Latest news with #overheadbin
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Travel + Leisure
19-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Former Airplane Gate Agent, and These 15 Travel Hacks Will Ensure You Never Lose Luggage Again
As a former airline gate agent, I've seen firsthand just how often checked luggage goes missing, especially during the summer when the airport is at its busiest or for travelers making tight layovers. Losing luggage is nothing short of a nightmare, which is why I now almost exclusively travel carry-on-only. When you travel with just a carry-on, you skip baggage delays, avoid lost luggage, and get through airports faster; it's not just about convenience, it's about peace of mind, too. Traveling is already stressful enough as it is–you don't need the added worry of not knowing if your luggage will make it to your destination. With a few smart travel accessories, like compression packing cubes and the right-sized toiletry bottles, you'll become a carry-on-only traveler in no time at all. My biggest piece of advice for not overpacking is to consider whether you truly need each item; if not, don't bring it. By keeping belongings to just the necessities, you'll stay organized, maximize your carry-on space, and be able to access what you need quickly, especially during security checks or boarding. Ahead, I've rounded up my best packing hacks, based on my experience as a gate agent. Start with a reliable carry-on that's built to last. This hard-shell set is lightweight, meets TSA regulations, and fits perfectly in most overhead bins, even on smaller planes. The matching underseat bag is ideal for tech, snacks, or your travel pillow. If you're investing in one thing for carry-on only travel, let it be a luggage set that can fit everything you need. Compression packing cubes save so much space and keep your suitcase from becoming a mess by day two. You can pack double the clothes while keeping outfits, undergarments, and accessories separated and easy to find. I use them to create quick outfit bundles I can grab without digging. They're especially helpful for multi-stop itineraries. Honestly, I don't pack a suitcase without using them anymore. We all know the pain of having our liquids searched at security checkpoints. These clear, quart-sized toiletry bags are TSA-compliant and make getting through security a breeze. Leakproof, flexible PVC keeps your liquids secure without any mess. The three-pack is perfect if you're organizing multiple kits for skincare, makeup, or shower essentials. This foldable tote bag condenses down to almost nothing, but expands to hold everything from beach towels to a grocery haul. I've used mine as a shopping tote, a beach bag, and a backup personal item. It's perfect for trips where you might bring a little extra back. I've even used it in my carry-on as a way to hold dirty clothes to separate them from clean ones. It's a must-pack for me, especially when trying to save space. These TSA-friendly detergent packets are perfect for sink or tub laundry while traveling. They're great for re-wearing key pieces and staying fresh without overpacking. I like packing them for longer trips when laundry services aren't readily available, and I love that they barely take up any space in my carry-on. A travel pillow that can sit around your neck counts as a wearable item, so you're not using up precious bag space. I clip mine onto my backpack or just wear it around my neck while boarding, and it makes a huge difference on overnight flights and long layovers too, so I reach my destination ready to explore. This pillow has firm neck support with a memory foam inset and a washable cover that's easy to keep clean. Comfy and space-saving! With over 2,000 five-star reviews, these refillable bottles are TSA-compliant, leak-proof, and perfect for decanting your favorite shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and more. I've had mine for years, and they've never leaked on me. The soft silicone makes them easy to squeeze to get product out as well as clean when you get home. Great for saving space and ditching questionable hotel mini toiletries. If you're picky about your products, packing these bottles is a non-negotiable. Say goodbye to tangled necklaces or missing earrings with this genius compact jewelry case that keeps all your dainty pieces secure and in place. It fits perfectly inside a personal item without taking up valuable space in your carry-on that you can use for other essentials. Ideal for destination weddings, work trips, or dinners out, it's a small packing essential that makes a big difference. I even use mine when I'm home, too, to keep my jewelry all in one tidy place. Even when traveling carry-on only, I still lock my suitcase, because there could always be thieves on board a plane. These TSA-approved locks are lightweight, secure, and easy to use. They give me peace of mind when stowing my bag or leaving it behind in a hotel. Plus, they've lasted through years of use and are overall worth having, even just as a precaution. No more tangled chargers tossed in your bag, thanks to this slim electronics case that keeps everything organized: cables, adapters, and earbuds in one place and easy to grab. It fits inside my personal item and makes charging my devices at the airport a breeze since everything is easily accessible. Bonus: This is another item I use at home between trips, too, to keep cords and small electronics organized. For all my fellow photographers and content creators, if you're bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this padded insert is a must. It fits neatly inside your backpack and protects your gear without taking up too much space. I travel with my camera a lot, and this is the only setup that feels both safe and practical. There's room for one body, a lens, and small accessories. When traveling carry-on-only, keep in mind that some airlines weigh your cabin bags, too! This portable luggage scale has saved me more than once, especially with the stricter international airlines. Just hook it to your bag, lift, and check the weight before you leave for the airport. It's tiny, accurate, and avoids last-minute unpleasant situations. It's great for both carry-ons and checked bags, and I never travel without one. This reusable water bottle folds flat when empty and takes up virtually no space. I bring it empty through TSA, then fill it up at a fountain or café before getting to my gate. It's leak-proof, lightweight, and helps cut down on plastic waste, plus it fits much more compactly than a bulky stainless steel or hard plastic bottle. This small swap saves you money and space, and I always have it clipped to my tote or backpack. Shoes are one of the bulkiest things in your bag, so keep it simple: pack one pair for walking, and one for casual wear. I swear by Skechers walking shoes, which are cloud-soft, breathable, and offer solid support for long airport days, city exploring, or light hikes. They're lightweight enough to wear on the plane, so you can save space in your bag. I also like these VamJam men's sneakers that have a similar versatility, lightweight design, and a cushioned insert for comfort. As for what shoes to pack in your bag, I opt for Reef flip-flops that are easy to slide on at the beach, in hotel rooms, or for those midday pedicure breaks. Together, these two pairs of shoes cover just about every travel scenario without overpacking. The key to fitting all your clothes in a carry-on is versatility and layers. Start with mix-and-match basics like this simple two-piece set, which works for everything from sightseeing to dinner. Lightweight joggers are ideal for long travel days, and versatile pants can be dressed up with a button-down or down with a tee. These pieces roll up easily in packing cubes, resist wrinkles, and work across climates. With a few smart picks, you can build six to eight outfit combos from just a handful of staples. Love a great deal? 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Travel + Leisure
11-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Why Flight Attendants Won't Lift Your Carry-on Into the Overhead Bin—and 8 Solutions for Packing Lighter
Time and time again, we editors at Travel + Leisure have recommended skipping the checked-bag line fiasco in favor of traveling with just a carry-on and a personal item. The only hitch? You still have to endure the stress of hoisting your heavy suitcase into the overhead compartment—and if you're traveling solo or on a busy flight where bin space is limited, this anxiety can become even more heightened. If you're hoping a nearby flight attendant will help, you may be better served checking in with a fellow passenger instead. Why? It's not actually in the flight attendant's job description to lift heavy bags, and in fact, it's a safety hazard. 'Most crew won't assist with placing luggage [in the overhead bin] for one main reason,' says flight attendant Saraih Taylor. 'We can't guarantee the weight of a passenger's bag.' She shares that at the airline she works for, the carry-on limit for passengers is 7kg, but most people tend to exceed that weight. 'If the bag is larger than this weight, we run the risk of injuring ourselves,' she adds. And that seems to be the consensus among many other airline workers, as well. In fact, flight attendant Heather Poole previously told T+L, 'I might help [lift the bag], but I won't do it for them.' Not only are they not required to put your bags away for you, but flight attendants lifting your luggage without assistance may even be against the best practices of certain airlines, depending on their guidelines. Carin, a flight attendant for a major domestic carrier, revealed that her airline in particular requires workers to help passengers locate space in the overhead bins, and aid with lifting it if need be—but not to pick up the bag on their own. Considering how many passengers are on any given flight and how heavy certain bags may be, it's actually quite a physically taxing task for flight attendants to take on, and one that could lead to injury. Taylor explains, 'If we [put up] 180-200 passengers' bags two to four times a day that are over the weight, we would be bound to have an excess of movement to the same areas of the body.' And since the flight attendant's job depends on them actually working, she notes that injury could lead to loss of income in worst-case scenarios. If you struggle to get your bag into the overhead compartment, you can always ask another passenger for assistance. However, we've also rounded up eight lightweight travel bags and packing essentials that will make it easier than ever to deal with your luggage in-flight without the help of others—and prices start at just $13 at Amazon. The first step to ensuring you'll be able to lift your suitcase into the overhead bin is selecting a lightweight carry-on with convenient (and sturdy) side handles. This expandable Travelpro spinner bag weighs just over five pounds and is lighter than most carry-on bags, so with some thoughtful packing, you should find it easier to hoist above your head than traditional hardside bags. It comes with both top and side carry handles that are low-profile and comfortable to lift from, and the suitcase offers an additional two inches of packing space so you can fit everything you need. It also comes with an accessible front pocket that's perfect for storing anything you might want to grab during your flight that you didn't have room for in your personal item. Opting for a compact, underseat carry-on is a great way to avoid using the overhead bins altogether, and this traveler-approved option is the perfect pick for just over $100. It's fitted with a number of handy pockets for your electronics, extra clothes, toiletries, and more, plus it's affixed with four smooth spinner wheels for easy transit through the airport. One traveler shared that not only is it the 'perfect size,' but they even decided to put it overhead and had 'no trouble lifting it.' Traveling with a backpack as a personal item is a great way to keep your hands free, but it's also a reliable option for holding the bulk of your heavier items in-flight, saving space (and weight) in your carry-on. This convenient carry-on backpack unzips like a suitcase so you can truly maximize your packing potential, plus it's compact enough to slide under the seats of most commercial airlines. A multitude of pockets as well as a built-in shoe compartment will make storing bulkier items a breeze—and it's even on sale for just $23 at Amazon. Another flight attendant-loved option, this roomy weekender bag will fit under your seat or in the overhead bin—plus it's far lighter than traditional carry-on bags. This weekender is designed with a built-in shoe compartment at the base to keep your footwear separate from your clean clothes, while the roomy primary pocket offers all the space you need within a lightweight frame. One flight attendant revealed that they tell 'all my other flight attendant friends to purchase' the 'good quality' bag, adding that it 'holds up,' even with regular use. While vacuum compression bags may be better suited for saving packing space, they will allow you to easily stow away extra items in your personal item, better allocating the weight between your two bags. This 20-pack from Cozy Essentials frees up 80 percent extra storage space, according to the brand, and with your carry-on less full, you'll find it easier to slide into the overhead bin without battling for space (especially if you're using a softside or weekender bag). You can rest assured they're traveler-approved as well, with one shopper noting that they made 'all the difference in packing efficiently and wrinkle-free,' adding that they'll 'never travel without them again.' The quickest way to cut weight from your suitcase and make it easier to lift is by moving heavy items like footwear and large garments into your personal item, or wearing them in-flight. If you do want to pack an extra pair of shoes in your suitcase, this lightweight, foldable option from Dream Pairs is the way to go since they'll hardly take up any space. Plus, you'll have no trouble styling them in a multitude of different ways throughout your trip. The outsoles are made from slip-resistant rubber, while the insoles are surprisingly supportive and well-cushioned, so you can comfortably wear them during long sightseeing days. In fact, they're even flight attendant-approved, with one airline worker noting that they 'were perfect for my layovers while in different cities' and easy to 'toss in an overnight bag or when doing a day trip.' Instead of opting for heavier layers that will take up valuable space in your suitcase and consequently weigh your bag down, a lightweight sweater that you can wear on the plane and during chilly evenings is really all you need to pack. This breezy layer can be worn during multiple occasions throughout your trip, so you can leave your less versatile sweaters and tops behind, and it even comes in 22 pretty colors. It's also earned more than 9,600 five-star ratings at Amazon, with shoppers confirming that it's 'fantastic for international travel.' Limiting the amount of toiletries you travel with, as well as storing them in your personal item instead of your carry-on, will cut down on the weight of your bag. However, if you struggle to pare down your beauty routine, it may be worth snagging a smaller toiletry case that will force you to make cuts. This compact, water-resistant pouch has a built-in hook so you can hang it on the back of the bathroom door once you arrive at your destination. Plus, it's designed with three clear pockets so you can quickly locate what you're looking for without taking everything out. Its slim construction will take up minimal space in your bag, and if you store it in your personal item, you don't have to worry about it weighing down your carry-on. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
