Why Not Check?

Learning how to pack in a carry-on bag can save you significant time and expenses. Airlines have stringent cut-off times for checking luggage, which can be as much as two hours before departure. This issue is particularly problematic for early-morning international flights.

Furthermore, arriving at your destination and bypassing the baggage claim area feels incredibly liberating. Waiting for bags to arrive on the carousel can waste precious time, especially when maneuvering through crowds. Most importantly, avoiding checked luggage eliminates the risk of lost bags, saving you from the stress of scrambling to replace contents.

Due to airlines now charging for checked bags, mastering this packing skill has become increasingly essential.

The 3-1-1 Liquid Rule

Let’s begin by reviewing the current regulations. U.S. laws mandate that all liquids be stored in a quart-sized, transparent, resealable plastic bag. Each item must contain three ounces or less. You are required to remove this bag and send it through security separately, so keep it readily accessible. Using a thicker, more durable freezer-style bag is recommended. Here are some helpful tricks:

Use the Hotel Amenities

If you’re staying at a hotel, take advantage of the complimentary amenities provided in your room. Common offerings include shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion; many resorts even supply shower gel. You may find that hotel products can be just as comfortable as your home products. Additionally, don’t hesitate to request items like toothpaste and deodorant from the front desk that may not be provided in your room.

Go Solid

If an item isn’t a liquid, it can easily fit in your carry-on bag. Fortunately, alternatives exist for many products, including deodorant, makeup, and even sunscreen in solid or powder forms.

Travel Size

Travel-sized containers of upscale products are widely available in stores and online. Discount retailers like Target offer basic grocery items in travel sizes. Frequent travelers should stock up on essentials such as toothpaste. For premium brands like Paul Mitchell and Chanel, explore sites like Ulta.com for travel-sized versions of your favorite products.

One Bag Per Person

Traveling with someone who has fewer grooming needs, such as a child? The rules allow for one baggie per person. Thus, when I travel with my son and husband, they each get a bag for their toothpaste, while I benefit from the space of three baggies.

Ship It

A useful tip I learned from colleagues who travel often within the U.S. involves shipping liquids. They ship their specialty hair products via FedEx on their departure day and have the hotel’s business center pack and ship them back. Although this service costs about $30, the time and hassle saved, along with the protection against lost checked luggage, makes it worthwhile.

Buy It There

This method can be particularly effective if you’re planning to stay at a location for a week or more, especially if it’s a familiar destination. Simply stop by a local store to purchase essentials like sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste in full sizes. Use these products during your stay and leave them for your next visit or for future guests.