Checked baggage fees. Waiting at the carousel. Lost luggage. If you've ever stood at baggage reclaim watching everyone else's bags come out before yours, you'll know the appeal of travelling carry-on only. Once you crack it, you'll never go back.
This guide walks you through exactly how to do it — what to pack, how to pack it, and which bag to choose.
Why Travel Carry-On Only?
- Save money — checked baggage fees on budget airlines can add £30–£60 each way
- Save time — straight off the plane and out of the airport in minutes
- Less stress — no risk of lost or delayed luggage
- More flexibility — easier to move between locations, hop on trains, or change plans
Step 1: Know Your Airline's Carry-On Rules
This is non-negotiable. Every airline has different size and weight limits for cabin bags, and the budget airlines are the strictest. Here are some common UK airline limits at time of writing (always double-check before you fly):
- Ryanair: 40 x 20 x 25cm (underseat, free) or 55 x 40 x 20cm (overhead, Priority boarding required)
- easyJet: 56 x 45 x 25cm (overhead, free) + 45 x 36 x 20cm small bag
- Jet2: 56 x 45 x 25cm, max 10kg
- British Airways: 56 x 45 x 25cm, no weight limit for hand baggage
Choose a bag that comfortably fits within these dimensions — a structured bag is much easier to size accurately than a soft-sided one that bulges.
Step 2: Choose the Right Carry-On Bag
Your bag choice makes or breaks the carry-on only strategy. Here's what to look for:
- Structured shape — holds its dimensions and won't get rejected at the gate
- Multiple compartments — organisation is everything when you're living out of one bag
- Lightweight material — every gram of bag weight is a gram less you can pack
- Easy-access pockets — for passport, boarding pass, and liquids bag at security
- Comfortable to carry — padded straps if it's a backpack, or a shoulder strap for a holdall
Step 3: The Carry-On Packing List
The key is versatility. Every item should work with at least two other items.
Clothing (for a 7-day trip)
- 5 tops / t-shirts (neutral colours that mix and match)
- 2 pairs of trousers or jeans
- 1 lightweight jacket or hoodie
- 1 smart layer if needed
- 7 pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 pair of versatile shoes (worn on the plane)
- 1 pair of flip flops or sandals (pack these — they're flat and light)
Toiletries (100ml rule applies)
- Travel-size versions of everything
- Solid shampoo and conditioner bars — no liquid, no fuss
- Consider buying full-size toiletries at your destination for longer trips
Tech
- Phone + charger
- Universal travel adaptor
- Power bank (must go in hand luggage, not checked)
- Earphones
- Laptop or tablet if needed (goes in overhead bin — factor in the weight)
Documents & Essentials
- Passport
- Boarding pass (downloaded offline)
- Travel insurance
- Cards + RFID-blocking wallet
- Small amount of local currency
Step 4: Pack Smarter, Not More
A few techniques that genuinely make a difference:
- Roll your clothes — saves space and reduces creasing compared to folding
- Use packing cubes — compresses clothing and keeps everything organised
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane — boots, thick jacket, heaviest jeans
- Pack your liquids bag last — keep it accessible for security
- Leave a gap — you'll inevitably pick up something on your trip
Step 5: The Final Check
Before you zip up and head to the airport:
- ✅ Does the bag fit within your airline's dimensions?
- ✅ Are all liquids in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear bag?
- ✅ Is your passport and boarding pass easily accessible?
- ✅ Is your power bank in your hand luggage (not checked)?
- ✅ Have you worn or packed your heaviest shoes?
The Right Bag Makes It Possible
Travelling carry-on only starts with choosing the right bag. A well-structured backpack or holdall with the right dimensions and smart compartments is the foundation of the whole strategy.
At Northbound Supply, we stock carry-on friendly bags built for real travel — lightweight, structured, and sized to fit most major airline requirements.