How to Pack a Carry On (Tips from a former flight attendant)
As a former flight attendant, I’ve packed more carry-ons than I can count. And I’ve seen just about every packing mistake out there.
Here are my top tips for packing a carry-on that will make your life easier at the airport and help you avoid those pesky overweight baggage fees.
1. Invest in a good carry-on bag.
This is worth the investment. A good carry-on bag will make all the difference in terms of comfort and convenience when you’re travelling. Look for one that’s lightweight but spacious, with plenty of compartments and pockets to keep everything organized.
2. Start with the essentials.
Pack your passport, boarding pass, and any other documents you’ll need first. Then add in any medications or other items you can’t do without. This way you’ll be sure to have them close at hand and won’t have to rummage through your entire bag to find them when you need them.
3. Roll, don’t fold.
Most people fold their clothes when packing a suitcase, but this doesn’t work as well for a carry-on bag. Instead, roll your clothes up into tight cylinders. This will save space and help prevent wrinkles.
4. Use packing cubes or compression bags.
Packing cubes or compression bags are great for maximizing space in your carry-on bag. They’ll help keep everything organized and compact, so you can fit more in without exceeding the size limits.
5. Avoid packing heavy items.
Your carry-on should be mostly filled with lightweight items like clothing and toiletries. Leave heavy items like books and electronics for your checked baggage to avoid adding too much weight to your bag.
Tips for packing a carry on from a former flight attendant
If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip can be a major source of stress. Not only do you have to worry about fitting everything into your suitcase, but you also have to make sure you don’t bring too much and end up having to pay for an extra bag.
Luckily, I’m here to help! As a former flight attendant, I’ve packed more than my fair share of carry-ons, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for packing a carry-on that will make your life (and your trip) a whole lot easier:
1. Start with the basics: a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothes, and your toiletries.
2. Roll, don’t fold! This will help save space in your bag.
3. Use packing cubes or ziplock bags to organize smaller items.
4. Invest in a good travel pillow and blanket – trust me, you’ll be glad you did when you’re trying to sleep on an overnight flight!
5. Make sure you have all the documents you need for your trip, including your passport and any visas that may be required.
6. If you’re bringing any electronics with you, remember to pack the chargers as well.
7. And finally, one of the most important things to remember when packing a carry-on is to keep it light! You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not lugging around a heavy bag through the airport.
How to make the most of your carry on space
We all know the feeling of packing for a trip. You want to bring everything you might need, but you also don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag. And then there’s the dreaded task of trying to fit everything into your carry-on.
Packing a carry-on can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and the right tips, you can easily maximize your space and make the most of your carry-on.
Here are some tips from a former flight attendant on how to pack a carry-on:
1. Choose the right bag
The first step in packing a carry-on is choosing the right bag. Look for something that is lightweight and has multiple compartments. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find what you need without having to dump everything out onto the floor.
2. Roll your clothes
Rolling your clothes is one of the best ways to save space in your carry-on. Not only will this help you fit more into your bag, but it will also help prevent wrinkles.
3. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are an essential tool for anyone who travels frequently. They help keep you organized and make it easy to find what you need without having to rummage through your entire bag. They also compress your clothes, which saves even more space in your carry-on.
4. Only pack what you need
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important to only pack what you actually need. When deciding what to bring, ask yourself if you really need it or if you can live without it. Chances are, you can probably live without most of the things that are taking up space in your bag. So leave them at home and enjoy the extra space in your carry-on.
What to pack in your carry on to make travel easier
One of the most important things to remember when packing for a trip is to pack light. This can be a challenge, especially if you are used to packing everything but the kitchen sink when you travel. A carry on bag is great way to save money (no checked baggage fees!) and make traveling a bit easier. Here are some tips from a former flight attendant on how to pack a carry-on bag like a pro:
1. choose a versatile bag. A backpack or rolling suitcase works well for most people. If you have back problems, a rolling carry-on might be best.
2. fill the bottoms of your shoes with small items such as socks and underwear. This will save space and keep your shoes from getting dirty.
3. roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and wrinkles will fall out as you unpack.
4. use packing cubes or zip-top bags to organize your clothes by outfit or by day. This helps save space and keeps you from having to unpack and repack your entire suitcase every time you want to change outfits.
5. only pack the essentials. Choose versatile clothing that can be mix-and-matched, and limit yourself to two pairs of shoes (one for dressier occasions, one for everyday). Don’t forget the basics like a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sarong or scarf which can double as a beach blanket or headcovering in conservative countries.
6. make sure you have all your travel documents in order before you start packing. Have a separate folder or envelope for tickets, boarding passes, passports, visas, etc. so you can grab them quickly when you need them.
7. if possible, travel with medication in its original container with the prescription label attached. This will make going through security checkpoints quicker and easier. Be sure to pack enough medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case
How to avoid packing too much in your carry on
As a former flight attendant, I often get asked for advice on how to pack a carry on bag. And while there are no hard and fast rules, there are certain tips that can help make the process easier – and help avoid packing too much.
Here are my top tips for packing a carry on bag:
1. Make a list
This may seem obvious, but making a list of everything you need to pack – and then sticking to it – is crucial. It not only helps to avoid packing too much, but also ensures you don’t forget anything important.
2. Roll your clothes
Rolling your clothes is the best way to maximize space in your bag. It also helps to prevent wrinkles. If you’re worried about clothes slipping out of rolled bundles, try using rubber bands or hair ties to keep them together.
3. Choose versatile clothing items
When choosing what clothes to pack, think about items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This will help you minimize the amount of clothing you need to pack – and make it easier to mix and match outfits throughout your trip.
4. Pack neutral colors
Sticking to neutral colors (black, white, gray, navy) makes it easier to mix and match outfits. And if you do want to add some color or pattern to your outfit, choose one item – like a scarf or statement necklace – and then build your outfit around it.
5. Limit yourself to three pairs of shoes
Packing too many shoes is one of the easiest ways to overpack your bag. So limit yourself to three pairs: one pair of sneakers or closed-toe shoes, one pair of sandals or flip-flops, and one dressier option (like ballet flats or low heels).
