The Best Way to Pack Your Carry-On Bag for Fourth of July Weekend Travel
A carry-on bag ensures you have your entertainment and snacks during the flight and all the essentials at your destination, even if your checked luggage gets lost. Items like passports, prescriptions, electronics, toiletries, cash and clothes are must-haves when it comes to carry-ons. (Believe me, packing extra clothes in mine saved me when my checked bag was lost on the way to London.)
Following Transportation Security Administration guidelines for each major US airline is also a must. Doing a little research on the latest rules and regulations can help you ace the experience without getting held up. You can't control what TSA officials confiscate, but you can control what you pack and how you pack it.
Here's how to pack your carry-on bag efficiently for any flight, so you can breeze through TSA security lines.
For more travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also read about the new Real ID requirement to get through airport security.
The best carry-on travel bags
Before you start packing, you'll have to find the right carry-on bag. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.
What size carry-on should you get?
The first and most important aspect to think about is size. Federal Aviation Administration regulations say carry-on items can't exceed dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches, though you might find an inch or two of difference depending on the airline. The general rule is that it must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane.
Here's a quick reference for size limits for the most popular US airlines.
Carry-on items by airline Airline Cabin Maximum size Air Canada All 55 x 40 x 23 cm; 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in Alaska Airlines All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in American Airlines All 56 x 36 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in British Airways All 56 x 45 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in Delta Air Lines All 56 x 35 x 23 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in Frontier Airlines All 60.96 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in Hawaiian Airlines All 55.9 x 35.5 x 22.9 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in JetBlue Airways All 55.88 x 35.56 x 22.86 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in Southwest Airlines All 60.9 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm; 24 x 16 x 10 in Spirit Airlines All 56 x 46 x 25 cm; 22 x 18 x 10 in United Airlines All 56 x 35 x 22 cm; 22 x 14 x 9 in
Carry-ons should have an easy access tech compartment
If you decide to bring electronics like a laptop, iPad, Kindle or other tablet on board, your carry-on should ideally have a separate, padded compartment for secure packing. Be sure these compartments are easily accessible, since at security checkpoints, the TSA will require you to remove your electronic devices and place them in the plastic X-ray tray.
Make sure your carry-on is comfortable on your back or shoulder
Remember, you'll need to lug your carry-on bag or suitcase across the airport and down long corridors, and you might even need to run with it so you don't miss your connection. Consider whether you need padded handles or cushioned straps or a backpack or a rolling suitcase for ease.
The general rule is that all carry-ons must fit under your seat or in the overhead enclosed storage compartment on the plane.
Getty Images
How to pack your carry-on the right way
Though what to pack in your carry-on ultimately depends on your preferences, there are a few guidelines for the best way to pack your luggage:
Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.).
Pack the things you'll use the least at the bottom of the bag.
Keep most of your valuables in your carry-on luggage, and store them in side compartments or safely padded around other items.
Place valuables at the bottom of your bag, away from the opening.
Keep your wallet, credit cards and cash in an inner pocket so they'll be harder to steal.
Pack a small, separate bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit in one quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.)
Roll your clothes tightly to save space in your luggage.
Sometimes you lose your luggage. It happens. Though it's frustrating, it's important to pack a spare set of clothes (including socks and underwear!) in your carry-on to hold you over until your bags are found and returned. Pack clothing that can easily be rolled up and put in the bottom of your bag.
Rolled clothing can save space in your tight bag or suitcase.
Getty Images
Essential items for your carry-on bag
There's some items that are just better in your carry-on luggage. If you do decide to check a bag, be sure to keep these items with you on the flight. Most of these carry-on essentials are items that would be hard to replace or purchase when you get to your destination.
Prescriptions and medications
Contact lenses or glasses
Valuables like jewelry, wallets, passports, IDs and boarding passes
Cameras and smartphones
Entertainment like tablets, books and laptops
Headphones to watch TV or movies if a longer flight
Chargers for electronics
Printed itinerary, or hotel and flight confirmations
Explore this complete guide for essential travel items you may forget to pack.
Place your larger electronics in secure yet easily accessible compartments, since you'll need to pull them out at TSA security checkpoints.
Getty Images
What you should never pack in your carry-on bag
The TSA has specific guidelines covering which items are banned from flights, and the agency takes those rules very seriously. In 2023 alone, the TSA screened more than 858 million passengers and crew members nationwide, and it confiscated a record number of firearms (6,737) and many other items. TSA policy says that individuals carrying weapons, especially loaded firearms, can face fines or criminal penalties.
These are some of the most commonly confiscated items:
Firearms
Fireworks
Box cutters, utility knives and razors
Bats, clubs and blades
Swiss Army knives
If in doubt, always refer to the TSA's guidelines on packing for flights, to ensure you have safe and easy travels.
If you're planning a vacation soon and are stressed about packing or preparing, CNET has plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-calpak-makes-my-holy-grail-duffel-backpack-tout-72d956b74e2949e79a2d0c4a68533d70.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
Calpak's Fourth of July Sale Has Deals Up to 60% Off—From Editor-approved Suitcases to Oprah-loved Duffels
Whoever coined the phrase 'a Jack of all trades, a master of none' clearly wasn't referencing California-based travel brand Calpak. Originally launched in 1989 as a handbag and wallet supplier, the company has grown to successfully launch everything from diaper bags to long-haul trunk suitcases—all with quality, durability, and functionality at the forefront. It's no wonder that the Oprah-loved brand is a favorite of ours to test here at Travel + Leisure ; whether you need a work-friendly travel tote, a set of packing cubes, or an all-in-one luggage set, Calpak does it all (and quite well , we might add). That's why we're especially stoked about the Calpak 4th of July Sale happening this weekend. This event includes deals up to 60 percent off colorful luggage sets, roomy laptop backpacks, compact carry-ons, and rolling duffel bags. Curious to know which deals we're most excited about? Keep scrolling for the 11 Calpak pieces we recommend shopping for Fourth of July, starting at $32. $175 $77 at Take it from someone who tests and reviews travel products for a living: The Calpak Terra collection is fantastic from top to bottom. This collection of wallets, sling bags, carry-ons, and travel accessories is made with recycled materials and water-resistant ripstop polyester that is, dare I say, practically impossible to scuff up or get dirty. I recently took the Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack on a carry-on-only trek to Puerto Rico and have been using the Terra 35L Tote Bag for beach trips. Both have been absolute lifesavers for staying organized. Now, I'm eyeing this Terra Laptop Backpack to add to my collection. Not only does it come with a myriad of zippered internal and external pockets and a luggage trolley sleeve, but it also has a padded laptop compartment that can be used for a hydration reservoir, transforming it from a commuter bag to a hiking pack. And just like the other bags in Calpak's Terra collection, this two-in-one duffel backpack is made from recycled plastic bottles and has a slick exterior that wipes clean. $165 $66 at What's hot pink, has wheels, and is 60 percent off? This one-of-a-kind Stevyn Rolling Duffel, of course! Previously $165, this $66 carry-on duffel has a large zippered bottom compartment to keep your shoes or bulky items separate from the rest of your clothes, a pass-through trolley sleeve, interior and exterior pockets, two spinning wheels, and reinforced grab handles. When you're tired of carrying it by hand, you can stand it upright and use the telescopic handle to pull it behind you in the airport. $48 $32 at Some adventures call for a smaller bag, and this Luka Mini Belt Bag, 35 percent off, is large enough to hold your most important items without weighing you down. On top of a spacious main compartment, this belt bag comes with a hidden back pocket for stashing your keys, ID, or cash, and has an adjustable nylon strap that can be worn on your waist or across your chest. Hundreds of Calpak shoppers have given a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer noting that its mini size is perfect for 'everyday use.' $48 $39 at This might just be the cutest way to carry a water bottle. Made easy-to-clean, wipeable materials, this cinch-top water bottle holder is insulated to help keep your beverage cool, and is outfitted with three exterior pockets that can hold your sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, or keys. The bungee cord opening allows for easy access to your drink, and the adjustable carrying strap can be worn as a crossbody or closer to your chest as a sling bag. $80 $56 at Upgrade your toiletry game with this Fit Hanging Dopp Kit that's flush with storage options. On sale for $24 off, this dopp kit comes with multiple interior mesh pockets, elastic loops, a hanging loop, and a large clear PVC zippered pouch that can be removed and used on its own for shorter trips. It's also made with an antimicrobial lining to keep bacteria and odors at bay. One five-star reviewer called it a 'must-have' for travel. 'I've been on the hunt for a TSA-compliant storage kit that also includes non-liquid storage for literal years, and I'm happy to say that my search is over,' they wrote. 'This product is both sleek and roomy, and can easily accommodate everything I need for trips up to 2 weeks.' $545 $273 at Starting your luggage collection from square one? Scoop up all the bags you'll ever need in one fell swoop thanks to Calpak's Evry Starter Bundle. This complete set comes with a carry-on, a large checked suitcase, three packing cubes, a laundry bag, a shoe bag, and a luggage tag. The suitcases are stacked with features, including 360-degree spinning wheels, interior divider pockets, TSA-approved locks, and two inches of expansion. $265 $212 at Don't let the fun color options fool you: This front pocket carry-on means business. Great for those who travel for work, it comes with a drop-down front lid pocket that has a padded laptop sleeve, a separate pocket for stashing notebooks or important documents, and a zippered mesh pocket for housing the essentials you need quick access to. TSA-approved combination locks, dual spinner wheels, and a side grab handle make moving through the airport a breeze. $98 $59 at Road trippers, soccer parents, and commuters, rejoice: This is the solution you've been looking for to maintain a tidy, organized car. This fully collapsible car organization system expands to create three spacious compartments to keep your essentials separate and easy to grab. Each compartment comes with a mesh separator pocket for documents and small items, and both ends have built-in carry handles for easy transportation. Whether you need a place to stash snacks or a change of clothes, there's no shortage of uses for this organizer. One five-star reviewer even shared that it was an 'unexpected lifesaver' while evacuating a wildfire and became a 'huge help' for housing items they almost left behind. $265 $159 at This Ambeur carry-on boasts a combination of functionality—and style—that is nothing short of impressive. This sleek metallic suitcase comes with four smooth-gliding 360-degree wheels, side handles for easy lifting, interior zippered dividers and pockets, and a TSA-approved combination lock for safekeeping. The coolest feature, though, is the drop-down exterior compartment: It contains two padded laptop sleeves, plus a deep, open pocket that's large enough to hold all of the essentials you need to quickly access while traveling. Each shiny colorway of this carry-on is on sale for over $100 off—while supplies last, that is. $115 $81 at Calpak's Luka collection has a large, dedicated internet fanbase, and this Fourth of July weekend, you can pick up this widely-beloved Luka Expandable Laptop Tote for 30 percent off, marking its original price down to $81. Made with a trendy, puffy exterior, this spacious tote comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a discreet zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your passport), and an expandable zippered bottom that can add 3.5 additional inches of storage space. $265 $212 at Overpack to your heart's content thanks to the Hue Medium Trunk. It expands up to two additional inches and is 27.75 inches tall, allowing you to pack longer, larger items like trekking poles, knee-high boots, poster tubes, or wrapped gifts with ease. This travel trunk comes with all of Calpak's best luggage features, including 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and cushioned grab handles for easy transportation. $180 $99 at If you're in the market for a reliable yet stylish work bag, look no further than the gorgeous Haven laptop tote, 45 percent off. You can customize this tote to suit your needs, too, thanks to the adjustable, removable shoulder strap, removable laptop sleeve, and removable multi-pocket organizational insert. Complete with a trolley sleeve and protective metal rivets at the bottom, this tote is perfect for commuting and business trips alike. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-10-things-to-never-pack-in-a-checked-bag-for-international-trips-and-what-to-bring-instead-tout-b601c00e77e94754bf1dffbcd9b0f7f3.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Things a Travel Writer Will Never Pack in a Checked Bag on an International Trip, and What to Pack Instead
In 2017, I sold a tell-all to a magazine titled 'Tales from Tindering in 25 Countries.' I visited all 25 countries, spread out over five continents, in less than 12 months. Nearly a decade later, I'm no longer dating like the Tasmanian devil. But I'm still Katie Talks Travel, a full-time travel writer living out of my luggage. That said, I've learned that there are just some things you simply don't put in checked luggage, especially if you're flying internationally. For starters, there's a decent chance that your bags won't make it to your destination when you do. Then, you have international airline regulations to abide by (in China, for example, a TSA agent once flagged my luggage after I packed a carbon dioxide cartridge in my checked bag for a cycling holiday—the good news is my bike never got a flat tire; the bad news was it took weeks to get my bag back). Finally, there are items that just aren't worth the space they take up, so whether your next international trip is to Australia or Argentina, see below for 10 common mistakes travelers make when it comes to packing a checked bag for a trip abroad, and more importantly, what you should bring instead. I shudder to think that I used to pack my GoPro Hero in my checked luggage. I figured I wasn't going to use it during my flight, so why did I need it in my carry-on? Turns out, there are two very valid reasons why you should never pack your electronics in your checked bag, especially on international flights where more handlers will rifle through it: theft, being the first. And the second? Damage. The best thing to do is invest in a personal item that's big enough to fit your electronics and features padded pockets for them. This Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, for example, is an Amazon's Choice pick with a built-in USB charging port and cable for my beloved Anker power bank, and it comes with packing cubes. I love my old college sweats, and my fiancé loves his New York Yankees gear, but when we travel internationally, we make sure to pack outfits that are also nice enough to wear out to lunch at a white tablecloth restaurant. This is especially true in European countries where locals like to dress to impress, even if they're just taking their dogs out for a walk. It's also worth noting that the locals don't embrace the athleisure trend, so you might want to leave your leggings at home. This Wiholl 2-piece Matching Set is great because it's super soft but also stylish thanks to the well-draped, wide-legged pants and flattering contoured cap-sleeve top. Dress it up with wedges and jewelry for a wine tasting, or pair it with hotel slippers for room service. I've only ever had jewelry (a pair of beautiful handmade earrings I bought for my mom in Africa) stolen out of my checked luggage once. But once is enough to learn my lesson. Now, I always pack jewelry in my personal item after taking it out of its box, and stashing it in something that doesn't scream 'steal me.' For example, check out this super secure Lion Latch Travel Jewelry Box Case that looks like a lip gloss container and attaches to your key ring. 'This was perfect for our vacation,' wrote one satisfied Amazon shopper. 'I could put my jewelry in this and keep it safe, and even with me, even my small diamond studs." I recently got back from traveling around East Africa. Fortunately, I was traveling with Micato Safaris, which sent me a packing list before I left the U.S. that let me know that single-use plastic bags are illegal in Kenya. They're one of dozens of countries that have banned them, or are in the process of doing it. Normally, I always pack a few plastic bags for snacks, toiletries, wet clothes, etc. But now, more than ever, it's a good idea to switch to reusable sacks such as these JHX Travel Laundry Bags with built-in organization that pack down in their pocket. And instead of Ziploc bags, consider these best-selling leakproof clear silicone bags that are so popular on Amazon that more than 4,000 were purchased in the last month alone. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. However, I'd rather go out in the cold with wet hair than plug it in abroad. Dyson specifically warns shoppers that all of their hair tools are 'precisely engineered' for use in the country where they're purchased (i.e., they're not dual-voltage, so there's a high chance something will go wrong, even if you attempt to use them with a converter). Fortunately, for a fraction of the price, you can score a dual-voltage hair dryer designed for international travel. 'Small but mighty' is how one shopper described the Supcaliy Portable Ionic Hair Dryer, which they used on a European vacation that included a cruise and stays on land. According to TSA, cordless curling irons are also a no-go in checked luggage. This is because they often contain a gas cartridge filled with butane. While I personally don't travel abroad with a curling iron—I just throw on this Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat—I've read great things about the Mini Travel Curling Iron from Furiden that checks all the travel-friendly boxes. It's dual voltage, dual-purpose (use it to curl or straighten), compact enough that it takes up about as much space as an electric toothbrush, and it comes with a cute carrying pouch. 'I am astonished at the gorgeous curls this little curling iron gave me,' wrote a traveler who used it on a trip to the French Riviera. If I had a dollar for every time I packed a pair of heels that seldom saw the light of day, I'd have a closet full of Louboutins. Besides not being comfortable enough to walk more than four city blocks in, they're not practical, especially in countries with cobblestone streets. Since 2023, I've sported a metallic gold pair of Birkenstocks in at least 20 countries. I've worn them with everything from a $350 Alicia Bell maxi dress in Santorini to a pair of cutoff denim shorts and a T-shirt at the Paris Olympics last summer. They're versatile, and I love that I've logged hundreds of miles in them without getting a single blister. I know denim is 'in,' but it doesn't need to be in your checked bag if you're traveling internationally; it's just too big and heavy to warrant packing if you're tight on space, especially if you're traveling in the summer or visiting a hot and humid destination. The savviest, and most stylish, globe-trotters I know all pack bottoms like these Duyan Cotton-Linen Palazzo Pants. They have the trendy wide-leg look and front hand pockets, but they're super lightweight and breathable. They also feature a drawstring waist, so you can leave the bulky belt at home. If you're worried about wrinkles—linen does have that downside—throw in a bottle of this TSA-approved secret wrinkle remover spray that has more than 5,900 five-star ratings on Amazon. In 2016, I went on a 32-day international cruise, and I've taken even longer trips abroad. Still, it's never made sense to pack full-size shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and sunscreens—most of which come in 12-ounce bottles or tubes. If you think you'll need more than the standard TSA-approved 3 ounces (which is what most travel toiletry sets include), stock up on a few of these 6.8-ounce refillable toiletry bottles. They have a 4.6-star average on Amazon, where more than 2,000 were purchased in the last month, and many shoppers who checked them in their luggage for trips longer than one week describe them as 'super easy to fill, they stay tightly closed, and easy to squeeze.' In April, I was personally delivering tampons with plastic applicators to a friend living in South Africa, where they're hard to find. In fact, it can be hard to find comfortable tampons in dozens of countries, so if I'm traveling during that time of the month, I usually dedicate a substantial amount of space in my checked luggage to feminine hygiene supplies that I'm familiar with. But now I'm going to give this collapsible and ultra-compact Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup a shot. It's made of medical-grade silicone, so it's safe to use, easy to clean, and can last up to 10 years—hence, why it's been called a 'real life game changer' by international travelers. Other shoppers prefer packing the Knix Light Period Underwear or Hanes' Boxer Brief Period Underwear (which comes in a value two-pack set). Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Are Target, Walmart open on the 4th of July? See what's closed in California
Fourth of July celebrations often mean last-minute errands, from purchasing hot dogs to grill and festive clothes for photos. And if you get the holiday off from work, you may hope to schedule some appointments with the newfound free time. But like any federal holiday comes store closures and special hours. Here's what to know before you step out this Independence Day in California, although many companies suggest checking with your Visalia-area store this holiday. Fourth of July fireworks: Looking for a fireworks show? Here's when, where they are happening Walmart stores only close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so they will also be open with regular hours on the Fourth of July. Target will be open throughout the Fourth of July weekend; however, hours of operation may vary by location, so please check your local store's hours before visiting. Costco will be closed on July 4. Trader Joe's stores are open until 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July, the company announced. Aldi said that its stores operate limited hours on the Fourth of July, so be sure to check with your local store before you go. The fast food chain recommends checking with your local store for special hours. Banks are generally closed on the Fourth of July, including branches of Chase and Wells Fargo. Some banking services may be available, such as self-service ATM tellers for withdrawals or deposits, the Arizona Republic reported. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are closed on the holiday. All California Department of Motor Vehicles offices are closed on the Fourth of July, according to their holiday schedule. U.S. Post Offices will be closed on the Fourth of July, and there will be no regular mail service. UPS store locations may be closed, so it's recommended that you check your local store for their hours of operation. There will be no UPS pickup or delivery service on the Fourth of July, according to UPS. IKEA said that special holiday hours are posted to store-specific pages on their website, so check with your local store for the most up-to-date information. USA TODAY Network reporter Samantha Neely contributed to this story. Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@ This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What stores are open on Independence Day in California? Costco, UPS, more
