Travel Hacks: How to Pack Everything in Hand Luggage and Fly Light

Travel lifehacks: Flying with hand luggage

Traveling becomes much easier if you don’t burden yourself with extra luggage. Travel life hacks help make the journey more comfortable. Carry-on luggage on a plane is an opportunity to travel easily and freely: check in faster, don’t worry about losing your suitcase, save time at the airport and money on additional services. Everything you need is always with you — from documents to essential items.

But along with convenience, a question arises: how to pack carry-on luggage so as to fit everything you need, while still complying with airline rules and feeling comfortable during the flight? This is where life hacks for carry-on luggage, time-tested and proven by travelers, will help.

What is carry-on baggage?

Carry-on baggage is baggage that a passenger can take on board an airplane. As a rule, airlines set certain rules for carry-on baggage in terms of weight and size:

The dimensions of hand luggage usually do not exceed 55×40×20 cm (but each airline has its own rules).

The weight of hand luggage can vary from 5 to 10 kg, depending on the fare and air carrier.

Additionally, sometimes you are allowed to take a small backpack, handbag or laptop.

Airlines carry-on baggage— is a compact suitcase or backpack that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. With proper organization, it can easily replace a large suitcase even for a week-long trip.

What to check before going to the airport

Usually, carry-on baggage allowances are checked in two places: at check-in and when boarding. You can almost always check in online and bypass the airport counters, and boarding is dynamic, so airline employees probably won’t have time to check every passenger.

To avoid unexpected expenses at the airport, prepare in advance:

Check the airline's website for current requirements for carry-on baggage;

Do not fill a soft bag or backpack completely - the item should be able to take the shape of the calibrator and fit into it;

If you are carrying a camera, tablet or laptop, take it out and carry it on the plane in your hands to reduce the weight of your bag.

What is better not to take with you on a trip

Such things can be roughly divided into two categories: what definitely cannot be carried in the cabin of an airplane and what is not recommended to take if you want to save space.

The following items cannot be carried in the cabin:

sharp objects: razors (except electric), manicure scissors, corkscrews;

anything that can explode: aerosol deodorants, lighter refills, pyrotechnics;

liquids over 100 ml (including creams, shampoos, perfumes, water) - this is the main rule of 100 ml in hand luggage;

The total volume of liquids in hand luggage must not exceed 1 liter per passenger.

What's best to leave at home:

a second pair of shoes;

a large cosmetic bag with a dozen creams;

sunscreen and swimming accessories (easy to buy locally);

packs of medicines (cut off the blisters and place the tablets in a container).

Is it possible to leave things in storage at the airport?

Yes, almost all international airports have luggage storage. This is convenient if you have a long layover, want to walk around the city lightly, or are flying with only carry-on luggage, but there are things that get in the way.

How storage works:

format - special racks or storage chambers;

price - depends on the airport, size of luggage and storage time (hourly or daily rates);

security - all items are checked and sealed.

Examples of tariffs:

Dubai (DXB):40–60 AED (≈ 11–16 $) per day.

Abu Dhabi (AUH):35–40 AED (≈ 10–11 $) per day.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL):18–48 MYR (≈ 4–10 $) per day.

Singapore (Changi):S$ 5–15 (≈ $4–11) per day.

Istanbul (IST):100–200 TRY (≈ 3–6 $) per day.

How to pack things

Weigh separately the equipment and cables that you take with you. You don't need to weigh your phone and camera. The smartphone will be in your pocket, and the camera can be worn around your neck. Add the weight of documents, medicines, and liquids.

a jacket, hoodie or sweater weighs about 500 g, but you can put these clothes on yourself - then the weight of your hand luggage will not be taken into account;

T-shirts and shirts weigh about 250 g, three pieces are usually enough for a week;

jeans and trousers weigh about 600 g and take up a lot of space, it is best to travel in them right away;

shorts, skirts and dresses weigh about 300 g, jeans are heavier;

A swimsuit, swimming trunks, socks and underwear weigh on average from 50 to 200 g.

Place things you won't use until you reach your destination at the bottom of your backpack - a dress, socks or a cosmetic bag. It's better to put equipment and things you need to take out often on top.

Roll your clothes into a roll - this is one of the popular packaging life hacks: it wrinkles less and takes up a minimum of space. To do this, fold the T-shirt from the sleeve to the center by one third on each side and roll it tightly, starting from the collar.

It is better to put on the most voluminous clothes at once: this way more things will fit in your hand luggage, and you will be able to change at any time. For example, it is better to fly in trousers, and put shorts or a skirt in a backpack. Put on a sweater over a T-shirt - if it is hot, you can carry it in your hands. It can be cold on the plane because of the air conditioning, and a sweatshirt on hand will come in handy.

If you are not flying alone, pack your backpacks together: distribute clothes by weight and volume. Sometimes this will allow you to fit more things, and the bag will be lighter.

Space Saving Secrets

Use vacuum bags for carry-on luggage or zip-lock bags - they reduce the volume of clothes by almost half.

Place socks and small items in your shoes to avoid taking up extra space.

Take mini-versions of cosmetics or pour liquids into travel bottles of 50-100 ml.

Use carry-on organizers or cable covers to keep cables from getting tangled and take up less space.

Try to take universal things for travel: one pair of sneakers will be suitable for both walks around the city and light hikes.

Flying with hand luggage is freedom and comfort if you organize everything correctly. You save time, money and nerves, avoid queues at the baggage claim and travel light.

The main thing is to check the airlines' carry-on baggage rules in advance, think through a list of things and use simple life hacks for carry-on baggage: roll up clothes, take only what you need, use vacuum bags and distribute the weight wisely. Then even a week-long trip will easily fit into one compact backpack or suitcase.

These lifehacks will help you travel easily, comfortably, and without extra expenses. Plan your trip in advance, book tickets and tours with EASYBOOKING — and your vacation will begin even before takeoff.

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