Did you know that in 2025 airlines made more money by charging for bags than they did by selling some seats? Checked luggage has become an unnecessary luxury that can cost you $35 to $70 each way – that’s money you could be spending on dining, sightseeing or souvenirs!
Besides the money, there is the real fear that your suitcase will end up on another continent. The solution is simple but requires technique: travel only with carry-on luggage (Carry-On). If you think it’s “impossible” to fit a week’s worth of clothes in a small suitcase, follow these tips and you’ll see how you become a travel tetris expert.
Know the rules of the game: “Personal Item” vs. “Carry-On”
Avianca will no longer charge carry-on. These are the new rules https://t.co/e0lkkYybds
– Armando Mayorga (@armandomayorga) February 3, 2026
First, understand what you are entitled to upload for free:
Personal item (backpack/bag): It goes under the seat in front of you. It’s free on almost all airlines (even Spirit or Frontier)! Use it for electronics, documents and an emergency change of clothes.
Carry-On (wheeled suitcase): It goes in the overhead compartment. On major airlines (American, Delta, United) it is usually free, but low-cost airlines sometimes charge. Always check the measurements (usually 22 x 14 x 9 inches).
2. The “roll, don’t fold” technique
Forget about folding clothes as if you were going to put them in a drawer.
The trick: Roll up each garment (T-shirts, jeans, dresses) like a tight burrito.
Why it works: It avoids wrinkles and, most importantly, it takes up half the space. You can fill in the gaps and corners of the suitcase with these rolls.
3. Packing cubes are magic
#InTheMorning | Experts shared tips for packing a travel bag efficiently. https://t.co/rMsVbot6Cm
– TeleOnce Puerto Rico (@tele11PR) January 26, 2026
If you are not yet using packing cubes, you are living in the past.
The trick: These zippered fabric pouches compress your clothes and keep them organized. Use one for tops, one for bottoms and a small one for underwear.
The benefit: When you get to the hotel, you pull out the cubes and you’re done, unpacked in 3 seconds. If security opens your suitcase, your underwear won’t jump all over the place.
4. The “capsule closet” rule
Mistake #1 is to carry “just in case”.
The trick: Choose a color palette (e.g. black, white and denim/jeans). Make sure each shirt matches each pair of pants you’re wearing.
The math: With 3 pants and 5 combinable tops, you have 15 different outfits. More than enough for a week.
5. Wear the heaviest
✈️ A flight attendant reveals little habits: from how to pack your carry-on to how to interact with the crew https://t.co/s74m0H2Hql
– Travel + Leisure En Español (@TravelLeisure) January 31, 2026
Don’t pack your hiking boots and winter coat in your suitcase.
The trick: Travel with your biggest shoes and your jacket on (or in your hand). If you get hot on the plane, take it off and use it as a pillow, but you’ve already saved that bulk in your suitcase.
6. Solid Liquids (yes, you read that right)
The TSA 3-1-1 rule (containers of 100ml or less) is still in force and is strict.
The 2026 tip: Switch to solid sticks. There are already shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and even toothpaste sticks or lozenges. They don’t count as liquids, don’t spill and last a long time.
The verdict: Traveling alone with carry-on gives you incredible freedom. When you land, while everyone is anxiously waiting at the baggage belt, you’re already in the cab on your way to adventure – try it on your next trip!
Filed under: How to travel carry on
