Carry-on packing list
- A carry-on packing list is about what fits in the overhead bin—not a smaller version of a checked vacation wardrobe.
- Wear bulky shoes, keep liquids in one clear bag, and put meds in the personal item you take to the seat.
- Weekend and work trips often stay carry-on only if you stop adding 'just in case' outfits.
Short trip or long-stay remote work? Weekend · Business · Digital nomad · International
Fit it in the overhead bin
Use these four rules, then check off the carry-on packing list below.
- Wear the bulky shoes and jacket — they cost the most bag space
- Liquids under 3.4 oz (100 ml) in one clear quart bag
- Meds, charger, and a spare outfit stay in the personal item
- Skip full-size toiletries; buy shampoo after you land if you need it
What you’ll likely need
A quick peek at must-bring and strongly suggested items for this trip. Your full checklist with checkboxes appears in a moment.
- Pants / shorts
- Socks
- T-shirts / tops
- Underwear
- Credit / debit cards
- Driver's license / ID
- Flight / booking confirmations
- Health insurance card
- Passport
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Prescription medications
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (travel size)
- TSA liquids bag (100ml)
- Day backpack
- Packing cubes
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket / layer
- Packable rain jacket
- Sleepwear
- Emergency contact list
- Local currency / cash
- Travel insurance documents
- Headphones / earbuds
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Band-aids / plasters
- Pain reliever (ibuprofen)
- Hand sanitizer
- Razor
- Shampoo (travel size)
Tips for cabin bags
- Weigh the packed bag at home if your airline is strict; our tool shows a running estimate when carry-on is selected.
- One spare shirt and underwear in the personal item covers a delayed bag even if you also check a suitcase later.
- Flying abroad? Pair this with the international list so the adapter and passport are not left in a checked bag.
Related packing lists
Common questions
What should be on a carry-on packing list? +
Clothes for the days you are away, travel-size toiletries in a quart bag, charger, meds, ID, and a spare outfit in the personal item. Skip full-size bottles and extra shoes.
How is this different from a weekend packing list? +
Weekend is about two nights away. This page locks the list to cabin-bag thinking—liquids rules, weight, and what stays under the seat.
Can I use this for a work trip? +
Yes for the bag rules. Open the business trip packing list for blazers and laptop kit, then keep carry-on selected.
Packing for months of remote work abroad? +
Open our digital nomad packing list for laptop kit, laundry sheets, and a long-stay capsule wardrobe. This carry-on page stays focused on cabin-bag rules.
Can I print this carry-on packing checklist? +
Yes—Print / Save as PDF after you set days above.