Written on 10^th January 2024

Tips & Tricks to Maximize Carry-On Space

Avoiding Checked Baggage to Eliminate Travel Headaches

Packing carry-on luggage instead of checking a bag can be a great way to save time, money and potential heartache while traveling. After countless business and leisure trips, TAG’s Director of Commercial (US) Justine Liddelow has established herself as a world-traveler and has become extremely experienced in packing efficiently. We looked to Justine for packing tips to help you, the client, avoid mishandled baggage headaches on your next trip. 

Justine Liddelow
Director of Commercial (US)

Here's what she had to say:

After being in the travel business for almost 30 years, I’ve heard too many horror stories of clients having to spend their entire trip with only the clothes they flew in, as their checked bag never arrived. I, myself, have had bags badly damaged and items stolen or removed, never to be recovered again. For this reason, I make it a point to only bring carry-on luggage; I will never check a bag, unless absolutely necessary. Doing so makes my travel more organized, significantly lighter and less stressful. Plus, traveling with just a carry-on allows me to get to my destination while others wait around the carousel for their bag to turn up—hopefully without damage, and on time.
 
You may be wondering, “How on Earth am I going to fit all my travel essentials into such a tiny space?” To that, I encourage you to continue reading for tips and tricks I’ve learned throughout my years of travel. These tips will help you to make the most of the space in your carry-on, limiting the number of times you have to check a bag in the future.

Tip #1: Choose the correct size for your carry-on bag 

The standard size for carry-on luggage in the US is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but limitations can vary from carrier to carrier. Before choosing your perfect bag, double check with your airline to confirm their carry-on cabin dimensions. Generally, there is no weight limitation with a carry-on. However, if you are boarding a flight on a smaller aircraft, they may limit the weight as well.  

It’s important to consider the type of journey—are you traveling for business or pleasure? In addition, what does your journey look like—is this a multi-stop itinerary or a single location? Four-wheeled bags are the most common, but backpacks can sometimes be a more suitable alternative. If your trip involves moving around a lot, traveling up and down stairs, over sand or cobblestone, you may want to consider the latter option for ease during transport. 

Tip #2: Take advantage of the airlines' personal item allowance

In addition to your overhead carry-on bag, most airlines allow you to take a smaller, personal item that will fit under the seat in front of you. I always take advantage of this extra item and bring either a backpack, duffel or large tote, with my purse tucked inside. Typically, I hold my personal items, snacks, valuables, electronics, passport and toiletries in this bag. This way, they’re all easily accessible through TSA and during the flight.

Tip #3: Pack more efficiently

Packing efficiently is key to fitting everything you need within your carry-on luggage. Because of this, I have put together a list of tricks that I utilize to ultimately pack all necessities for each trip.

1. Plan your outfits: Before packing, plan your outfits for each day of your trip. This will help you avoid overpacking and ensures you have everything you need. Leave your ‘options’ behind and consider sticking to a color palette that can mix and match easily. I try on all my outfits before any trip to ensure they still fit and have the look I’m going for, as well as the shoes that work best.
2. Pack versatile clothes that are light and can be layered: The secret to packing light is to choose clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, and that can be layered. This will help you pack lighter, without sacrificing style. Plus, it gives you more options to work with as you travel through different climates. In addition, I like to pack a small laundry soap, as I frequently find myself hand-washing a few of the lighter/quick-dry items. For longer trips you can always consider laundry options as well.
3. Wear your bulkiest items:  If you're traveling with bulky items like jackets, boots or anything that can take up a lot of room, wear them over the layers for the flight instead of packing them. This will free up a lot of space in your carry-on for other essentials, and you can peel them off during the flight if you get too hot.
4. Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save a lot of space in your carry-on and can help you pack into tighter spaces. Plus, rolling your clothes can help to minimize wrinkles—a win-win! 
5. Use packing cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to categorize and organize your belongings and maximize space. Using them can help you separate different types of items and keeps everything neat and compact. While they can also save a little space, their main function is to keep your bag organized into categories of your choosing.  
6. Be selective about footwear: This is probably one of the hardest decisions to make—especially if you have a larger foot and are a shoe-fanatic, like me, who wants some variety. The key here is to choose shoes that are both comfortable and versatile, and that go with all the outfits that you’ve pre-planned. Also, putting your shoes in a travel shoe bag keeps all your other items germ- and dirt-free. 
7. Minimize toiletries: Always opt for travel-sized containers or reusable travel bottles packed in 3.4 ounces or less. I keep sample-sized containers on hand to refill and reuse, and only take what I really need. Hotels will provide the basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Plus, most hotels also have a supply of toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and razors if you forget yours. I still recommend carrying the TSA-approved clear bag, even if just inside a toiletry bag, as some countries still require toiletries to be removed through TSA. 
8. Invest in a Kindle or Nook: If you’re an avid reader, investing in a Kindle or Nook is a great way to have multiple books at your fingertips without taking up a lot of room. The beauty of these, or any iPad or smartphone, is that they’re incredibly light. Plus, everything can be downloaded and installed onto one small device. This means you can avoid continuing to carry around bulky books.
9. Use a packing list: For those that don’t travel as often, I recommend using a packing list. This is a great way to ensure you don’t forget any of your essential items and allows you to feel confident knowing that nothing is left behind.
10. Pack an empty bag for shopping: You may love to shop when you travel, as do I. Oftentimes I find myself having to purchase new bags or suitcases during my trip because I didn’t have enough room in my carry-on luggage—believe me, I have quite the bag collection. So, now I do one of two things; I leave a little room in my bag for a couple of small items OR I pack a foldable tote or an extra backpack for my shopping finds. Of course, this means that I may have to check a bag on my return journey but unlike when traveling TO a destination, I have everything I need at home if anything were to happen to my bag. 

The more you travel and, by following these space saving tips, the quicker you’ll become an expert traveler and have no problem taking off with just a carry on. Remember, the key is to plan ahead and be organized! Don’t forget, every airline has different carry-on size restrictions so make sure to check the guidelines before you start packing. 
 
Happy travels!