7 Common Carry-On Luggage Mistakes To Avoid
Boarding a plane for your adventure requires carefully packing each bag you bring since you have a limited number of checked bags and carry-ons. Most of us use our checked suitcase(s) to hold bulkier items such as our clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other travel gear that we won’t need for the flight.
Unlike your checked back, your carry-on will stay with you as you navigate the airport and sit on the plane. Although this bag may be smaller, it still plays a major role in your journey, and knowing how to pack it makes a difference. Learn the common carry-on luggage mistakes to avoid so you have stress-free travels with your family.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Airline Size Limits
While most airlines have similar carry-on size requirements of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, this can vary slightly for every airline. Carry-on size requirements can also vary depending on whether you fly domestically or internationally. The last thing you want is the employee at the gate telling you that your bag is too big for the overhead bin. Rather than take the risk, you should verify size requirements on your airline’s website.
Travel Tip
The size information for carry-on and personal bags should be on your airline’s website under sections labeled “baggage,” “Travel Info,” or “FAQs.” If you cannot find the information, contact customer service through their online chat or phone number.
Mistake 2: Overpacking Your Bag
Overpacking a suitcase is another common carry-on luggage mistake to avoid. Sometimes, a carry-on bag is all you need to pack everything you need for your trip, and other times, it just contains the essentials. If you’ll be gone for a week or longer, it’s best to have a checked bag for all your clothes, shoes, and other items you won’t need during your flight.
Trying to shove everything into your carry-on suitcase risks overstuffing it, leaving your clothes wrinkled and damaging the zipper. Plus, if your bag is overpacked, the TSA may struggle to see everything inside during the security check and ask you to empty it for inspection, slowing you down.
All items in your bag should be neatly folded and easily sorted. If you habitually overstuff your suitcase, buy packing cubes to organize everything. Not only does this make your bag easier to close, but it also helps you find what you need quickly without turning everything into a mess mid-transit.
Travel Tip
Overpacking your bag also risks making it too heavy. Similar to size, weight restrictions can vary, but most airlines set the maximum range between 15 and 40 pounds. Always check your airline for weight limits and weigh your bag on an at-home scale before leaving for the airport.
Mistake 3: Underpacking Your Bag
Underpacking your suitcase can be as problematic as putting too much inside it. Leaving your carry-on bag fairly empty wastes space that you could use. As you prepare for your vacation, create a checklist of everything you’ll bring, then break it down to separate important and non-essential items.
For instance, if your checked bag gets lost or delayed, you may place a charger, travel documents, a source of entertainment, and a single change of clothes into your carry-on. By being intentional about what you pack, you make better use of your carry-on and save yourself stress.
Mistake 4: Bringing Forbidden Items
While you can put many things into your carry-on, the TSA forbids certain items to ensure the safety of all travelers. Some examples of forbidden items include:
- Sharp objects (knives, razors, axes, etc.)
- Liquids over 3.4 oz
- Flammable items
- Firearms and ammunition
- Tools over 7 inches
- Self-Defense items
- Batteries (minus lithium batteries)
If you bring any prohibited items in your carry-on, you’ll have to discard them or place them in your checked luggage. This not only slows down your progress through security but may also result in a delay or confiscation of your belongings.
Mistake 5: Placing Valuables in Checked Bags
While no one wants to think about their luggage getting damaged or lost, there’s always a risk of this happening as airline employees load everything onto a cart and then toss it on the plane. Valuables, such as your passport, electronics, money, medication, etc., should always remain in your carry-on or personal bag.
Likewise, when you travel with kids, never put their favorite toys or stuffed animals into the checked luggage, as you risk a lot of heartbreak if the bag gets lost. Any special item should go into your carry-on or personal bag since it’ll remain with you for the entire trip.
Mistake 6: Sharing One Carry-On With the Kids
Let’s be honest: Kids have a lot of stuff, and the thought of lugging several bags through the airport while keeping an eye on the little ones can sound overwhelming. However, sharing a carry-on bag with your kids limits what both of you can bring, which also creates stress.
The best solution is to purchase ride-on luggage for kids so they can handle their bag as you all walk through the airport. Ride-on suitcases are best for kids because they’re the size of most carry-on luggage but are easy for little ones to take care of. Your kiddo can sit on the bag and use their feet to push themselves along!
Packing Tip
Pack must-have items into your child's luggage, such as their favorite snacks, an empty water bottle, spare clothes, and a toy or two. This way, your child can access snacks and water during the trip and entertainment if needed.
Mistake 7: Not Leaving Room for Souvenirs
Souvenirs are an important part of traveling, especially for kids. However, as you think about all the necessities and things you may need, you may forget to save some extra room for souvenirs you and your child pick out.
As you pack, plan to leave a bit of extra space in your bags to avoid this mistake, specifically for souvenirs. Before placing any item inside your carry-on bag, ask yourself whether it has to be with you on the plane or if you can tuck it into your checked luggage.
Packing Tip
Tuck larger souvenirs into your checked bag unless it's a delicate item such as glass or artwork.
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Traveling should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. By avoiding these common carry-on luggage mistakes, you can ensure smoother trips filled with comfort and peace of mind. Explore our collection today and travel smarter, not harder!