Think airport style icons and you’ll likely picture Posh and Becks in the 1990s, maybe Pedro Pascal or Jacob Elordi with their It bags as they saunter to their gates. But as luggage limits take a nose-dive, the new pin-ups emerging on travel-loving corners of the internet aren’t celebs but creators.
There’s a new tribe showing people how to squeeze every last gram out of their Easyjet and Ryanair allowance.
As well as endless packing hack videos involving decanting tiny bottles into even tinier bottles, there’s the people taking it to the extreme. Case in point: the woman who showed us how she packed for an entire weekend in that Uniqlo sling bag (clue: there were a few pairs of vacuum-packed underwear and some tops, and a microscopic amount of beauty products). And then there’s the creator who stuffed her neck pillow with clothes to sneak more belongings onto her flight.
Sure, these hacks might have virality during a cost of living crisis, but there is a middle ground to ensure you have some semblance of a wardrobe and enough spf applications.
As a travel and lifestyle editor who boards flights regularly, I am a fan of packing light — not just to save money, but also to leave the airport swiftly, bypassing reclaim. Plus it means you’re lugging around less in transit to your hotel or Airbnb.
Here’s my guide to carry-on only packing, plus the smartest hacks I’ve acquired from fellow frequent fliers.
How to pack your hand luggage or cabin bag
Know your luggage limits
Luckily, no airlines are dictating an allowance as low as that viral cross-body bag. But ensuring you check exactly how much to bring will save you any unexpected charges, as airlines can and will stop you if you look over the limit.
The most popular airlines which fly to short-haul destinations — Wizz Air, Ryanair and Easyjet — only offer passengers the option to bring a ‘small bag’ on board which fits under the seat in front of them, with slightly varying dimensions. Easyjet allows a 45 x 36 x 20 cm bag, while Wizz offers 40 x 30 x 20 cm, and Ryanair has the least generous maximum of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Priority boarding at an extra cost will upgrade you to a carry-on size case if you have a longer trip planned.
British Airways, meanwhile, still allows a standard cabin-sized suitcase at 56 x 45 x 25cm, albeit for typically higher priced flights.
Pick a clever carry-on case or bag
In terms of a standard-sized carry-on bag, after trying and testing the best, our team rates the July and Monos cases as the best for saving space. You can cram a lot into July’s 42L volume suitcase (£195, july.com) thanks to the brand’s compression straps, and there’s the added bonus of a hidden, internal stain-proof laundry bag which you can roll up to keep your dirty washing compact. Plus it has an inbuilt charger, meaning you needn’t bring extra wires if you’re only going for a few nights.
Monos’ version (£270, monos.uk), also has clever compression straps and a really slimline compartment for your laptop in case you’re flying for work, or just like to have your devices with you on the go.
I also rate the North Face’s duffels (thenorthface.co.uk), as they have a laundry bag which fits snuggly into the ends, and zipped pockets to keep essentials separate. Plus the barrel shape opens from the top so you can stuff plenty into the soft shell. I’ve used this bag for a three-week trip before which spanned everything from hiking to beach trips and nice dinners.
If you’re inhibited by the smaller bag allowances, brands such as Tripp have hardcase suitcases made to the correct dimensions for an Easyjet or Ryanair flight without the need to upgrade. Its Underseat model (£39.50, tripp.co.uk) features a zipped compartment on one side which helps compress your clothes. I’ve used this teeny case for a whole week’s city break to Athens before.
Read more: I travelled India for three weeks with just hand luggage, this is the bag I brought
Compression is key
As for how to make the most of the inside of your case or bag — it’s all about compression. Those aforementioned suitcase straps will help with this, though how you pack and in what order is fundamental. Make sure you maximise all the case features. For example: the zip down the centre of your suitcase’s inner lining can be opened so you can stow shoes away in there to keep them flat and nestled in the dead space between the case’s handles. It also keeps them clear of clean clothes.
If you ask anyone for their top packing hack, nine out of ten will say packing cubes. Be sure to choose different sizes so you fill the whole bag without awkward gaps — and pick clear or sheer ones so you can see what belongings are in them as you unpack. Monos’s are pricey but wash up really well, while the eco-minded will like Groundtruth and Paravel. Also, remember those nooks and crannies can be filled last minute with items such as wires, chargers or your hairbrush.
Read more: The best packing cubes to organise and make the most of suitcase space
Make a sandwich
Personally, I prefer to skip the cubes and use the ‘sandwich’ technique. Putting a heavier, larger flat item on the bottom (nothing delicate or light in colour) which covers the whole case, then adding clothes in rows, rolled on top (build these while your case is landscape). Make sure your clothes are nice and flat and folded in half before you roll them to avoid creasing and to make them as compact as possible. Similar types of clothing or like materials will stack on top of each other easiest. For example all your cotton tees. Top with another heavier or larger item to flatten everything, tucking at the edges and pressing down.
I tend to use a sarong as I’m not a fan of micro fibre towels (style over substance!). If you’re headed somewhere warm I find them incredibly multi-functional — you can dry yourself down with it, wear it as a skirt or wrap-around and sit on it at the beach or at a park. Plus they’re super-light so will dry out in the heat quickly. This season I’m loving Anni Lu’s Pacifico version (£25, anni-lu.com).
Choose your plane outfit wisely
One of the biggest secrets to packing light is to remember to make your airport outfit work as hard as possible. Read: heavy. Going full Joey from Friends will likely cause alarm among the airline staff, but layer up and utilise pockets where possible.
If you’re going on a city break, a waterproof is a must, and most of them have plenty of inner and outer pockets to stash your essentials if you can’t bring a small handbag. If you need to invest in one, 66 North’s Gore-Tex Skaftafell jacket (£240, 66north.com) is an all-weather winner for adventure types. Or to look chic but stay dry if you’re only expecting a few showers, a style such as Barbour’s Natalie trench (£245, coggles.com) has deep outer pockets and will add a touch of Parisian flair.
Your heaviest, chunkiest pair of shoes should always be worn on the plane. Walking shoes (go Gorpcore) are a smart choice if you plan to clock of a lot of steps. Or for more of a mooching around break, pick a statement pair such as Nike Shok TL’s (£154.99, nike.com) which will pop in your street style snaps.
Try to avoid track pants if you’re going on a warm weather break and stick to something you’ll wear on your trip too, such as a soft linen trouser or a pair of cargos.
Perfect capsule packing
Your capsule packing formula should be personal depending on your style — after all you want to look like you whether you’re on holiday or not. Many a minimalist will tell you to stick to one palette to ensure everything can be worn together. But personally, I like some base neutrals (make sure you’re willing to wear a few items on repeat, such as a pair of trousers or a skirt), and add statement layers for some personality. The key is to not go overboard on quantity, and to stay on track for the type of trip. Flying to Marseille to pool-swim and vintage shop? Bikinis and breezy dresses are a must Going to explore the Dolomites on foot? Thermal layers and comfortable walking gear are a must.
The journalist Sarah Ewing shouts out the “5-4-3-2-1 rule” as a way to keep yourself in check. Her version is five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two dresses and one key accessory. And she advises always “take the lightest option if you have two.” Don’t forget underwear, of course. And mix up the numbers according to your trip. It could be five swimsuits, four shirts, three dresses, two sets of jewellery and one pair of sandals for example.
Unless you have a dress code that necessitates heels, I’d always advise making your second pair some versatile sandals or slip-ons that can be stacked into one another with the soles facing outwards. Leather gives you a smart option — Birkenstocks go with everything, or Ancient Greek Sandals have a smart version of the jelly shoe trend which you can get wet.
Layers wise: statement or slogan tees will pep up plain bottoms to stop you getting bored: Mother Denim is winning this summer with its cute Seventies-style tees.
My top tip for summer is to pick a hard-working matching set that looks as good crumpled as pressed. A shirt and shorts, trousers or skirt (depending on the climate) serve as a complete outfit, but also as beach cover-ups and extra layers.
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London label Life of Ease has the cutest broderie anglaise set (from £110, lifeofeaselondon.com) at the moment, and With Nothing Underneath always win with their perfectly-cut sets. Seersucker fabric is great for a coastal trip and looks cool, even with creases.
And remember: most hotels and Airbnbs have washing machines! I tend to get my underwear and plane outfit laundered a couple of days before departing so I feel good for the flight and so I don’t have to overpack basics.
Make your beauty buys multi-tasking
When it comes to packing your cosmetics or wash bag, remember: you can buy a lot of the same products abroad unless you’re going somewhere really remote. European pharmacies are a treasure trove, so it could all be part of the fun to pick minis or testers up when you land.
If you’re going with a friend consider splitting items you both use between you. Or, just buying full-size products at your destination if they’re ones you’re not going to be sensitive to. Shampoo and conditioner and body wash fall into this camp, in my opinion.
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A great piece of advise I’ve received from the makeup artist Ruby Hammer is to “do all major grooming beforehand. This means fewer tools to pack.” On this note — I tend to get a lash lift and tint before I go on holiday as it means no mascara or eye makeup remover is needed. Try Teresa Smith at I Love Lash and you’ll be hard-pushed to go anywhere else!
Ruby also warns: “a good set of tweezers and a crystal nail file are impossible to replace in a pinch!” So if you’re trying to streamline avoid tossing them aside.
Read more: Six pre-holiday treatments our beauty editor swears by
In terms of sticking to the liquids limit and getting it all into that teeny tiny zip-lock bag at customs, the golden rule is to make sure everything punches above its weight. Erborian’s cult CC Creme (£29.64, boots.com) doubles up as a primer/base, SPF, is moisturising and corrects any discolouration. I always get compliments on my skin when I use it. Also consider a tint which doubles up as lip and cheek colour, such as Refy’s Lip Blush (£16, refybeauty.com). Bear in mind: you’re likely to want to wear less product anyway when you’re being active, or if it’s warm. Sweating off a full face of makeup is never pleasant.
Solid beauty products are also a godsend as they don’t count among your liquid limit. Try Mirror Water’s Butter Brick face and body cleanser (£14, libertylondon.com). You can cut it into a few pieces and keep them for multiple trips so it doesn’t take up too much space. I’ve even seen some creators pack shavings of soap to use individually.
Know the airline’s loopholes
Lastly, bear in mind that while you will get fined for failing to adhere to the luggage limit, there are workarounds worth knowing on some airlines.
FaceGym’s founder Inge Theron once told me that her hack is to add a luggage harness, such as Rimowa’s. If you want to risk it she says: “you can get away with murder as most airlines don’t see it as a second bag! It’s a great travel essential as it allows you to keep everything you need for your flight at close range, so you don’t have to keep getting up and taking down your large hand luggage from the rack. You can compartmentalise all of your bits for work; your beauty essentials.”
Most airlines do allow a neck pillow onboard, carried in a clear bag as part of your personal allowance. So if you want to try and stuff it as per the TikTok hack — try your luck, you could get some more clothes on board. Or you could just use it for its intended purpose and have a good snooze.
