How to pack carry-on baggage without paying an extra fee

If you are going on a trip with carry-on baggage only or definitely want to avoid extra fees at the airport, it is crucial to know how to pack carry-on baggage smartly. Below is a practical, SEO-friendly guide that will help you fit everything you need into a carry-on suitcase or backpack without exceeding the permitted dimensions and weight.

1. Start with the carry-on baggage rules, not with packing your belongings

The most common reason people are asked to pay extra at the airport is not that they have too many clothes, but that they haven’t checked the airline’s carry-on baggage rules.

Before you start packing, check:

1.1 Carry-on baggage dimensions

Most airlines allow hand luggage measuring approximately 55 × 40 × 20 cm, but each airline's rules may differ slightly.
In addition:

• many low-cost airlines only allow a small bag under the seat free of charge,

• a larger carry-on suitcase may already be a paid extra.

1.2 Carry-on baggage weight

Typical limits: carry-on baggage may weigh around 7–8 kg, or in some cases 10–12 kg. Some airlines do not impose a strict weight limit on carry-on baggage, but then its dimensions are checked very carefully.

1.3 Number of hand luggage items

Some ticket types allow:

• 1 carry-on suitcase + 1 small personal item or laptop bag,
  but with a cheaper fare, only one item may be allowed, meaning that a laptop, handbag and backpack must make up one combined set.

👉 Tip: make a separate note on your phone or computer called “carry-on baggage – my airlines” and briefly save the dimensions and weight there. On your next trip, the information will be readily available.

2. Choose the right carry-on suitcase or bag

Successfully packing hand luggage starts with what kind of carry-on suitcase or bag you use in the first place. Even the best packing tip will not help if the suitcase itself is too large or heavy.

2.1 Hard-shell suitcase vs soft bag

• Hard-shell carry-on suitcase

  • Keeps its shape well,

  • fits more precisely in a box or measuring frame,

  • and is less likely to bulge beyond the size limits.

• Soft backpack or duffel bag

  • Flexible and can be squeezed a little into the measuring frame,

  • but very easy to overpack, making it exceed the permitted depth.

2.2 The weight of the suitcase itself

The heavier an empty carry-on suitcase is, the fewer kilograms you have left for your belongings.

• if possible, opt for lightweight carry-on suitcases,

• if the suitcase already weighs 3–4 kg when empty, this may be a problem when the carry-on baggage allowance is small.

2.3 External pockets and convenience

External pockets are ideal for:

• to documents,

• for chargers,

• for headphones.

But remember: if you stuff all the pockets, your carry-on bag or suitcase may become “too thick,” and its dimensions may no longer be within the permitted limits.

3. Trim down your belongings: pack first, then remove at least 30%

A good rule for packing carry-on baggage:

The first attempt at packing is always a draft.

Do this:

1. Lay out all the items you think you will need on the trip on the bed or floor.

2. Sort them into categories:

   • clothes (tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, sleepwear),

   • shoes,

   • electronics (phone, laptop, chargers, adapters),

   • cosmetics and toiletries,

   • medicines,

   • documents and money,

   • “just in case” items – this is usually where overpacking happens.

3. Review each category and ask yourself:
   “Do I actually use this, or am I just taking it for peace of mind?”

Anything that is only packed “just in case” is a candidate for removal.

3.1 Capsule wardrobe for hand luggage

When travelling with hand luggage, it is sensible to put together a capsule wardrobe:

• 2–3 blouses or T-shirts that match at least 1–2 bottoms,

• 1 versatile sweater, cardigan, or sweatshirt,

• a maximum of 2 pairs of shoes: one pair worn, the other in your carry-on suitcase.

If you are undecided:

whether to wear it on the plane or leave it at home. Stuffing it into your carry-on suitcase “just in case” is not a good idea.

4. What must be in your hand luggage

Even if you have checked baggage, it is worth packing your carry-on so that, if necessary, you could travel with just that – if your checked baggage is delayed or lost, there is no need to panic.

4.1 Documents

Hand luggage must include:

• passport or ID card,

• flight tickets, accommodation and car reservations (also an offline version on your phone),

• travel insurance information.

4.2 Money and valuables

• wallet, bank cards, some cash,

• laptop, tablet, camera, hard drives – never put them in checked luggage.

4.3 “One-day outfit”

If your checked baggage is delayed, your carry-on is what will save you. Pack the following in it:

• one set of underwear,

• one extra shirt or T-shirt,

• socks,

• something comfortable to wear when needed.

4.4 Hygiene products

Within the rules (see the section on liquids), your carry-on luggage could contain:

• a small tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush,

• a small deodorant,

• a comb or hairbrush,

• wet wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

4.5 Medicines

Everything you take regularly MUST be in your carry-on luggage.
In addition, you can take:

• painkiller,

• medicine for stomach problems,

• bandages and allergy medication if necessary.

5. Smart packing: how to fit in more without exceeding the limits

Packing hand luggage isn't just “putting things in a bag”; it's a small strategy game.

5.1 Rolling vs. folding

• Rolling (rolling clothes into “sausages”):

  • saves space,

  • reduces wrinkles,

  • works well for T-shirts, tracksuits, pyjamas and sportswear.

• Classic folding:

  • better for jeans, blazers and dress shirts,

  • and they can be stacked in layers at the bottom of the suitcase.

Often, the best solution is a combination of both.

5.2 Packing cubes and zip-lock bags

Packing cubes help:

• keep the contents of your carry-on suitcase organised,

• take, for example, only the “underwear cube” without pulling everything apart.

Resealable plastic bags (zip-lock):

• for liquids – so that nothing leaks,

• for dirty laundry on the return trip.

5.3 Weight and distribution in the suitcase

• Place heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase, near the wheels – this makes it easier to pull.

• Put shoes in a separate bag or plastic bag and use them to create extra space:
  put socks or smaller items inside the shoes.

• Place the liquids bag (1 l transparent) and electronics so that you can quickly access them at security screening.

6. Liquids in carry-on baggage: the 100 ml rule

From the perspective of extra costs, liquids are one of the most troublesome issues. If your permitted carry-on baggage exceeds the limit because you have to repack or throw away some items, that is a pure loss.

6.1 The classic liquids rule

The following applies at most airports:

• each individual liquid, gel, cream, paste, etc. in a container of no more than 100 ml,

• all liquids must fit into one transparent 1-litre bag,

• the bag must close completely.

The following are considered liquids:

• shampoo, shower gel, conditioner,

• face creams, body creams, sunscreen,

• liquid and cream makeup,

• deodorant spray, hairspray, lip gloss, nail polish, etc.

6.2 How to pack cosmetics smartly in carry-on baggage

• buy small 50–100 ml reusable bottles,

• only take products that you will DEFINITELY use,

• if possible, choose solid products (solid shampoo, bar soap) – these do not count as liquids.

Keep all liquids in one clear plastic bag, placed at the top of your carry-on baggage or in a pocket so you can access it immediately at security.

7. Clothes for the plane: how to “free up” space in your carry-on baggage

One of the best carry-on luggage tips is to simply wear some of the bulky items.

7.1 Wear the bulkiest and heaviest clothing

Pack so that you are wearing the following on the plane:

• the heaviest jeans or trousers,

• a thicker sweater or sweatshirt,

• bulkier footwear (high-top trainers, boots).

Lighter dresses, shorts, or T-shirts can go in the carry-on suitcase – they take up less space.

7.2 Layered clothing

Layered clothing is a winning choice:

• T-shirt + lightweight sweater + light jacket,

• it is often chilly on the plane, so the layers can also be used as a “blanket”.

A jacket or coat with pockets allows you to carry:

• phone,

• headphones,

• tissues,

• small items that you would otherwise keep in your carry-on bag.

This way you reduce the weight and volume of your suitcase.

8. How to avoid extra charges at the airport

Packing your carry-on doesn't end at home – you also need a little strategy at the airport.

8.1 Weighing carry-on baggage at home

Definitely:

• weigh the carry-on suitcase before leaving home,

• using regular scales: first weigh yourself, then yourself with the suitcase; the difference = the weight of the suitcase,

• ideaalis jäta 0,5–1 kg of leeway – baggage scales at the airport may vary slightly.

8.2 Honest measurement check

• measure your carry-on suitcase, including the wheels and handle,

• if your permitted maximum is 55 × 40 × 20 cm and your suitcase is 56 × 41 × 23 cm, there is a risk that it will not fit in the baggage sizer, and the airline may charge an additional fee.

8.3 Conduct at the gate and security checkpoint

• if your carry-on bag is “borderline”, avoid conspicuously rushing to the baggage sizer,

• have a plan ready for what you’ll do if an employee says, “This is too big/heavy”:

  • you can put on an extra layer of clothing,

  • move heavier items (chargers, cosmetics, a book) into your pockets or personal item, if a separate personal item is allowed.

8.4 Online check-in and earlier arrival

• arriving early reduces stress,

• sometimes you may be offered the option to check your carry-on suitcase free of charge because the plane is full – if that works for you, it can be an additional option, but continue to keep valuable items in your carry-on baggage or personal bag.

9. Pre-trip checklist: packing carry-on luggage step by step

A quick SEO-friendly checklist for checking your carry-on luggage:

• I have checked the airline’s carry-on baggage size and weight limits.

• My carry-on suitcase or bag is within the permitted dimensions.

• I have sorted my belongings into categories and removed at least 30% of the “just in case” items.

• My clothes form a capsule wardrobe, with all the pieces matching one another.

• All documents, money and electronics are in my carry-on baggage only, not in checked baggage.

• Liquids are packed in bottles of up to 100 ml and in one transparent 1-litre bag.

• I have weighed my suitcase and it is within the carry-on limit, with a little to spare.

• I’ll wear the bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane.

• I am prepared to move some items into my pockets or personal bag at the gate if necessary.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about carry-on baggage

Can I travel with only carry-on luggage on a longer trip too?

Yes, if you plan smartly. A capsule wardrobe, access to laundry facilities at your destination, and properly packaged toiletries make it possible to successfully take even a 7–10-day trip with carry-on baggage only.

What should you definitely not put in checked baggage?

Everything valuable: documents, money, electronics, medicines, and important personal items (e.g. glasses) should always be kept in your carry-on baggage. Lost or delayed checked baggage should not completely ruin your trip.

What should I do if the airline says my carry-on luggage is too large?

First, check calmly:

• can you wear some of the items or put them in your pockets,

• is it possible to remove an external item (e.g. a thick jacket from inside the suitcase).

If you are still told that the suitcase must be checked in, ask whether this will be done free of charge (sometimes it is) or whether it is a paid additional service. Planning ahead and measuring helps keep such situations to a minimum.

If you pack your carry-on luggage according to these principles, you have a good chance of not paying an additional fee, moving through the airport calmly, and reaching your destination with everything important with you.