A carry-on bag is most people’s security blanket and lifeline when flying because it holds your essentials. For me, that means snacks and entertainment. But a carry-on should also include valuable, hard-to-replace items such as passports, prescriptions, toiletries, cash and clothes in case your checked luggage gets lost. Believe me, packing extra clothes saved me when my suitcase was lost on the way to London.
Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major US airline is also a must and doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. In fact, TSA is gearing up for its busiest Thanksgiving on record, projecting to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2. With millions of people hitting the airports at the same time, it’s best to know how to pack to save time and avoid headaches caused by prohibited items.
You can’t control what TSA officials confiscate, but you can control what you pack and how you pack it. Here’s how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for the holiday season and beyond.
Before you start packing, you’ll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.
What size carry-on should you get?
The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can’t exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane.
Here’s a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines.
Carry-on items by airline
Airline
Cabin
Maximum size
Air Canada
All
55 x 40 x 23 cm; 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in
Alaska Airlines
All
55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
American Airlines
All
56 x 36 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
British Airways
All
56 x 45 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in
Delta Air Lines
All
56 x 35 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Frontier Airlines
All
60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in
Hawaiian Airlines
All
55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
JetBlue Airways
All
55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Southwest Airlines
All
60.9 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in
Spirit Airlines
All
56 x 46 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in
United Airlines
All
56 x 35 x 22 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment
If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Be sure these compartments are easily accessible, since at security checkpoints, the TSA will require you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic X-ray tray.
Make sure you’re carry-on is comfortable on your back or shoulder
Remember, you’ll need to lug your carry-on bag or suitcase across the airport and down long corridors, and you might even need to run with it so you don’t miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or cushioned straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for ease.
Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase.
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Essential items for your carry-on bag
There’s some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination.
Prescriptions and medications
Contact lenses or glasses
Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
Cameras and smartphones
Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight
Chargers for electronics
Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations
Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack.
Place your larger electronics in secure yet easily accessible compartments, since you’ll need to pull them out at TSA security checkpoints.
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What you should never pack in your carry-on bag
The TSA has specific guidelines covering which items are banned from flights and the agency takes those rules very seriously. In 2022 alone, the TSA screened nearly 761 million passengers and crew members nationwide, and it confiscated a record number of firearms (6,301) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, can face fines or criminal penalties.
These are some of the most commonly confiscated items:
Firearms
Fireworks
Box cutters, utility knives and razors
Bats, clubs and blades
Swiss Army knives
Sharp
If in doubt, always refer to the TSA’s guidelines on packing for flights, to ensure you have safe and easy travels.
If you’re planning a vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips:
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