How to Travel Carry-On Only
Traveling carry-on only might seem restrictive and difficult to do, but I believe NOT checking luggage provides me with more freedom. Whether you’re trying to avoid checked bag fees, you’re worried about the airlines losing your luggage, or you just want to travel lighter, packing carry-on only is something you can easily do too. I’ll show you how!
It all started when I was planning a one week trip to Greece. It was my first solo trip, and I thought that if I only brought carry-on luggage, it would be one less thing to worry about.
It turned into my preferred way to travel, and now I do whatever I can to avoid checking luggage. I’ve traveled for one week in a carry on, 2 weeks in a carry on, and even longer.
What exactly does carry-on mean? For most airlines it means a small suitcase or backpack that goes in the overhead compartment, plus a “personal item” which can be a purse, briefcase, or something else of that size. The personal item must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
Just be aware that some low cost airlines only allow one carry-on item, so any smaller items like a purse would have to fit inside of your bigger bag.
What Are the Airline’s Carry-on Restrictions?
Check out our chart listing carry-on restrictions for more than 170 airlines. The standard carry on luggage size seems to be 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (that’s roughly 55cm x 35.5cm x 23cm for those of you using metric), but certain airlines have bigger or smaller restrictions.
If your bag measures an inch or two over on one side but is smaller on another side, it should be fine. Many airlines list a maximum allowed linear measurement to accommodate for this.
Also, if your flight is on a smaller plane, like a prop jet, the overhead compartments are much smaller as well, so you won’t be able to bring as much.
I’ll admit, I usually end up checking luggage when I’m on one of these planes, although sometimes the airline will gate check your bag on these planes.
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What is the Weight Limit for Carry-on?
There is often a weight limit on carry-on luggage too, so check with your airline for that as well. A simple and inexpensive luggage scale can help you avoid surprises at check-in if your bag is over the limit.
If you are flying with an airline that allows a carry-on bag plus a personal item, try to put small but heavier things in your personal item because they usually don’t weigh the personal item.
But always read the airline’s carry-on allowances carefully since some airlines do weigh your personal item.
On the Plane With Your Carry-on
If your bag is at the high end of the size limit, try to board as early in the boarding process as you can to make sure you have room for your bag. This might not always be possible, but it’s worth trying.
But please don’t be that person whose carry-on bag is clearly over the size limit. It won’t fit in the overhead compartment no matter how much you want it to.
Also check out the airplane’s seat plan ahead of time.
Bulkhead seats, the ones that don’t have another row of seats directly in front of them, are usually great for extra leg room, but your carry-on bag and personal item must both go in the overhead compartment. Though usually this restriction is just during take-off and landing.
Use the right luggage to fly carry on only
You won’t make it on too many flights with luggage that exceeds the airline’s limits. Decide if you’re more of a suitcase carry on traveler or a backpack carry on traveler, and then buy a high quality bag that’ll last.
We have lots of tips for finding the best carry on luggage including luggage recommendations.
And here’s a round up of suitcases for carry on travel other travel bloggers love and recommend.
How to travel carry-on only with liquids
Liquids can really get in the way of traveling with only cabin baggage. But it’s not impossible, I promise!
Take a good look at the products you use on a regular basis. How much do you really use every day? Keep track for a few weeks to see how much – or how little – you actually use.
I bet you’ll see you can easily travel with 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottles of your must-have toiletries.
Buy small, sample sized toiletries. Or even better, buy reusable refillable bottles so you can take your favorite products on every trip without having to pack the big bottles and check bags.
>>Read more about How to Pack Light With Liquids.
I actually like my solid shampoo and solid conditioner so much I use them at home too. Plus there are all kinds of non-liquid alternatives, like sunscreen, bug repellent, toothpaste, and more.
One bag travel clothing tips
Clothes can take up a lot of room in your bag, so you want to be smart about what you pack. Bring only what you need, and pack appropriately for the trip you’re taking.
Going on a beach vacation? You don’t need fancy clothing. Maybe one nice outfit if you have a special dinner planned, but pick out that outfit while you’re packing. Don’t pack three alternatives if you only need one.
Make sure all your shoes go with multiple outfits. If a pair of shoes only works with one outfit, you’ll be lugging around extra weight for something you’ll only wear once on your trip.
And don’t forget, you CAN do laundry on vacation. I know it doesn’t sound like fun, but it really doesn’t take that much time, and it’ll save you lots of space if you’re traveling for more than about a week.
>>Read more about Clothing Packing Tips for Carry-On Only.
Can you bring it on a plane?
Flying has become more and more complicated over the past 20 years. We’re now questioning almost every item we pack, unsure of what is allowed in a carry on bag and what isn’t.
Did you know that shaving razors are permitted in your carry-on bag? But only if you have the right type!
Makeup can go in your carry on too, but first you have to determine which pieces are liquid and which are not. And what about that pesky new powder rule TSA has implemented? Find out the rules about taking makeup on a plane before you pack your bags.
I have loads of posts answering these types of packing questions. From batteries to hair straighteners, food and alcohol to aerosols, and much more, you’ll find the answers to all of your “can you bring it on a plane” questions here.
Traveling carry-on only means you’ll avoid paying checked bag fees, you’ll have less to carry, you won’t have to waste time at the baggage carousel after your flight, and you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your bags. It might take a little discipline, but the freedom you will get in exchange will be well worth it.
Ali Garland is a travel packing expert who loves to explore the world. She has 20 years of experience traveling with only carry on bags. On Travel Made Simple, she shares her best tips for packing less, dealing with layovers, and more tips that will help you have the best vacation. Originally from the US, she now lives in Berlin with her husband and their Yorkie. Read more 
Sandra O.
April 18, 2019 @ 1:19 am
I travel with my small dog (she’s my “personal item” since her carrier fits under the seat) and a carry on. I haven’t checked my luggage once since she began traveling with me (she’s now 10) and I LOVE it! I adore the freedom of being able to grab my things and breeze past the carousel to customs. At this point, part of the adventure of travel is packing. It’s a treat when I travel on my own because I suddenly have so much more room when I don’t have her necessities as well (e.g. food and pee pads) but I’d give up that precious space and weight to have my little sidekick with me.
Ali Garland
April 18, 2019 @ 6:25 pm
That’s wonderful! I have a friend who also travels with her dog, and she loves it too!
Carolina
March 25, 2019 @ 6:04 pm
Hello!
I’m doing a RTW trip next year, and I’m a little worried about my carry on not being okay with every airline.
Have you ever done a continuous trip, where you passed different airlines with their own guidelines? Have you ever had to check in a bag that is considered carry-on in another airline?
I’m thinking of just buying the smallest carry on size in all the airlines, but I’m a girl and would prefer to carry the standard (22x14x9), as it’s already small.
Ali Garland
March 26, 2019 @ 11:02 am
Hi Carolina! I did a 5 month RTW a few years ago with a 40L backpack and a 22L daypack, and it was kind of a pain to have a small backpack as my personal item. I felt like it drew a lot of attention to me and made a lot of airline employees question whether or not my stuff really qualified as carry-on. So if you can use something like a purse (even a big purse) as your personal item, I think you’d be better off. As for your main bag, it depends on where you’re going, but in a lot of the world for that kind of trip, a backpack is easier to manage than a suitcase. Roughly 40L will be about the max you can do and still be carry-on size, though some backpacks are designed to be a bit more square/rectangle shaped and actually give you more than 40L. The other thing to think about is weight. The only times I was forced to check a bag when I was on my RTW was when I flew with airlines that had really strict weight limits, like 7kg (15.4 pounds). Lots of airlines allow 8kg, 10kg, or even 12kg. So if your personal item is something smaller like a purse and your main carry-on item isn’t obviously too big, you have a better chance of slipping through unnoticed. Another thing is if you can check in online and print your boarding pass, so you don’t have to go to the check-in counter, there are fewer people to question your bags.
If you really want to travel with a suitcase, I think you’d be fine to stick with 22x14x9, or aim for about 40L for a backpack. Just know that there might be occasions when you have to check it for a few stingy airlines. And try to reduce the weight as much as you can. If you’re a little over, put smaller heavy items in your purse since most (though not all) airlines don’t weigh your personal item. Pack a stuff bag or something similar to use for sightseeing days that can also be used in the event that an airline does force you to check your bag, that way you can pull out things you still want to keep with you.
You’ll find little tricks along the way too. Carry your jacket, don’t pack it. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Stuff a few little things in your jacket pockets. Tie your scarf or sarong on your purse strap. Put flip flops in the side water bottle pocket of your backpack.
Remember that you’re going to have to do laundry and reload on supplies like shampoo along the way – there’s no way to pack enough to last your whole trip anyway. So if you can pack all carry-on sized toiletries, enough clothes for 5-7 days, and be prepared to buy something you need while you’re traveling, it’s totally reasonable to do this carry-on only.
Terri Parke
May 5, 2018 @ 1:06 pm
Hello Ali, We are conscious of size and weight limits when traveling abroad and we try to carry on only, however between countries our luggage was taken and our camera was stolen (we forgot it was in the bag). Do you have any secrets to avoid this ?
Ali Garland
May 5, 2018 @ 9:29 pm
Terri, I am so sorry this happened to you! Always best to make sure valuables like cameras, laptops, jewelry, medicine, etc. are packed in your carry-on luggage. I’m not sure if you’ll get anywhere, but I’d probably file a complaint with the airport where your camera was stolen. It’s hard to know if it was an airline employee or an airport employee or the security people. Going forward, try to think of checked luggage as things you might never see again. It’s unlikely to lose your luggage forever or to have something stolen, but as you’ve seen, it does happen. Check out my posts on what to pack in your carry-on and what NOT to pack in your carry-on for more tips.
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Cole @ Four Jandals
August 13, 2012 @ 1:35 pm
We just travelled for 2 months with only carry on around Italy and Spain. So much easier than lugging huge suitcases. Great travel tips series!
Ali Garland
August 13, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
I love how much easier it is to get around with less luggage! Thanks Cole!
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders
August 11, 2012 @ 11:49 am
That’s a good tip to check if there’s a weight limit for carry-on. Air Asia only allows 7 kg, and it turns out that my rolling carry-on weighs 3.5kg empty. I checked ahead of time and knew to switch to a duffel bag so that I could actually bring enough clothing.
Ali Garland
August 11, 2012 @ 12:47 pm
Yikes, 3.5kg! Yeah, the weight of the bag empty is something people don’t often think about. I’m glad you checked ahead of time!
Jane
August 10, 2012 @ 6:29 pm
Packing only into carry-on also forces you to leave the unnecessary things at home, which makes travelling that much lighter and easier.
Ali Garland
August 10, 2012 @ 9:40 pm
Exactly! I always find it easier to get around when I’m carrying less stuff. Thanks Jane!
Margaret
August 10, 2012 @ 6:13 am
That’s a great tip about putting smaller, heavier items in your personal bag! I never thought about the fact that the personal bag never gets weighed. I usually try to only take a carry-on, but I have tipped the weight limit a couple times. Luckily, though, I was with someone that had weight to spare.
Ali Garland
August 10, 2012 @ 5:22 pm
Thanks Margaret! I usually carry a padlock in case I need to lock my bag up in a hostel, and I realized one time just how heavy that thing is, but it doesn’t take up much room. I think they just assume your purse or whatever can’t possibly weigh more than the limit, and I’ve never had that weighed. Although never say never!
Alouise
August 10, 2012 @ 1:38 am
Great tips. I always try to use just carry-on when I fly, not paying baggage fees means I can use that money to do something I really want. I have had to gate check the occasional bag on flights where I didn’t realize the overhead was too small for my bag. I have a hard suitcase, and a backpack would probably be easier to fit into those smaller overhead compartments.
Ali Garland
August 10, 2012 @ 5:20 pm
Thanks Alouise! It’s hard to avoid checking 100% of the time, but attempting it gets me a really high success rate. If you have a flight on one of the regional airlines, they usually use prop jets which are smaller and have smaller overhead bins. When you’re booking a flight, it will usually tell you the type of plane, and if you’re not sure, check the flight number on seatguru.com.
Matt
August 9, 2012 @ 11:32 am
Just because there are published rules does not mean the folks at checkin will abide by them. If you stay in the US, this is easy, but start spending more time flying around Europe and Asia and the bag you were planning to carry on may hve to go under. Always make sure at least one bag that you plan to carry on can if needed be checked. Its not often but it happens to me on maybe 1 in every 15 to 20 flights, most recently on a United flight from Amsterdam to DC, but I have had this on Singapore Air, Air New Zealand, and Qatar.
Ali Garland
August 9, 2012 @ 3:35 pm
Wow, I’ve never had an airline employee make me check a bag that was clearly within the carry-on limits! It mostly happens to me when they have a low weight limit for carry-on bags and mine is over the limit. You’re right, it’s always good to make sure you have a bag you can put valuable things into in case you do have to check a bag you were hoping to take as carry-on. It’s not a perfect system, and unfortunately there are times when you’ll be forced to check.
Jennifer
August 9, 2012 @ 11:08 am
Over the years I’ve come to travel carry on only for all trips shorter than two weeks long. It’s just so much faster and easier. I don’t have to wait around at baggage claim for my bag and more importantly, I don’t have to worry about lost bags. The funny thing is I’m such a hotly girl that no one believes I travel carry on only. One of these days I need to make of video of me packing.
Ali Garland
August 11, 2012 @ 8:47 pm
People are always amazed that I manage to travel carry-on only. It’s all about deciding what’s essential and limiting what you allow yourself to bring. And I *love* not having to wait at baggage claim!
Lisa
August 8, 2012 @ 2:13 am
My younger daughter and I are heading to Chicago tomorrow for 4 nights and for the first time ever we are going to try and travel with just a carry-on suitcase. I bought a new bag today and I haven’t started packing yet but hopefully everything we need will fit! And I’ve been obsessively re-measuring the bag because I’m afraid I’m going to get to the airport and be told that it’s too big for carry-on! Not sure that I could ever do it on a longer trip but hopefully this will go well and I’ll no longer need to check bags on shorter trips.
Ali Garland
August 8, 2012 @ 3:05 pm
Lisa, that sounds awesome! If you’ve measured the bag and it’s within the airline’s limits, I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m really looking forward to hearing how it goes after your trip!