The Right Way to Pack a Carry On

The way you pack your carry on can change how smoothly your flight and trip turn out, especially if you end up at your destination without the rest of your luggage for a day or two. There is also a right way and a wrong way to pack what has become the most popular sized bag for both long and weekend trips.

Whether you are planning for a vacation, business travel or a quick weekend getaway, consider each of these things to help you get through any situation with only what you have packed with you.

Packing a Carry On

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Size Your Bag

As airlines become stricter about baggage, and more travelers carry on board luggage only, it is important that you know the exact measurements, both size and weight, allowed. Size your bag to ensure that it falls within these limits before you get to the airport and are required to check your baggage. You can get great luggage at Amazon for all your travel needs.

In Flight Snacks and Entertainment

One of the first things most airlines cut back on was food and entertainment, so you’re on your own for those. Pack a couple easy to open snacks and a tablet for reading or watching videos if you are indecisive about the type of entertainment you will want on board.

Choose healthy snacks that will help fuel you through the day. Avoid anything that has an excess of sugar and salt. Keep these items at the top of your bag, or in outside pockets for easy access.

Freshen Up

Being able to go from plane to event, business meeting or family gathering sometimes requires a little effort. Even if you don’t have to arrive looking your best, you might still want to freshen up.

Carrying a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wipes and oil blotting sheets make it easy to take care of airplane face that comes with recycled airplane air. Pack a small toiletry bag with these items and keep in the main compartment of your carry on.

Carry Spare Clothes

Even if you are just staying for the day, it is always important to carry a spare change of clothes. You never know if you are going to be stranded overnight due to a storm or overbooked flight, and if you have a weekend to enjoy, missing your luggage for a day can be rough without clothes.

Pack something light, and that can be layered with what you wear on board. Don’t forget an extra pair of underwear. Place these items in small laundry bags that you can use later.

Gear Up

If you need to hit the ground running, it is essential that you pack any and all gear that you need to work in your carry on. If you work on the go and have a laptop, GPS, wifi hotspot, and any other gear specific to your travel visit, pack all of this into a travel safe bag. Keep this gear in the rear of your bag where it will be safe from bumps and bangs.

Experience Matters

Experience matters and I now know better and that is why I am sharing my tips with you. There is no worse feeling than being somewhere unfamiliar and no luggage or necessities.

Thankfully my luggage arrived hours later both times but it still was scary and I have learned to always have a carry on with the much needed items for the chance that my luggage might not make it to my destination at the same time I do.

Take A Trip

Ready to take a trip so you can practice how to pack your carry on?