Enhance Your Carry-On Luggage Capacity with These Six Must-Haves
Crafty Tricks for Expanding Your Carry-On
Air travel may be quick, but it can sure be a pain, with cramped seats, delays, and fees for everything... even checking a bag! That's why more travelers are opting for only a carry-on, but space can be limited. Luckily, there are some nifty items to help you stretch that carry-on's capacity to the max. Here are a few clever acquisitions that'll help you fit more into your carry-on:
Packing Cubes, OMG!
Beth Skwarecki would swear by packing cubes—they're life-changing! These bad boys keep all your loose items organized, such as those neatly rolled-up shirts, and compress them to take up as little space as possible. They make it a breeze to use the carry-on's interior wisely and let you separate stuff according to use, keeping your gear tidy and accessible. Go for packing cubes from Lean Travel or BAGAIL, and you'll be all set.[1][5]
Vacuum Seal Carry-On Backpacks
Wish your carry-on could shrink itself at the touch of a button? Welcome to the world of vacuum seal backpacks! They're the epitome of space-saving, compressing everything inside with just one press. However, these marvels come with a couple of downsides: it can be a hassle to access items when you need them, and airport security may make you decompress the bag to inspect the contents—but at least you can reseal the bag after inspections.[3]
Neck Pillows, More Than Just a Pillow
Don't you just hate it when you're stuck in your seat on a long flight, wishing you had more space? Invest in a neck pillow you can fill with rolled-up clothes or other soft items, and presto! You've got extra room for other essentials. It's a win-win scenario—you have neck support, and you save space.
Fashionably Functional Belt Bags
Belt bags (or, if you're feeling old school, fanny packs) are a stylish and practical way to carry a bit more without turning your carry-on into a junk drawer. Some airlines may count them as a personal item, so ensure yours is sleek and slim, like this one, so you can wear it discreetly under your clothes during boarding.[3]
Stackable Containers, TSA-Friendly Storage
These hexagonal, magnetic capsules are the ideal vessel for liquids on the go. They hold 1.32 ounces, snap together for easy assembling, and come pre-labeled, meaning you know exactly what's inside. It's a smarter way to carry the basics like shampoo, conditioner, or lotion without resorting to a tangle of teeny plastic bottles.
Solid Alternatives, TSA-Approved Toiletries
Save yourself the headache of dealing with liquid restrictions and messy spills by opting for solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner, tooth powder, or solid lotion. These options are not only simpler to pack and less likely to cause a ruckus at security, they also won't make your carry-on smell like a perfume counter.[3]
Remember, in addition to clever packing items, other strategies can help you optimize your carry-on space, such as rolling clothes, selecting versatile outfits, and limiting shoes.[2][4][5] Happy traveling!
Recommended Products:1. Packing Cubes: Lean Travel Compression Cubes, BAGAIL 6-Piece Packing Cube Set2. Vacuum Seal Carry-On Backpacks: Vacuum Sealer Bag with Power Bank Charger3. Belt Bags: Thule Subterra Convertible Belt Bag4. Stackable Containers for Toiletries: Sephora Necessaire Organic & Moisturizing Shampoo Bar5. Solid Toiletries: Care of Solid Deodorant, Schmidt's Naturals Charcoal Toothpaste Powder
- To maximize the carry-on's capacity, consider using packing cubes, such as those from Lean Travel or BAGAIL, to compress loose items and organize your gear for easy access during travel.
- Vacuum seal carry-on backpacks can help minimize the space taken up by belongings, though be aware of the downsides, like difficulty accessing items and potential decompression during airport security inspections.
- Solid alternatives to liquids, like shampoo bars and tooth powder, can be a TSA-friendly way to carry essential toiletries without the hassle of dealing with liquid restrictions and potential spills, thereby minimizing any potential carry-on odors.
