Carry-on-only travel has become increasingly popular, as overhead capacity, checked luggage fees, and lost luggage have been issues for travelers. However, for some trips, it can be difficult to fit everything in carry-on bags. If you are planning a family vacation, you may be wondering whether flying with only carry-on bags is realistic or impossible.
In this post, we'll discuss when carry-on only travel is possible, how to make it happen, and what to look out for.
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Carry-On Only Travel for Families: Realistic or Impossible?
Yes, we believe it's possible for families to travel with only carry-on bags, with some caveats. It is much less possible if you have very young kids in strollers, because you simply won't have enough hands to carry everything. In that case, it's often best to check larger bags, so you have fewer to worry about in the airport, especially if you have connecting flights.
If you are considering whether you can travel carry-on only, first, you'll need to know the TSA, airline, and FAA rules. This includes the number/size of carry-on bags and the amount of liquids you can have in your bag.
FAA regulations allow one carry-on bag (which fits in the overhead bin) and one personal item (which fits under the seat in front of you). Size guidelines can vary by airline, especially for international carriers.
However, just because the FAA allows these two bags doesn't mean that your airline will. Allowances can vary by airline and depend on the fare you pay. If you are flying on a budget airline or in a lower-tier fare, you may find you can't travel with only carry-on bags. However, the FAA regulations mean that even if you pay more, an airline can't allow more than those two bags (per person). Cross-body bags and fanny packs count as a bag.
In addition, you'll need to understand the TSA liquids rule. If you are traveling with large bottles of sunscreen, bug repellent, or other liquids, you'll need to bring checked bags. Alternatively, you could purchase these items at your destination.
Benefits of Traveling Carry-On Only
People who travel with only carry-on bags do so for significant benefits. These include:
- Savings on checked bag fees
- Reduced risk of losing your bags, especially when you have connections
- Time savings at baggage claim and at the bag drop-off
- Flexibility when flying standby or when your flight is canceled
Cons of Traveling Carry-On Only
Keep in mind that there are some cons of traveling with only carry-on bags.
- You have to keep to the liquid rules within your carry-on bags
- You'll have to carry your bag with you through security and onto the aircraft (this can be an issue if you are also bringing a stroller)
- You'll have to stress about getting overhead space once you board your plane
- Your bag can still be checked if the space in the overhead bins runs out
Be Prepared
One of these cons is especially important to consider. Your bag can still be checked if overhead space runs out. This has happened to me many times, and on two occasions, my carry-on was delayed at my destination because it never made it onto the aircraft.
Your boarding group and the aircraft size are the best indicators of whether this is a valid concern in advance. Small regional aircraft, for example, don't have large enough overhead bins to accommodate roller bags. Typically, on these planes, if your bag is taken at the jetbridge, it will be returned there rather than at baggage claim.
The last boarding groups to board the plane are often required to check their roller bags. This is even more likely if the plane is very full.
Therefore, I always recommend carrying the most important items, including a change of clothes and/or pajamas, in your personal item. Be sure to include portable chargers, charging cords, travel documents, and other valuables in your personal item.
How to Travel Carry-on Only
If you want to travel carry-on only, you'll need to optimize the bag space you do have. This means you'll need to carry the two items allowed per passenger: a carry-on bag and a personal item. For children, this may mean a small backpack to carry on their back.
Having the right bags is very, very important. For hand-free travel, consider bringing a backpack for your carry-on item. We have three favorites: Calpack, Portland Cascade Backpack, and Baboon to the Moon. All of these hold lots of items and are comfortable to carry.
If you are going to place the item on the trolley handle of your rollerbag, you'll have other options. Two of our favorites are the Nomad Lane Bento Bag and the Beis Mini Weekender Bag.
In addition, you'll want a high-quality roller bag. If you are going to stuff it full, you'll want good quality wheels and a large capacity (that falls within the airline size guidelines). Our favorites are the carry-on bags from Beis and Away.
If you are traveling with a purse, it is generally too small to serve as a carry-on bag when flying carry-on only. I typically bring a small crossbody handbag that I can tuck into my personal item before boarding the plane.
Here are the tips you'll want to follow:
- Consider visiting a mass retailer, grocery store, or drugstore to purchase essentials you don't want to carry on a flight.
- Or, ship a box of essentials to the hotel. We've done this before with items such as diapers and wipes.
- Use compression packing cubes (not all have compression) to pack more items in a small space. But be aware of the weight of your bag. Our favorite compression packing cubes are from Calpack.
- Roll clothes in packing cubes to save even more space.
Do you try to fly with only carry-on bags? Are there any tips that we haven't included here?
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