The Best Way to Pack Your Carry-On Bag for Memorial Day Weekend Travel
Memorial Day weekend will be here before we know it. And if you're one of the 45 million Americans planning to travel for the holiday -- a record-breaking number -- then you'll need to prepare ahead of time. Part of that preparation needs to include selecting and packing your carry-on luggage.
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
Sharp
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:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
TSA tells Americans their Costco cards won't fly at airport security despite love for hot dogs
The Transportation Security Administration clarified this week that a Costco membership card is not sufficient to present at airport security. "We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not," the TSA wrote on Facebook Wednesday. The reminder comes less than a month after the U.S. began requiring a REAL ID driver's license when flying domestically May 7. Aside from REAL IDs, which have enhanced federal standards, domestic flyers can also use their passports or another federally-approved form of identification like Defense Department-issued IDs (but not a Costco card). "Department of Defense IDs for active and retired military continue to be an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints following the implementation of REAL ID last month," the TSA wrote on Facebook Thursday. REAL IDs were available for years before the requirement went into effect after a 2005 law passed based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission report. With many procrastinating until shortly before the deadline, DMV centers were inundated with long lines in April and early May, and there was confusion about what forms of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate or Social Security card, were acceptable at a DMV to secure a REAL ID.
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Travel Products You'll Wish You Had 10 Trips Ago
A *mini* Kindle because knowing that this lightweight guy holds thousands of books, has a battery life of up to six weeks, AND has a glare-free screen makes you wonder why you ever let books take up so much space in your carry-on. Now you can tackle your "to be read" list without sacrificing precious suitcase space! An airplane seat back organizer — if you've ever tried squeezing a full-size water bottle in the seat back pocket, you know the struggle. With these many pockets, you can keep snacks, water, and your phone all in a secure spot without having to annoy your seatmates when you get up for the fifth time to get something from the overhead bin. Plus, a drink holder for all you window seat lovers who want to utilize every inch of space possible when you're on a flight, no matter how long or short it is. Those too-tiny tray tables never have enough room, but this thing can hold your drinks and other things, like your phone or glasses! A universal travel adapter perfect for international travelers who always find a way to make it to multiple countries with different plug types. This is designed to work in 160 countries and it lets you plug up to five devices at once. A set of silicone "EarPlanes" for those who are tired of always having to deal with the annoying pressure in their ears felt during takeoff and landing. No more constant gum chewing, ear tugging, or yawning to get rid of that "popping" feeling. AND, they'll even work for road trips with high altitude changes. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set that saves so much room in your makeup bag because it's only the size of ONE brush. You get a foundation, eye shadow, concealer, AND powder brush! Any wannabe makeup artists on the go, this one's for you. An eight-compartment pill organizer so you don't have to take up room in your toiletry bag with all your important medications. This compact little guy is great for travel, and some have even used the empty compartments to store smaller items like jewelry! An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter, because that time you had to suffer through that long flight without using your fancy-schmancy earbuds was brutal, and you'd like to never do that again. This allows you to connect via Bluetooth and prevents you from having to settle for those uncomfortable plastic earbuds. A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron — a must-have if you're all about a multifunctional tool that doesn't take up a lot of room in your carry-on. This is also dual voltage, which is so handy when traveling internationally. A simple luggage strap so your travel pillow, jacket, or personal item has a designated place, other than being flailed over your arm while you're trying to juggle your plane ticket and all those airport snacks you bought from the Hudson News kiosks. A trifold travel wallet that keeps all your important documents in one secure, RFID-blocking place. Now you'll never be the one rooting through your bag in front of the TSA agent or gate agent when it's finally time to show your passport and boarding pass. An electronics organizer with different compartments for your cords, charging blocks, and portable chargers. If you're guilty of leaving charging cords tangled at the bottom of your bag, this is going to be a lifesaver for your travel game. A bendy travel pillow for window seat lovers who need a soft place for their head, because the side of the plane is just not cutting it. This twists in different ways, so you can get comfortable and not wake up from your nap with a twist in your neck. Or a Trtl travel pillow because you somehow always get stuck in the middle seat, and you want something that will actually support your head during the flight. The internal support system keeps you upright, while the super soft fleece helps you get in those well-deserved Zs. A collapsible silicone water bottle to save you from purchasing an "I can't believe this is $7" plastic water bottle at the airport or the only one-off store after your long hike in the mountains. This is refillable and rolls up to be super compact when you're done sipping. A luggage-mounted cup caddy because the thought of a spilled macchiato on the airport floor right before you're trying to make it to your gate is not how you want to start the vacation of your dreams. Keep your drink (and snacks) hands-free and make your travel day just a teeny bit more hassle-free. An on-the-go Gillette razor that proves that all the best things in life come in small packages. This five-blade razor saves space and saves you from using those cheap disposable razors that just don't step up to the plate. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount because I simply cannot get over that some airlines don't have screens!!! Just because you're taking a Hopper flight doesn't mean that you shouldn't enjoy those 40 minutes of Jane the Virgin. Clip this onto the tray table or even your luggage to heal your inner iPad kid. A packing list pad to help remind you of all the things you'll need for your trip, because we've all somehow ended up forgetting even the most basic of items like toothpaste and extra underwear. A Beis backpack that will put all your other past bags you used for your personal item to shame. It looks like a regular old backpack but has all-around zipping so you can open it up like a mini suitcase. This has sooo many pockets, padded straps, and a space for your water bottle, too. An adjustable universal travel harness seat to make traveling with a little one just a tad bit easier, since it magically converts pretty much any regular chair into a secure high chair. You'll find that this thing is so handy that you'll be wondering why you didn't get this sooner. A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad that charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. You can stay organized by getting rid of tangled cords *and* the high-quality magnets in the pad make sure your items don't slip away. And when folded up, it easily fits into your pocket. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins — yeah, they might look like a funny-looking sock over your shampoo and face wash, but what you won't find funny is a big ol' liquid mess in your suitcase. These fit full-size and travel-size toiletries and prevent those cute white jeans from being stained with your purple shampoo. A digital luggage scale, a beacon of hope for the over-packer, the shopaholic, and the just-in-case suitcase stuffer. Don't make it hard on yourself, and play the guessing game of how much your bag weighs. Reviewers say the scale is easy to use and pretty darn close to the scales at the airport. A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow for those who wish they could personally ask the pilot to turn down the freaking AC on the plane. This is a BIG step above the thin fabric that the airlines call a blanket since it's made from super soft microfleece, AND it even has a trolley pass-through pocket so you can slide it over your carry-on. A combination 3D eye mask/travel pillow that straps onto the headrest so you can get some rest without doing the whole bobblehead act and jerking yourself out of a deep sleep. You'll be feeling like a certified genius for adding this to your travel arsenal. Or a cooling, memory foam contoured sleep mask for when all you wanna do is catch some Zs on your flight, but your neighbor with a reading light or open window has other ideas. 🙄 This puts no pressure on your eyes and completely blocks out light while still allowing you to freely blink so that you can get some beauty sleep before you land! A Pashmina scarf that's basically a 4-in-1 since it can be used as a comfy blanket or pillow, a scarf or wrap while you're out and about, and even as a shield to protect yourself from the sun since it's got UPF 50+ protection! A travel jewelry case because you're tired of untangling that giant knot that your necklaces, bracelets, and rings got themselves into. No more throwing your jewelry into a sandwich bag or in your toiletry bag when this keeps them neatly organized. And the Ring Thing — a waterproof holder that keeps your rings in a secure place whenever you don't feel like wearing them. This tightly clips onto your bag or reusable water bottle, and just like that, your most precious jewelry is safe and sound. A Tushbaby carrier since your little one is always wanting "uppies" and you might not always have a stroller on every adventure during your trip. This wraps around your waist and supports your kid to ease the weight on your back and arms. It even has extra pockets for diapers, bottles, and your phone!
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Associated Press
Now Boarding: Metro's LAX/Metro Transit Center Station Officially Opens, Connecting Communities; Bringing Faster, Easier Travel for Angelenos, Visitors
New Station Sets Stage for Metro, Los Angeles to Welcome World to FIFA World Cup 2026™, Super Bowl LXI, 2028 Olympic, Paralympic Games LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) celebrated the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station with a ribbon-cutting today. Metro is now ready to welcome global fans headed to Los Angeles for major events, such as FIFA World Cup 26™, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games forever changing how car-centric Angelenos travel to and from LAX. 'The wait is over, Los Angeles,' said Metro Board Chair and LA County Supervisor, Janice Hahn. 'At long last, we are getting a train to LAX. And when the Automated People Mover finally opens, we will truly have an international airport that connects people from inside the terminals to the world beyond through Metro.' The grand opening of this station marks the eighth project completed in Metro's ambitious Twenty-Eight by '28 initiative, a comprehensive plan to enhance the region's transit infrastructure in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of athletes, officials, and spectators during these global events. The state-of-the-art transit center embodies a large-scale open station concept. With continuous swooping canopies guiding users' views through large open spaces, the station reinforces intuitive wayfinding and walking access to buses and light rail trains, and the soon-to-be-opened Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Automated People Mover (APM). 'The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a major step forward in how we prepare Los Angeles to welcome the world. This is about more than bringing people to and from the airport — it's about building a more connected, reliable and climate-conscious city for Angelenos and for the millions who will visit in the years ahead,' said LA Mayor Karen Bass and Metro Board Member. 'I want to congratulate LA Metro for this accomplishment and look forward to their continued partnership.' Located at Aviation Blvd./96th St., the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station signifies the K line is a fully functional connection in Metro's network. Connecting Metro's C and K rail lines, six Metro bus lines and eight municipal bus lines, including Beach Cities, Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus, GTrans, Torrance Transit and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) shuttles to and from the terminals. Metro Micro will also service this station. By providing a direct connection to regional transit, the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station expands options for airport-area employees and travelers, and decreases reliance on more costly options, such as taxis, rideshares or private vehicles. 'Not only is LAX one of the busiest airports in the world, it's also an important job center for Angelenos, particularly for residents of South Los Angeles,' said Holly Mitchell, LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member. 'The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will serve an important role for visitors, residents, and our vital airport-area employees.' The new station illustrates for Angelenos and the world that public transportation is the secret to bypassing traffic on their way to and from LAX, and that Metro, with one of the most ambitious capital project programs in the United States, is a reliable and comfortable way to travel across the county. Featuring a bus plaza, bike hub and a customer service center, the station spans more than 1,100 feet from north to south. With the widest light rail platform in the Metro system, its two main levels provide a welcoming, convenient and secure connection point offering riders access to a wide array of destinations throughout LA County. In addition, this station features security coverage monitored 24/7 by security operations staff. As part of Metro's commitment to sustainable urban planning, the station also includes numerous environmentally friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, landscaping with native plants, and plans for further expansion to accommodate future growth. This project represents Metro's on-going efforts to enhance regional mobility, support green infrastructure, and prepare Los Angeles for the future. When the APM opens and connects to Metro in 2026, Angelenos and visitors alike will have a more direct, easier connection to Metro's public transportation system, with a total of six stops – three in the terminal, one at the Metro/LAX Transit Center Station, one at economy parking and one at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (ConRAC) which is directly across the street from the transit center. As riders await access to the APM, LAWA will provide shuttles every 10 minutes. The shuttle's schedule will be based on the operating schedules for the C and K light rail lines and municipal bus routes serving the new station ensuring seamless travel to and from the airport helping to alleviate traffic congestion around LAX. 'For more than half a century, Angelenos have been dreaming about a rail connection to LAX airport – and that day has finally come. Our LAX/Metro Transit Center Station not only enhances the travel experience for millions of visitors to Los Angeles but also serves as a key piece of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and efficient transportation network for our city,' said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. 'We look forward to welcoming millions of Angelenos and visitors to the LAX/Metro Transit Center in the coming months and years, and we can't wait for the final link in the chain – LAX's People Mover.' This station features towering artwork at the center of the station, by Los Angeles native and internationally renowned artist Glenn Kaino, The Distance of the Sun, which welcomes visitors to the arts and cultural capital of the nation. Commissioned by Metro Art, the suspended sculpture consists of a series of vessels for travel, both real and imagined, rafted together in increasing size to create a spiral pathway towards the sky above. The work is a meditation on collective ambitions and shared hope, acting as a bridge to the future created from the designs of the past. For additional information about the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station please visit For more information about Metro Art, visit Additional Quotes 'The long-awaited LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will provide a crucial transportation hub that connects Metro's rail system to LAX, the world's seventh busiest airport,' said Fernando Dutra, Whittier Council Member and Metro Board First Vice Chair. 'We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to upcoming major events and providing them with convenient, affordable and sustainable transit to and from LAX.' 'The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station marks a transformative moment for Inglewood and the greater Los Angeles area. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances connectivity to the airport but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and urban revitalization,' said James T. Butts, Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member. 'Many in our community and surrounding region work every day at LAX and can now commute today through quality transit. Making this critical connection to LAX means reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and greater access to opportunities. It's a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all residents.' 'Today's LAX/Metro Transit Center Station opening is a testimony of promises made that are being kept --- to Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods. The value added is the connection of residents to economic opportunities, educational institutions and essential services that will help to redefine 'transit dependency' to include those who 'choose' to 'Go Metro'', said Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Metro Board Second Vice Chair. 'Thank you to all who can and will partner with LA Metro in reducing congestion and enhancing mobility. This project is evidence of seamless envisioning by servant leaders on the LA Metro board, in partnership with the community who entrust us to uplift all Angelenos.' 'The opening of the LAX Metro Transit Center Station marks a monumental step in connecting LAX and the world to the greater Los Angeles region,' said John Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. 'After four years of dedicated effort by Metro under the leadership of CEO Stephanie Wiggins, this project is finally complete — delivering a crucial transportation hub that will transform how Angelenos and travelers navigate to and from the airport via the future LAX Automated People Mover. LAWA is grateful for Metro's partnership in advancing our shared vision of a more connected Los Angeles.' About Metro The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses. Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at and Missy Colman Metro Media Relations 213.922.6862 [email protected] B-Roll and Photos View original content: SOURCE Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
