My Best Carry-On Travel Hacks (After 100+ Flights)

I'm female, 72, and a frequent solo traveler. I used to feel so old when a young man would jump up and offer to put my cases in the overhead bin, but lately, I'm just plain grateful! You are so right that people are happy to help one another, and being nice goes a long way.

At 5’2’’ and 78 years old woman, I have found that a nice smile ALWAYS get you some help to put your bag in the overhead compartment 😉😍

I’m a flight attendant and I absolutely agree and appreciate most of these tips. Just treat crew members and customer service agents kindly and like people, and we are usually happy to bend over backwards to make your travel more comfortable within our means.

Hi. Thanks for all the helpful tips. I think I learned a small tip of my own on my last flight. I carry a Tomtoc carry on backpack. I'm 5'3" so overhead bin is a bit of a struggle. What I learned is- put the back straps toward the ceiling when you put it in the bin. That way when you try to pull it out later, there is less to get snagged and stuck when trying to take it out of the overhead bin. And- leave your personal item on the seat so it is not sliding off your shoulder while trying to get that bag down. And take a deep breath because everyone can wait 30 seconds while you get your stuff. Try not to stress about holding people up while you get situated.

Here's an idea.They should make it a rule that when you purchase a ticket in a given Row and seat number then the Storage above the seat is assigned to your seat to use. That used to be the case, but courtesy has gone away.

Here’s a tip I picked up when lifting my carry on. First, lift a corner of your carryon to the armrest; then lift the carry on to the bin.

4'11" here and the struggle to reach the bin is real. My tips are to review Aly's spreadsheet guide and choose the lightest bag. You want the bag to be as light as possible before you pack it. Full disclosure, before I fly, I practice lifting my suitcase to ensure I can lift it above my head unassisted. 🤭

For me, the biggest game changer is actually getting global entry in the US. I came through Phoenix yesterday, and it took me less than a minute to clear passport control with global entry.

I can't believe they still do the shoe check. I would love to know how many times they have found something in shoes, since that one case 20 yrs ago!

“Check” your luggage people!! As an Australian traveller, we are encouraged to check big suitcases. I’m amazed at the size of the bags that some people try to squish into the overhead lockers (including those shown in this video). It’s inconsiderate - denies fellow travellers their share of overhead locker space, and creates chaos when boarding and disembarking.

For cost we always fly carryon but rarely have to worry because we are usually VERY early to the gate and get offered to check bags and readily agree! It’s a pain to have to wait for bags but as a senior, having to only worry about me and my backpack is bliss!❤

Inside hack: If your flight leaves out of say gate 5 and gates 4 or 6 are right next to it, you can sit in those areas & still hear everything that's happening at gate 5. It's a way to fly "under the radar"😊

i just got back from europe (4 diff planes there and back in total); people were putting the carryon bags vertical, not horizontal. It was great, as it was a full flight... it seemed to fit better.

I went to Texas in January and my friend and I checked our bags It was so much easier then dealing with the overhead.

Being prepared is important and that's where helpful and smart tips, tricks and hacks come in to play. But, in reality, one could do all of this and still have to gate check their bag or other inconvenience. I think it's a number 1 priority to prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically, in addition to all the other hacks. The bottom line is this: just because we're prepared, doesn't mean others are. Plane travel has many stressful elements. It's important to prepare for that fact.

I have to say that flying carry-on only was very quick getting in and out of the airports, that was very nice and simple. However my last trip was full of events so clothing and space became a sticking point, I could only mix-n-match so much. I would have liked to carried a couple more pants and shirts to cover any spills (which it did) and when gifted some things I had to go out of my way to find shipping as I had no space left. If your carry-on is getting tight and you're putting more clothing in your backpack/duffel perhaps give a moment of thought to using a checked bag.

On some airlines, like American Airlines, if you are in their Advantage program you will board with Group 6 (if not earlier). It’s free to join. I’ve signed up my husband and son in the airport waiting to board and refreshed their boarding passes on my phone to see them moved from Group 8 to Group 6 immediately. It’s usually Groups 8 or 9 that they are pestering to check bags so the earlier your boarding group, the more likely you will get to keep your bag with you.

It's kind of weird that airlines and plane manufacturers don't make some of this more obvious? Like the last tip, the little step on the seat. Very useful, and I would guess 99.999% of passengers didn't know this. Thanks for sharing.

Travelling in economy would be so much better if everyone was a little more considerate of the small space. As a solo traveller, I understand people are travelling with young families, I don't expect them to be silent, I have noise cancelling headphones. But if you child is screaming or kicking and can't keep still, take your child for a walk to the kitchen or somewhere where they can walk and get a bit of energy out. It will help mask the noise of your crying child if you take them behind the bulkhead where the kitchen is or the toilets at the back. I have seen parents just laugh and do nothing when their child is throwing a tantrum and kicking seats. If someone on the inner seats needs to get out for the toilet, get out of your seat, don't make them climb over you, its awkward for both you and them, and it gives you a change to stretch your legs. I like the aisle row seat, and tell the passengers inside, don't worry if you need to use the toilet or get up and walk, I'm happy to stand up. If you are getting up to get out of your seat during the flight, avoid putting all your weight on the headrest of the passenger in front of you, use the arm rest or your own head rest for balance. If you're putting your seat back to try to sleep, I look behind to see what the passenger behind me is doing, and tell them I want to put my seat back, so they aren't suprised, or get a spilled drink when it comes into their face. I never find them being upset if I give them a heads up. These aren't hacks, but just my observations when on long-haul flights that little things can make the flight more palpable for everyone if we are all a little bit more conscientious.

Frequent traveler. I pack my crossbody bag. Instead I always wear an oversized men's hoodie jacket with two deep zippered pockets where I carry my small thin wallet and my cell phone. My rational is I have these important things on my person at all times like when I get up to use the restroom and in the event I'd have to evacuate immediately. Been wearing the same brand/style of mens oversized hoodie jacket (Adidas) for over 25 years specifically for flights. Plus, the main reason I started wearing this is that it keeps me warm since I am always cold on flights. It's like wearing my own personal blanket.