Pack your carry-on first, then your checked bag
Start by laying out everything you think you need, then remove one-third of it. Most people overpack. Decide what goes in your carry-on — the bag that stays with you on the plane — and what goes in checked luggage. Carry-on bags have strict size limits: the TSA allows bags up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Your airline may be stricter, so check their website before you pack. Checked bags can be larger but usually have a 50-pound weight limit.
Pack your carry-on with items you cannot replace mid-flight: medications, glasses, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and toiletries in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller. Put your ID and boarding pass where you can reach them without unpacking. Then pack your checked bag with everything else, heaviest items on the bottom and against the wheels.
Key Takeaways
- Carry-on bags must fit TSA size limits (22 by 14 by 9 inches), but your specific airline may allow smaller bags, so check before packing.
- Liquids, gels, and creams in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a single quart-sized clear bag.
- Pack your carry-on with irreplaceable items: medications, chargers, glasses, and a change of clothes in case your checked bag is delayed.
- Checked bags should have heavy items on the bottom and fragile items wrapped and placed in the center, away from the edges.
- Weigh your checked bag before heading to the airport — most airlines charge $35 to $100 per bag over 50 pounds.
What goes in your carry-on bag
Your carry-on is your safety net. Pack anything you need within the first few hours of landing or anything you cannot afford to lose. This includes prescription medications, inhalers, medical devices, glasses or contacts, phone and laptop chargers, a phone power bank, and your wallet. Also pack a change of underwear, socks, and a shirt in case your checked bag does not arrive when you do.
Include a small toiletry bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any face wash or medications you use daily. All liquids, gels, and creams — including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, and peanut butter — must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. Put these items in a single clear quart-sized plastic bag. The TSA will check this bag at security, so keep it accessible.
Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane to save space in your luggage. Bring a light sweater or jacket because airplane cabins are cold. If you are traveling with a laptop or tablet, keep it in your carry-on so you can use it during the flight and so it does not get damaged in the cargo hold.
How to pack a checked bag without damage
Place your checked bag on a flat surface and start with heavy items: shoes, books, and toiletries. Arrange them along the bottom and sides, leaving the center open. This protects fragile items from the pressure of the bag's weight and from being crushed against the edges during handling.
Wrap breakable items — glasses, electronics, souvenirs — in socks, underwear, or a soft shirt. Place these wrapped items in the center of the bag, surrounded by clothing. Socks and underwear act as padding and save space. Roll your clothes instead of folding them; rolling uses less space and creates fewer wrinkles. Place rolled items on top of and around your fragile goods.
Fill empty spaces with socks, scarves, or belts so nothing shifts during transport. A bag that is too loose will have items moving around, which can damage both your belongings and the bag itself. Close the bag and try to lift it — if it feels heavy, weigh it before you leave home. Most airlines charge extra fees for bags over 50 pounds, and some charge per pound.
Organizing clothes and shoes to maximize space
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. A rolled shirt takes up roughly half the space of a folded one and is less likely to wrinkle. Start at the collar, roll tightly toward the hem, and tuck the sleeves in as you go. Pants can be rolled the same way or folded in half lengthwise and then rolled.
Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack lighter shoes in your checked bag. Stuff socks, underwear, or small items inside shoes to use the empty space. If you are packing dress shoes, wrap them in a shoe bag or plastic bag so they do not transfer dirt to your clothes. Pack shoes along the edges of your bag, where they can handle pressure better than the center.
Wear your heaviest jacket or sweater on the plane instead of packing it. If you need a second jacket, pack it at the top of your checked bag where it will not be crushed. Avoid overstuffing — a bag that is stretched to its limit is more likely to break and harder to close at the airport if you need to repack.
Packing electronics and valuables safely
Never pack electronics in checked luggage unless you have no choice. Cargo holds are not pressurized on all flights, and baggage handlers are not gentle. Keep your phone, laptop, tablet, and camera in your carry-on. If you must pack a laptop in checked luggage, wrap it in clothing and place it in the center of the bag, surrounded by soft items.
Pack chargers and cables in your carry-on or in a small pouch in your checked bag. Bring a power bank in your carry-on so you can charge your phone during layovers or on long flights. Keep jewelry, important documents, and cash in your carry-on or on your person. Do not pack these items in checked luggage — if your bag is lost, you lose them too.
If you are traveling with expensive items like cameras or jewelry, consider purchasing travel insurance or declaring them to the airline before you check your bag. Some airlines have limits on what they will reimburse if your bag is lost or damaged.
Weight and size limits: what airlines actually enforce
The TSA sets the size limit for carry-on bags at 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but individual airlines often enforce smaller limits. Southwest, United, American, and Delta all allow bags up to this size, but budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier may allow smaller bags. Check your airline's website before you pack — the size limit is usually listed under "baggage" or "what can I bring."
Checked bags have a standard 50-pound weight limit on most airlines. Bags over 50 pounds cost $35 to $100 extra, depending on the airline and how much over the limit you are. Some airlines charge per pound once you exceed 50 pounds. Weigh your bag at home using a bathroom scale or a luggage scale — stand on the scale holding your bag, note your weight, then subtract your own weight.
If your checked bag is overweight, remove items and move them to your carry-on if it still fits, or leave them behind. Do not try to sneak an overweight bag past the counter — airlines weigh bags at check-in, and you will end up paying the fee or repacking in front of other passengers.
What not to pack in either bag
The TSA prohibits certain items in both carry-on and checked bags. These include firearms, explosives, sharp objects like box cutters or large scissors, and tools longer than 7 inches. You cannot bring lighters, matches, or flammable liquids. Aerosol cans are restricted — you can bring one 18-ounce can of self-defense spray in checked luggage only, not in carry-on.
Some items are allowed in checked bags but not carry-on. These include tools, certain sporting equipment, and larger quantities of alcohol. Lithium batteries are restricted in both bags — you can bring two spare batteries in carry-on but not in checked luggage. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, check the TSA website or call your airline before you pack.
Do not pack anything valuable or irreplaceable in checked luggage. Bags get lost, delayed, and damaged. If you cannot afford to lose it, it goes in your carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a full-size suitcase as a carry-on?
Only if it fits the airline's size limit. Most full-size suitcases are 24 to 28 inches tall and will not fit in the overhead bin. Measure your suitcase before you travel. If it is larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches, you will have to check it.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too big at the gate?
The airline will ask you to check it, and you will have to wait at baggage claim to retrieve it. If you are tight on time, this can make you miss a connection. Pack a smaller carry-on or use a soft-sided bag that can compress slightly to fit in the overhead bin.
Can I pack a hair dryer or curling iron?
Yes, in both carry-on and checked bags. They are not considered flammable by the TSA. Make sure they are cool and unplugged before you pack them, and wrap the cord so it does not tangle with other items.
How do I keep my clothes from wrinkling?
Roll your clothes instead of folding them, and pack them tightly so they do not shift during transport. Wear your most wrinkle-prone items on the plane. When you arrive, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower — the steam will release minor wrinkles.
What should I do if my checked bag is overweight?
Remove items and place them in your carry-on if it still fits within size limits. If your carry-on is already full, leave items behind or ship them separately. Do not try to hide weight by distributing items across multiple bags — airlines weigh each bag individually.