
The best hand travel bags
Before you start packing, you'll need to find the right carry-on bag. Here are some 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 state that carry-on bags cannot exceed dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, although you may find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it should fit under your seat or in the closed overhead storage compartment of the plane.
Here's a quick reference to the size limits of the most popular US airlines.
Cabin items by airline
| Airline | Cabin | Maximum size |
|---|---|---|
| AirCanada | All | 55x40x23cm; 21.5×15.5×9 inches |
| Alaska Airlines | All | 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| American airlines | All | 56x36x23cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| British Airways | All | 56x45x25cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in |
| Delta Airlines | All | 56x35x23cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| Border Airlines | All | 60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in |
| Hawaiian Airlines | All | 55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| JetBlue Airways | All | 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
| Southwest Airlines | All | 24 x 16 x 10 inches; 24 x 16 x 10 in |
| Spirit Airlines | All | 56x46x25cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in |
| United Airlines | All | 56x35x22cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in |
Hand luggage must have an easy-access technical compartment
If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop, iPad, To light up or another tablet on board, your hand luggage should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Make sure these compartments are easily accessible, because at security checkpoints TSA will ask you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic x-ray tray.
Make sure your carry-on bag fits comfortably on your back or shoulder.
Remember, you'll have to lug your carry-on or suitcase through the airport and down long corridors, and you may even have to run with it so you don't miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or padded shoulder straps, or a backpack or rolling suitcase for ease.
The general rule is that all carry-on baggage must fit under your seat or in the closed overhead storage compartment of the plane.
How to pack your carry-on luggage correctly
While what to pack in your carry-on ultimately depends on your preferences, there are some guidelines for the best way to pack:
- Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothing one layer, electronics one layer, etc.).
- Pack the things you will use the least at the bottom of the bag.
- Keep most of your valuables in your carry-on and store them in the side compartments or securely around other items.
- Place valuable items at the bottom of your bag, away from the opening.
- Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in an interior pocket so they're harder to steal.
- Prepare a separate small bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on baggage must follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit in a 1 liter clear plastic zipper bag; one bag per passenger.)
- Roll your clothes well to save space in your luggage.
Sometimes you lose your luggage. It happens. Although it's frustrating, it's important to pack a change of clothes (including socks and underwear!) in your carry-on to hold you over until your bags are found and returned. Pack clothes that can easily be rolled up and put in the bottom of your bag.
Rolled clothes can save space in your dry bag or suitcase.
Essential items for your carry-on
Some items are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you decide to check baggage, be sure to keep these items with you during the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be difficult to replace or purchase once you arrive at your destination.
- Prescriptions and medications
- Contact lenses or glasses
- Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
- Cameras and smartphones
- Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
- Headphones for watching TV or movies on a longer flight
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Printed itinerary or hotel and flight confirmations
Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you might forget to pack.
Place your large electronic devices in secure but easily accessible compartments, as you will need to remove them at TSA security checkpoints.
What you should never pack in your carry-on baggage
The TSA has specific guidelines regarding prohibited items on flights, and the agency takes these rules very seriously. In 2022 alone, TSA screened nearly 761 million passengers and crew members nationwide and confiscated a record number of guns (6,301) and many other items. TSA policy states that people carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, may be subject to fines or criminal penalties.
Here are some of the most commonly confiscated items:
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Cutters, utility knives and razors
- Rackets, clubs and blades
- Swiss knives
- Sharp
If in doubt, always refer to the TSA Guidelines on packaging for flights, to ensure safe and easy travel.
If you're planning a vacation soon and you're stressed about packing or getting ready, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Prepare for your next trip with these tips and advice:
