Carry-on travel bag tips: how to choose and pack smart
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 6 min read
A good carry-on travel bag saves you hassle at the gate, makes packing easier and is often more comfortable to travel with than a rigid suitcase. The smartest choice does not start with colour or style, but with size, organisation and the way you travel. With these tips, you can choose a travel bag that suits your flight and pack it more efficiently.
First, check the permitted dimensions
The most important tip is simple: always match your travel bag to the carry-on rules of the airline you are flying with. A bag that is just slightly too large can still cause problems when boarding. Do not only check the length and width, but also the depth of the bag when it is completely full. Helpful guide: How to measure your travel bag correctly.
For many travellers, a compact carry-on travel bag is especially useful because it fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment. At ByMetz, for example, you will find sizes such as 40 x 30 x 20 cm, 45 x 36 x 20 cm and an expandable version from 40 x 30 x 15 to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. These sizes are particularly useful if you want to choose based on airline requirements. Check the Overview of 40x30x20 airline rules for the differences between airlines. Are you travelling with the compact underseat size? This article will help you plan: What fits in 40x30x20?
- Always check your airline's current rules before ordering or packing.
- Check the outside dimensions, including protruding parts such as pockets and handles.
- Allow for a full bag: a soft travel bag can expand once you fill it completely.
What a good carry-on travel bag really needs
Not every small travel bag is automatically convenient as carry-on luggage. Especially with compact sizes, the right details make the difference between organised travel and constantly searching for your belongings.
A practical layout
Preferably choose a bag with a main compartment that opens wide enough, so you do not have to rummage around from the top. Extra pockets for travel documents, chargers or small essentials help you quickly access the items you often need on the go.
Comfort when carrying
You do not only carry a carry-on travel bag from home to the car. You also walk with it through a station, airport or hotel. That is why an adjustable shoulder strap is useful, and a 3-in-1 model can be extra practical if you want to switch between carrying it by hand, over your shoulder or on your back.
Smart travel details
Useful extras include a laptop compartment, a smart sleeve for placing the bag on a telescopic handle and a shape that slides easily under a seat. This is especially convenient for short trips or business travel.
Pack smart: take more without cramming
The best carry-on travel bag only works really well when you pack smart. Because you are travelling with limited space, a set approach helps you stay organised and keep the bag within the permitted size.
- Roll soft clothing to save space (see How to pack smart in a travel bag) and see more quickly what you are taking with you.
- Use small pouches or packing cubes for underwear, chargers and toiletries.
- Place heavy items at the bottom or close to the back of the bag for greater carrying comfort.
- Wear your thickest shoes or jacket while travelling instead of packing them.
- Only bring combinations that you can wear more than once.
With a compact carry-on travel bag, it is smart to keep the items you need on the go separate. Think of your passport, phone charger, earplugs, medication and a travel-size bottle. This way, you do not have to open your entire bag every time.
Things to consider with a soft travel bag
A soft carry-on travel bag has one major advantage: it is flexible and often lighter than a hard suitcase. But for that very reason, discipline when packing is important. Once you overfill the bag, it can become bulkier than the permitted size. So choose neat and organised packing rather than thinking, "there is still room for one more thing".
An expandable model is useful when you want some extra space at times when this is allowed, but only use the expansion if the size still stays within the rules of your ticket or airline.
What is the ideal travel bag for carry-on luggage?
The ideal carry-on travel bag is not the same for everyone, but it usually meets the same basic requirements: the right size for your flight, a logical layout, sufficient carrying comfort and a shape that remains practical when filled. Do you mainly travel short and compact? Then an underseater size is often ideal. Would you like to take a little more with you for a weekend trip? A slightly larger cabin size is more convenient, as long as the dimensions suit your airline. For example, browse Carry-on travel bags if you are looking for a flexible and compact option.
Common mistakes with carry-on travel bags
- Only looking at the capacity in litres instead of the exact dimensions.
- Overfilling the bag, causing it to exceed the permitted size.
- Choosing too few pockets, leaving everything loose in the main compartment.
- Not considering the way you travel: walking, changing trains or flights and packing and unpacking quickly require a different bag than travelling only by car.
- Not checking airline rules in advance, especially when different airlines operate your outbound and return flights.
FAQ
What is the 3:1:1 rule for carry-on luggage?
This rule concerns liquids in carry-on luggage. In practice, it means that liquids must be in small containers and fit together in a transparent, resealable bag. Always check the current security rules of the airport and airline, as the requirements may differ by destination.
What is the 5-5-5 method for travelling?
The 5-5-5 method is a minimalist packing aid where you travel with a limited number of clothing items, such as a small selection of tops, bottoms and extra items. The main idea is to combine items consciously and avoid overpacking. This approach works well for a carry-on travel bag because you can quickly see what you really need.
What if your carry-on luggage is 1 cm too large?
It may not cause a problem, but it can also be enough for your luggage to be refused or for you to incur extra costs. Especially with airlines that measure strictly, 1 cm too large is still too large. It is therefore better to choose a travel bag that clearly stays within the permitted dimensions, even when completely full. If you want to explore this in more detail, you will find more information in Carry-on luggage dimensions: complete guide.
Would you like to choose a carry-on travel bag that suits the way you travel? Start by selecting the right size, and only then look at the layout and carrying options. This greatly increases the chance that your bag is not only attractive, but above all practical on the go. Also read more about general rules and things to consider, so you can be sure that your bag can travel with you without problems.