How to Travel with Only a Carry-on

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of traveling – new places to explore, foods to try, and... luggage fees to pay??

Stop checked baggage fees from raining on your airplane travel parade, and save money with our best tips and tricks for traveling with only a carry-on.

Know What You’re Allowed to Bring

An obvious first step toward flying without checked luggage is to thoroughly review what all you’re allowed to carry on and make the most of it. While you don’t want to end up juggling so many items you can’t easily board and deplane, make note of what doesn’t count toward your carry-on limit, so you don’t unnecessarily pay to check an extra bag.

For instance:

• Many airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and a personal item. This gives you more carrying capacity and could eliminate your need to check a bag.
• Outerwear (coats) and umbrellas typically don’t count as carry-ons.
• Strollers and car seats can usually be checked at the gate if you’re traveling with children for no additional cost.

Buy Toiletries at Your Destination

One of the biggest reasons many travelers check a bag is because they’re carrying liquids that exceed the maximum amount permitted in carry-on luggage. This may include things like shampoo, soap, or toothpaste.

Even though many prices are marked up at popular tourist destinations, it’s still often cheaper to buy toiletries upon your arrival, rather than packing them and paying high fees to check bags roundtrip.

Set Realistic Expectations Regarding Souvenirs

Make sure anyone traveling with you (including yourself 😊) understands when they’re packing that any souvenirs they’re planning to buy on the trip will need to fit in their carry-on luggage on the flight home.

That means:

1. Leaving room in their carry-ons for expected purchases.
2. Setting realistic expectations from the start about what they can buy. Items like magnets, books, or mugs will fit easily in a carry-on, while a poster, oversized stuffed animal, or heavy statue or trinket may not.

An added bonus to this rule? When you agree not to overdo it on souvenirs, you don’t just save on space, you can also save by reducing your overall spending.

Roll Your Clothes

There are tons of videos and how-to guides online that show the best ways to roll clothes so that they take up less space in your luggage. Choose a method that works for you and use it to pack your bags in a neat and efficient fashion.

Some methods even claim to reduce wrinkling, which means less need for ironing once you arrive at your destination. A definite win-win.

Do Laundry at Your Destination

If you’re having trouble getting all your clothes into your suitcase even once they’re rolled up tight, consider scheduling time in your trip to do laundry. Planning a laundry pit stop halfway through your time away lets you cut your packing needs in half and can help you save by eliminating the need to check a bag.

If you’re staying with family or friends, this could be as easy as asking them if you can use their washing machine while you’re there. If you’re staying in a hotel, you may have access to a laundry area. Or, if you’re renting a home, there may be free or paid laundry on site. Do your research in advance so you can be prepared with quarters, small pouches of laundry detergent, and time in your schedule to get the laundry done.

If You Do Get Hit with a Checked-Bag Fee

If you can’t avoid paying to check a bag, you can at least get rewarded for it. Pay for your checked bag with our Founder’s Rewards Card and earn 2%* or 1.5% in cash rewards. While it won’t outweigh the entirety of your fee, it’ll at least make it easier to stomach, knowing that you’re going to earn some of it back.

For more tips on saving while you're at home or away, visit our blog.

*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. See the Visa^® Founder's Card and Visa^® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.