Carry-on only is rising—and packing plans are getting simpler

More travelers aim to skip the checked bag, and the momentum keeps building every season. Avoiding the wait at carousels and dodging mishandled luggage is compelling, but the time saved at the airport is still the top draw, with baggage fees a close second. Flyers also point out a quieter, less anxious departure day: moving through security with one item makes lines feel shorter, gates easier to navigate, and last-minute changes simpler to handle.

People say the key is deciding outfits before packing, not during. A tight capsule—two neutral tops, two bottoms, and one light layer—covers most city trips if the pieces mix and match. Choose breathable fabrics that dry overnight and resist wrinkles; add a scarf or compact belt to shift an outfit from daytime exploring to a casual dinner. If laundry is available, plan a quick mid-trip wash to stretch options without adding bulk.

Shoes make or break the plan. Many limit themselves to one pair on foot and one in the bag—typically comfortable sneakers plus a dressier loafer or low boot. Prioritize soles that grip in rain, uppers that clean easily, and colors that match everything. If you must bring sandals, opt for a slim pair that packs flat.

Toiletries shrink, too. Solid shampoo eliminates leaks, while a small decanting set keeps favorite products in travel-size portions. A flat pouch helps reduce spills and speeds up security checks. Add a mini first-aid strip, a few tablets of pain relief, and travel-size sunscreen; these are hard to replace on the fly.

Packing cubes keep the bag organized by category—tops, bottoms, underwear—so you can pull what you need without exploding the suitcase. Travelers say compression only helps if clothes won’t wrinkle; otherwise you spend time steaming at the hotel. Rolling works well for tees and knits, while folding wins for shirts with collars. Slip socks into shoes to use every inch of space.

Tech is trimmed to essentials. A shared charger with multiple tips, a compact power bank, and offline tickets cut cable clutter. Noise-isolating earbuds double for calls and transit. Keep adapters in a tiny zip case so they don’t drift to the bag’s corners.

With a clearer list—and a personal “no backup just in case” rule—most people find a carry-on is enough for four to six days without stress. Aim for layers over bulk, multi-use toiletries over full bottles, and neutral shoes over statement pairs. The result: faster exits, lighter steps, and more energy for the reason you’re traveling in the first place.