Travelling is a time to see the world and experience new things, but if there’s one thing that can put a damper on the experience — it’s packing. 

Let’s face it, baggage allowance can turn travel preparation into a life-size game of hybridised Tetris and Jenga as we try to escape having to pay additional baggage fees. Not to mention lengthy check-in times. 

One solution to dodging the extra stress is to fly with just hand luggage. With the right approach, this can be a simple and effective way to cut costs and simplify your packing process — and at Trtl Travel, we’ve got you covered.

How big can carry-on luggage be?

The size of your carry-on can vary depending on the airline you’re travelling with. It’s best to check their size limitations shortly before you travel. 

The average size allowance for hand luggage is around 40 x 25 x 22cm.

The popular short-haul airline EasyJet sets its baggage allowance at one bag per person, measuring a maximum of 45 x 36 x 20cm. Meanwhile, Ryanair has a slightly smaller carry-on limit of 40 x 20 x 25cm.

For long-haul flights, carry-on luggage sizes are ever so slightly bigger. For example, Virgin Atlantic allows a maximum bag size of 56 x 36 x 23cm, while Emirates permit luggage up to 55 x 38 x 20cm to be carried onto the plane.

Are there different types of carry-on bags?

Typically, ‘hand luggage’ refers to a small bag, suitable for storing in the plane's cabin area rather than needing to be placed underneath the plane. Because of this, you have a lot of freedom and flexibility when choosing the type of carry-on bag that works best for you.

If you’re packing heavier items in your hand luggage, choose a bag that gives your back good support — such as a backpack. These bags often fall within the size requirements of most airlines and may contain handy storage compartments for smaller essentials like liquids or electronics.

Alternatively, you could opt for a mini suitcase if you’re looking for something with wheels that won’t require carrying. These can be slightly more tricky to fit within the size constraints of most airlines, but there are some specifically designed hard-case carry-on luggage for this very purpose. While they typically won’t fit under a seat, they’re the perfect size for popping in the overhead luggage bins.

Why do people travel with hand luggage only?

Travelling with just hand luggage has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are a lot of benefits to holidaying with just one smaller bag. These include:

• Cutting costs — Many airlines have additional luggage fees, and these can stack up — especially if you’re travelling with multiple people. Carry-on luggage is included in the cost of your ticket for the majority of airlines, meaning you’re not going to be hit with any extra costs at the airport.
  
  
• It’s convenient — Packing all of your belongings into one small bag can make your trip a lot easier. You’ll only have to reach for one bag whenever you need something, and won’t have to worry so much about the chore of unpacking when you arrive at the holiday destination.
  
  
• No waiting around — One of the causes of lengthy check-in processes is getting your luggage approved by airport security. This leads to waiting for suitcases during both departure and arrival. Hand luggage speeds up this process and means you can start holidaying sooner!
  
  
• Ease of movement — Large suitcases can make travelling less enjoyable — particularly when navigating an airport or trying to find your hotel. With a small carry-on bag, you have much more freedom to move around.
  
  
• You have everything at arms reach — Have you ever sat down on a plane, only to realise that your headphones or favourite book are in the suitcase below you in the cargo hold? Travelling with carry-on bags removes this hassle, as everything you need is in one place.

How to pack the most with only hand luggage

One of the main drawbacks of heading off on holiday with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings. While this may seem like a deal-breaker, there are some simple ways to maximise the space in your hand luggage. These are:

• Plan your outfits — Pick out your holiday clothes in advance and ensure you have several outfits that allow you to mix and match. Ultimately, you’ll have fewer clothes to pack and will never struggle for an outfit.
  
  
• Wear heavier clothes — It’s best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them. This frees up space and ensures you don't get cold during the flight!
  
  
• Roll, don’t fold — Folding your clothes is a guaranteed way to run out of space and find most of your holiday favourites covered in creases. Rolling your clothes makes the most out of carry-on space while ensuring that your clothes are crease-free when you get there.
  
  
• Use packing cubes — A great way to keep your belongings organised is to use packing cubes to separate smaller items that could get lost in the bottom of your bag. Our Trtl Packing Pods are available in three sizes — small, medium and large — specially designed to fit easily into your luggage. Once you arrive at your destination, the pods can also be linked to form a portable wardrobe!
  
  
• Don’t pack unnecessary items — Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation — such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you’ll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible.
  
  
• Use all space in your bag — Optimise your packing space by using all pockets, compartments and corners of the bag to ensure you’re making use of all space in your bag — remember to pop items in your shoes as well!
  
  
• Decant all your liquids — If you bring any liquids on your travels, ensure that you decant each product into a transparent 100ml plastic bottle. Any liquids in bottles over 100ml will not be allowed to pass through airport security. This applies to water, face creams, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, liquid makeup, sunscreen, and perfume. All airports across the globe allow travellers to bring up to 1 litre of liquids stored in individual 100ml bottles, meaning the maximum amount of bottles you can bring with you is 10.

Can you take electronics in your hand luggage?

You can bring electronic devices onto a plane in your hand luggage. However, you should follow the airline's guidelines on when to use them during the flight. Devices that are allowed on the flight include:

• Laptops
• Mobile phones
• Hairdryers and straighteners
• MP3 players
• Tablet devices
• Electric shavers
• E-cigarettes and vapes

Can you take medication in your hand luggage?

All airlines allow you to bring medication onto a plane in your hand luggage, provided the medication is essential, and you have the correct documentation from your doctor. This includes liquid medications over the 100ml liquid limit.

What isn't allowed in hand luggage?

While many airlines have very flexible limitations for hand luggage, there are some common restrictions in place for items that aren’t allowed on planes. These include: 

• Corkscrews
• Knives of any kind
• Scissors with a blade longer than 6cm
• Fireworks or any other form of pyrotechnics
• Cigarette lighters (though these can be placed in a clear plastic bag and kept on your person)
• Darts
• Golf clubs
• Heavy bats
• Walking or hiking poles
• Catapults
• Any form of firearm
• Harpoons, crossbows, or spear guns
• Martial arts equipment
• Any forms of work equipment, including construction tools
• Chemicals and toxic substances

Do you need to weigh your carry-on bag?

While some airlines may have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, this is generally uncommon. Double-check with your chosen airline before arriving at the airport. However, any carry-on bag under 10kg is typically acceptable.

How much do you need to pack for a week-long trip?

If you’re planning a week relaxing in the sun, a carry-on bag should easily be sufficient to bring all your holiday must-haves. Most of us are guilty of over-packing for a holiday at least once (if not more frequently!). Bringing just one bag can help limit your options and make you think more carefully about what you really need.

For a week-long trip, we recommend bringing these essential items:

• Your passport
• Any travel insurance documents
• Bank cards and cash
• Tickets and booking information

Additionally, we suggest creating a capsule wardrobe to see you through the week. This consists of the following items:

• Sun hat or cap
• Shorts x2
• Daytime tops x4
• Swimwear x2
• Trousers x1
• Cardigan or jumper for chilly evenings
• Non-crease evening clothes, e.g. dresses or shirts x5
• Closed-toe shoes to travel in
• Open-toe shoes
• Underwear x7
• Socks x3 if required for closed-toe shoes
• Nightwear

You should also pack your essential toiletries, including your toothbrush, hairbrush, a roll-on deodorant, razor, SPF sunscreen, and any makeup if needed.

This should leave you with ample room for any other essentials you may need on your travels, such as phone chargers, cameras, sunglasses, reading material, and a day bag to take out with you.

Find out more information about preparing for your holiday with our blog.

Travel the right way with Trtl Travel

Travelling with just hand luggage can seem daunting, but a little bit of extra preparation goes a long way to having a smoother, streamlined holiday.

It’s also important that you remain in complete comfort wherever you are, and that’s why our travel pillows will leave you feeling refreshed at your destination, whether it’s a quick trip of a few hours or a long-haul flight.  

To find out more helpful tips and tricks for all things flying, check out our blog page.