How to Pack a Carry-On

August 15th, 2019

While you're planning a trip, you have to work out a lot of details. Whether the trip is a few days, a week or a lot longer, packing the right items will help you fully enjoy it.

Traveling by plane is a lot more complicated than other methods due to strict security and regulations regarding what you can take onto the plane. With these factors in mind, you should be strategic about what you pack into your carry-on bag.

Whether your carry-on is your main piece of luggage or you're also checking a bag, figuring out what to pack in your carry-on is essential — what you bring can totally change the way your flight goes. Below you'll find some of our best advice for packing a carry-on for different trips.

How to Pack a Carry-On for a Week-Long Trip

• Aim to pack everything you need for the trip in your carry-on (avoid the need for extra baggage)
• Don't over pack
• Remember to utilize your personal bag (like a purse or briefcase)
• Put any liquids in a smaller zip-lock bag to prevent spills and leaks

For a shorter trip, such as a week or less, you may be able to pack everything you need in just your carry-on suitcase. Bringing just a carry-on means you have less to worry about during your trip and that you can get through the airport much faster, and travel on a shared shuttle is more convenient.

While you're packing your carry-on, remember to stay efficient. Pack what you need, but be careful not to bring what you don't. With just one smaller bag, you do have limited space. Even with a carry-on as your main suitcase, you can also bring another small bag, like a purse.

Carry-ons have stricter regulations for what you can pack than checked bags because they'll be in the cabin with you. Check your airline's rules for liquids and other banned items before you begin packing.

Packing a Carry-On for Longer Trips

• Pack liquids in checked baggage
• Pack essentials in a carry-on bag in case your checked bag is lost or delayed (chargers, extra clothing, toothbrush, deodorant)

When you're toting a checked bag as well as a carry-on, you can bring more along with you. This option is a better one if you're going on a longer trip. The longer your trip, the more toiletries, clothing and other items you'll need.

If you have a checked bag, we recommend packing as many liquids and gels as you can there as opposed to in your carry-on. Doing so will make it a lot easier to get through security because you won't have to pull out your liquids and gels while TSA is checking you through.

It's crucial to pack all your essentials in your carry-on. Even though it's a small chance, your checked bag may get lost. Packing an extra pair or two of underwear, a change of clothes, your toothbrush and your deodorant will at least keep you feeling fresh while you locate the rest of your luggage.

Figuring out how to pack a carry-on for a week or more gives you more options, but you still need to strategize. Whether you want to find the best ways to pack a carry-on backpack or another type of suitcase or bag, we hope our tips will make the process easier.

While you're planning your trip, you have to find transportation to the airport as well as creating your packing list. At SuperShuttle, we offer a variety of options, making it easy to find a reliable, fast and safe way to get to the airport on time. Book a ride today to take one more worry out of planning your trip!