Packing & Carry-on

Carry-on-only packing, luggage that lasts, and the airline and TSA rules that decide what makes it through security.

73 posts5 sectionsUpdated 25 Oct 2026

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Which airlines allow 22 inch carry-on?

Find airlines that accept 22 inch carry-on bags and travel light without worrying about gate checks. Compare policies and pack confidently.

Photo by Alexandra Tran / Unsplash

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What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?Overpacking, liquids at security, airline cabin bag limits: the five packing mistakes that cost travellers fees and stress, and how to fix each one.
What is the largest size suitcase you can take as a carry-on?

How big your carry-on can be, by airline

Length + width + height, in linear inches. On Ryanair and easyJet the limit depends on the fare you buy.

Southwest50
Delta, United, American, Emirates45
Ryanair, easyJetBy fare

Compare the airlines

SourcedEach airline's own baggage policy page, checked 25 Aug 2026.

Nine pieces, 27 outfits

The 3-3-3 rule: when every piece goes with every other, the choices multiply instead of adding up.

3tops

Tee
Shirt
Knit

3bottoms

Jeans
Chinos
Shorts

3shoes

Trainers
Sandals
Loafers

27outfits

Trainers

Sandals

Loafers

Each square is one outfit: every top with every bottom, once per pair of shoes.

Plan your 3-3-3 bag

Arithmetic3 × 3 × 3, assuming every piece pairs with every other. Items are examples.

Packing rules and methods

The named systems (3-3-3, 5-4-3-2-1, 3-5-7) and what each one asks you to pack.

7 posts

All 7 in packing rules and methods

Carry-on rules: airlines and TSA

What gets through security and onto the plane: bag sizes, liquids, batteries and medication.

16 posts

All 16 in carry-on rules: airlines and TSA

Power banks: where the security limits fall

Measured in watt-hours. Spare power banks go in your carry-on, never in a checked bag.

Up to 100 WhCarry it on. No approval needed.
101–160 WhAirline approval first, and two spares at most.
Over 160 WhNot allowed on the plane.

Check your power bank

SourcedTSA, batteries up to 100 Wh and over 100 Wh, retrieved 3 Sep 2026.

Luggage and packing cubes

Choosing the bag (shells, wheels, brands) and the cubes that go inside it.

11 posts

All 11 in luggage and packing cubes

Packing lists by trip

A list for the trip in front of you: a long weekend, two weeks away, a work trip, winter, six months.

18 posts

All 18 in packing lists by trip

Packing light

Fitting more into one bag, and deciding what stays at home.

16 posts

All 16 in packing light

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Newest first, across every section.

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