As a former airline gate agent, I’ve seen firsthand just how often checked luggage goes missing, especially during the summer when the airport is at its busiest or for travelers making tight layovers. Losing luggage is nothing short of a nightmare, which is why I now almost exclusively travel carry-on-only. When you travel with just a carry-on, you skip baggage delays, avoid lost luggage, and get through airports faster; it’s not just about convenience, it’s about peace of mind, too. Traveling is already stressful enough as it is–you don’t need the added worry of not knowing if your luggage will make it to your destination.
With a few smart travel accessories, like compression packing cubes and the right-sized toiletry bottles, you’ll become a carry-on-only traveler in no time at all. My biggest piece of advice for not overpacking is to consider whether you truly need each item; if not, don’t bring it. By keeping belongings to just the necessities, you’ll stay organized, maximize your carry-on space, and be able to access what you need quickly, especially during security checks or boarding. Ahead, I’ve rounded up my best packing hacks, based on my experience as a gate agent.
Carry-on Luggage Set
Qimer 3-piece Luggage Set
Amazon
Start with a reliable carry-on that’s built to last. This hard-shell set is lightweight, meets TSA regulations, and fits perfectly in most overhead bins, even on smaller planes. The matching underseat bag is ideal for tech, snacks, or your travel pillow. If you’re investing in one thing for carry-on only travel, let it be a luggage set that can fit everything you need.
Compression Packing Cubes
Tripped Large Packing Cube Set
Amazon
Compression packing cubes save so much space and keep your suitcase from becoming a mess by day two. You can pack double the clothes while keeping outfits, undergarments, and accessories separated and easy to find. I use them to create quick outfit bundles I can grab without digging. They’re especially helpful for multi-stop itineraries. Honestly, I don’t pack a suitcase without using them anymore.
Clear Toiletry Bags
Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag Set
Amazon
We all know the pain of having our liquids searched at security checkpoints. These clear, quart-sized toiletry bags are TSA-compliant and make getting through security a breeze. Leakproof, flexible PVC keeps your liquids secure without any mess. The three-pack is perfect if you’re organizing multiple kits for skincare, makeup, or shower essentials.
Foldable Travel Tote
Nanobag Ultra-Lightweight Standard Tote Bag
Amazon
This foldable tote bag condenses down to almost nothing, but expands to hold everything from beach towels to a grocery haul. I’ve used mine as a shopping tote, a beach bag, and a backup personal item. It’s perfect for trips where you might bring a little extra back. I’ve even used it in my carry-on as a way to hold dirty clothes to separate them from clean ones. It’s a must-pack for me, especially when trying to save space.
Travel Laundry Detergent Packets
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
Amazon
These TSA-friendly detergent packets are perfect for sink or tub laundry while traveling. They’re great for re-wearing key pieces and staying fresh without overpacking. I like packing them for longer trips when laundry services aren’t readily available, and I love that they barely take up any space in my carry-on.
Wearable Travel Pillow
Napfun Neck Pillow
Amazon
A travel pillow that can sit around your neck counts as a wearable item, so you’re not using up precious bag space. I clip mine onto my backpack or just wear it around my neck while boarding, and it makes a huge difference on overnight flights and long layovers too, so I reach my destination ready to explore. This pillow has firm neck support with a memory foam inset and a washable cover that’s easy to keep clean. Comfy and space-saving!
Carry-on Size Toiletry Bottles
Kitsch 11-piece Travel Bottles for Toiletries
Amazon
With over 2,000 five-star reviews, these refillable bottles are TSA-compliant, leak-proof, and perfect for decanting your favorite shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and more. I’ve had mine for years, and they’ve never leaked on me. The soft silicone makes them easy to squeeze to get product out as well as clean when you get home. Great for saving space and ditching questionable hotel mini toiletries. If you’re picky about your products, packing these bottles is a non-negotiable.
Mini Jewelry Travel Case
Vlando Travel Jewelry Case
Amazon
Say goodbye to tangled necklaces or missing earrings with this genius compact jewelry case that keeps all your dainty pieces secure and in place. It fits perfectly inside a personal item without taking up valuable space in your carry-on that you can use for other essentials. Ideal for destination weddings, work trips, or dinners out, it’s a small packing essential that makes a big difference. I even use mine when I’m home, too, to keep my jewelry all in one tidy place.
TSA-approved Luggage Locks
Forge TSA Locks 2-pack
Amazon
Even when traveling carry-on only, I still lock my suitcase, because there could always be thieves on board a plane. These TSA-approved locks are lightweight, secure, and easy to use. They give me peace of mind when stowing my bag or leaving it behind in a hotel. Plus, they’ve lasted through years of use and are overall worth having, even just as a precaution.
Electronic Organizer Case
Tomtoc Electronic Organizer Travel Case
Amazon
No more tangled chargers tossed in your bag, thanks to this slim electronics case that keeps everything organized: cables, adapters, and earbuds in one place and easy to grab. It fits inside my personal item and makes charging my devices at the airport a breeze since everything is easily accessible. Bonus: This is another item I use at home between trips, too, to keep cords and small electronics organized.
Compact Padded Camera Bag
S-Zone Camera Insert Bag
Amazon
For all my fellow photographers and content creators, if you’re bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this padded insert is a must. It fits neatly inside your backpack and protects your gear without taking up too much space. I travel with my camera a lot, and this is the only setup that feels both safe and practical. There’s room for one body, a lens, and small accessories.
Portable Luggage Scale
FreeToo Luggage Scale Portable Digital Hanging Scale
Amazon
When traveling carry-on-only, keep in mind that some airlines weigh your cabin bags, too! This portable luggage scale has saved me more than once, especially with the stricter international airlines. Just hook it to your bag, lift, and check the weight before you leave for the airport. It’s tiny, accurate, and avoids last-minute unpleasant situations. It’s great for both carry-ons and checked bags, and I never travel without one.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Take Today 32-ounce Collapsible Water Bottle
Amazon
This reusable water bottle folds flat when empty and takes up virtually no space. I bring it empty through TSA, then fill it up at a fountain or café before getting to my gate. It’s leak-proof, lightweight, and helps cut down on plastic waste, plus it fits much more compactly than a bulky stainless steel or hard plastic bottle. This small swap saves you money and space, and I always have it clipped to my tote or backpack.
Multi-use Footwear
Shoes are one of the bulkiest things in your bag, so keep it simple: pack one pair for walking, and one for casual wear. I swear by Skechers walking shoes, which are cloud-soft, breathable, and offer solid support for long airport days, city exploring, or light hikes. They’re lightweight enough to wear on the plane, so you can save space in your bag. I also like these VamJam men’s sneakers that have a similar versatility, lightweight design, and a cushioned insert for comfort.
As for what shoes to pack in your bag, I opt for Reef flip-flops that are easy to slide on at the beach, in hotel rooms, or for those midday pedicure breaks. Together, these two pairs of shoes cover just about every travel scenario without overpacking.
Versatile Clothing Picks
The key to fitting all your clothes in a carry-on is versatility and layers. Start with mix-and-match basics like this simple two-piece set, which works for everything from sightseeing to dinner. Lightweight joggers are ideal for long travel days, and versatile pants can be dressed up with a button-down or down with a tee. These pieces roll up easily in packing cubes, resist wrinkles, and work across climates. With a few smart picks, you can build six to eight outfit combos from just a handful of staples.
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