The Carry-On Only Packing List (Printable Checklist)
Traveling with just a carry-on means no checked-bag fees, no waiting at the carousel, and no lost luggage. Print this list, check things off, and you will fit a week of travel into one bag. Always check your airline's size and weight limits before you go.
Clothes
- Tops: one per day for short trips, or plan to rewear and do a sink wash on longer ones
- Two bottoms that go with every top
- Underwear and socks for each day, plus one spare
- One layer: a light sweater, fleece, or packable jacket
- Sleepwear
- One pair of shoes to wear and at most one to pack
- Wear your bulkiest outfit and shoes on the plane
Toiletries
Under the TSA liquids rule, each liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on must be in a container of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, and all of them must fit in one quart-size bag. Rules can change and other countries may differ, so check before you fly.
- Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in 3.4 oz / 100 ml containers (or solid bars, which don't count as liquids)
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Razor and any skin care you use daily
- Medications in your carry-on, never in a checked bag
- Quart-size clear bag for all liquids
Tech
- Phone and charger cable
- Wall plug, and a travel adapter if going abroad
- Power bank (spare lithium batteries must go in your carry-on, not checked bags)
- Headphones
- Laptop or tablet and charger, if you need them
Documents
- ID or passport, and visas if needed
- Boarding pass (printed or on your phone)
- Hotel and transport confirmations
- Credit or debit card and a little cash
- Travel insurance details, if you have it
- A photo or copy of your passport, stored separately
For more ways to make the trip itself smoother, see our travel hacks.
Gear that makes it easier
Packing cubes
Why it helps: Cubes keep clothes compressed and sorted, so you can find things without unpacking the whole bag.
What to look for:
- A set with a few different sizes
- Compression zippers if your bag is tight on space
- Mesh panels so you can see what's inside
Skip it if: You only travel for a night or two and roll your clothes already.
Carry-on suitcase or travel backpack
Why it helps: A bag built to carry-on size limits gets the most packing space out of what airlines allow.
What to look for:
- Dimensions that match your airline's carry-on limit
- Low empty weight, since some airlines weigh carry-ons
- A clamshell or full-zip opening for easy packing
- Smooth wheels or padded shoulder straps, depending on style
Skip it if: The bag you already own fits your airline's limits.
Refillable travel bottles
Why it helps: You bring your own products in the right size instead of buying travel minis every trip.
What to look for:
- Marked capacity of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
- Leak-proof caps or a valve that seals
- Wide openings that are easy to fill and clean
Skip it if: You use solid shampoo, soap, and toothpaste tablets.
Clear quart-size toiletry bag
Why it helps: It speeds up security and holds up better than a plastic zip bag.
What to look for:
- Quart size (about 1 liter)
- Clear, sturdy material with a strong zipper
Skip it if: A reusable zip-top bag already works for you.
Compact power bank
Why it helps: Keeps your phone alive for boarding passes, maps, and delays.
What to look for:
- Capacity clearly labeled in mAh and watt-hours (airlines limit watt-hours)
- Ports that match your cables
- A size that fits in a pocket or small bag
Skip it if: Your trips are short and you always have outlet access.
Quick answer
For carry-on only travel, pack versatile clothes you can rewear, put liquids in 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers inside one quart-size bag, keep tech, medications, and documents in your carry-on, and use packing cubes to fit it all. Check your airline's bag limits before you fly.