6 Risky Carry-On Packing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)

If you don’t already know, traveling with Carry-On and Personal Item is the way to go. No need to check in a large bag, waste valuable time waiting at the luggage belt, or worst yet, have your luggage lost. But packing your carry-on and personal item can feel like a balancing act—you need to fit everything without tipping into chaos. Even frequent travelers make mistakes that lead to wasted time, stress, or surprise fees. But with a little strategy, you can avoid common carry-on packing mistakes and travel hassle-free.

Ready to pack smarter? Here are seven mistakes to dodge and how to fix them.

1. Packing Without Emptying Your Bag

We all do this. After our trip all we want to do is get your clothes out and ready to do your laundry. But leftover items from past trips—like toiletries, snacks, or prohibited items—can lead to trouble at security. This can lead to unwanted delays and the dreaded stink eye from TSA.

The Fix:

• Start with an empty bag every time you pack.

• Double-check hidden compartments in personal items like backpacks.

Pro Tip: Unpack your bag as soon as you get home to avoid surprises before your next trip. This includes everything in your bags.

2. Trying to Fit Everything in Your Carry-On

Overstuffing your bag risks weight-limit issues, wrinkled clothes, or broken zippers. Some carry-ons have expansion zippers that allow you to pack more. However, that can often make your carry-on stand out by the airlines and be subjected to the luggage sizer. And if it’s too big, then you’ll need to check it in and potentially pay additional fees. Not so fun.

The Fix:

• Wear bulky items like boots or jackets while traveling. These items take up valuable room in your carry-on. Jackets can be taken off when you’re on the plane.

• Use a stuffed neck pillow to store socks or small essentials.

• Utilize a fanny pack or travel vest for extra storage.

• Utilize an efficient personal item bag like the Nomad Lane Bento Bag. This personal item bag can fit a bunch of items and reduce the amount you need in your carry-on.

Bonus Tip: Place heavier items at the bottom of your carry-on to balance weight and avoid tipping.

3. Storing Valuables in Easily Accessible Pockets

Quick-access pockets might seem convenient especially when you need to show them at TSA or at the gate. But they increase the risk of theft or accidental loss.

The Fix:

• Store valuables in secure internal compartments or anti-theft gear like zipped fanny packs.

• Keep important documents in one consistent spot for easy access.

Pro Tip: Take photos of documents like your passport or ID as digital backups in case of loss.

4. Overpacking or Misusing Packing Cubes

We all do it - overpack. Even with all our trips these past few years, I catch myself overpacking. Trust me, if you are asking yourself if you need it, you probably don’t. Packing cubes are also handy, but overstuffing them or using large, half-filled cubes wastes space.

The Fix:

• Use compression cubes to flatten clothes and save space.

• Stick to smaller cubes to compartmentalize items efficiently.

• Fully pack each cube to prevent wasted space or bulging.

Pro Tip: Roll your clothes before placing them in cubes for maximum space-saving and wrinkle prevention.

5. Oversized Liquids and Gels

Ensure all liquids, gels, and aerosols are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit into a single quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. This adheres to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule.

The Fix:

• Ensure that each liquid, gel, or aerosol container does not exceed 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters).

• Place all these containers in a single, clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. This bag must be transparent and have a resealable top

Pro Tip: Pack the bare minimums and look for the sample sizes at Target or Walmart. And remember, you can always purchase items at your destination.

6. Forgetting to Check Airline Regulations

Always check the airline's carry-on size and weight restrictions before your trip. Different airlines have varying rules, especially in Europe where restrictions are often stricter and the carry-on sizes are smaller than US domestic flights.

The Fix:

• Check the airline’s website for the carry-on size.

• Use the bag sizer to check before you go to the TSA security check. If a gate agent discovers your bag is too big - $$.

Pro Tip: Purchase a smaller carry-on and supplement with a good personal item bag.

Conclusion

Packing a carry-on doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By avoiding these seven common mistakes, you’ll travel lighter, save space, and keep stress at bay.

The secret is simple: pack with intention. Start with an empty bag, choose versatile items, and take advantage of space-saving tools like compression cubes. And don’t forget to customize your luggage to avoid mix-ups and keep your valuables secure.

Ready to travel smarter? Share this post with a fellow traveler or reply with your best packing tips. Here’s to smoother, stress-free adventures!

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

[email protected]

✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!