More Important Than Checked Luggage: 4 Tips on How to Pack Your Carry-On

▲Smart Luggage Packing Tips (Photo / Dazhi / Illustration)

By Rita

There are many articles online about packing luggage, but those that teach you how to pack your carry-on are relatively few. Many people assume intuitively that it’s just about putting the essentials you need during the flight in your carry-on. Oh no, it’s actually not that simple.The travel website Kantinadateaches you several important principles, and there are some items you might not have realized you actually need in your carry-on.

1. First, Make Sure Your Carry-On Bag Is Suitable
Does your bag have enough space? Is it sturdy? Easy to carry? Many brand-name bags don’t even meet these criteria. Remember, the quality of your carry-on bag really matters—if the strap breaks, it could ruin your trip.

2. Be Sure to Prepare Small Items That Make Travel More Comfortable
Such as warm socks, scarves, headache medicine, moisturizing lotion, a water bottle, earplugs, personal electronic devices (iPad, e-reader, etc.).

3. Keep Important Documents Well Organized
Items you’ll definitely need in your carry-on—passport, cash, phone, boarding pass, credit cards—must be well organized.

4. Simple Snacks
Many people overlook this. Actually, carrying small snacks, like dried fruit, can help you replenish energy anytime if your flight is delayed and you get hungry.