Travelling carry-on only saves money on baggage fees, eliminates lost-luggage risk and gets you out of the airport faster. The catch: liquids rules and space. Both are solvable with a system.
The core rules
- Check your airline's exact cabin bag dimensions and weight limit — they differ between carriers and change; verify on the airline's own site before you fly
- Liquids in hand luggage are limited to containers of 100ml or less in a single clear bag on most routes — buy toiletries after security or at your destination
- Plan outfits around two or three colours so everything combines
- Wear your bulkiest shoes and layer on the plane
- Roll, don't fold; packing cubes keep categories separate
The honest math of a week
Seven days needs roughly: 4–5 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 layer, 7 sets of underwear, 1 swim set, 1 evening outfit. Laundry once mid-trip halves that. Anything worn once for a special occasion — a wedding outfit, a wetsuit, a tuxedo — is a candidate for renting at the destination rather than owning and carrying.
Delayed or missing luggage
If you do check a bag, keep one full change of clothes, medication, chargers and valuables in your carry-on. Airlines' compensation rules for delayed bags vary; keep receipts for essentials you buy and check the airline's policy and your travel insurance.
Where rental fits
The carry-on ceiling is where rental earns its place: items you need at the destination but not in transit — beach equipment, baby gear, sports kit, occasion wear. Browse what is actually available at your destination before you decide; if a category has no confirmed inventory yet, you can register interest instead of guessing.