No checked bag fees! Easily become a carry-on traveler with these 10 products
There are so many perks to traveling. You get to sight-see, try new foods, experience new cultures ... where it gets stressful is when the logistics like checking a bag come into play.
Bag fees on their own are at an all-time high right now with airlines charging up to $45 for your first checked bag. Not to mention if you make the mistake of having a slightly overweight bag, you may be charged an additional fee. To avoid this hassle, some folks prefer to cut out the middleman completely and become "carry-on travelers." They do just what the name suggests and pack everything they need for their trip right in their carry-on and personal item bags, avoiding the potential headache of checking a larger piece of luggage.
Of course, to become a carry-on traveler, you have to be more conscious of how and what you pack. From compression packing cubes and TSA-approved travel bottles to a compartment-packed (and flight attendant-approved) carry-on and the right pair of noise-canceling headphones that comes with an AC cord for indulging in the in-flight entertainment, we've rounded up 10 products that will get you right to your gate.
Traveling with just a carry-on can be limiting, so it's best to do whatever you can to maximize the space you have. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is with a set of compression packing cubes. Just pack your clothes inside each cube, zip them up with the standard zipper then once more with the extra compression zipper.
Popular travel accessories brand Bagail says these should free up about 60% of space in your luggage, allowing you to pack more than you originally could. And, with over 14,000 five-star reviews, they're definitely worth the investment. Even pilots swear by these!
"I am a pilot and travel a lot. In hotels 14-16 nights a month and seldom in the same hotel for more than one night," one impressed shopper wrote. "These bags (bought two sets) keep me organized, save time packing and unpacking, and keep my clothes wrinkle-free."
When your device is dead, having a power bank on hand can truly save the day. This one supports fast charging and is able to boost an iPhone 16 Pro to 50% battery in just 27 minutes. However, it also charges Android phones.
One plugged-in customer said: "I love that it comes with a type C charger that is built in and plugs right into the bank. The cord isn't that long so it's great for charging your phone while in use ... The portable charger charges pretty fast and charges my phone even faster. It's lightweight and very easy to carry."
Chances are your portable charger isn't the only tech accessory you'll be traveling with. And unless you like being tangled in a sea of cords and adapters, you'll need something to keep everything organized. This sleek pouch has enough space for all your tech gizmos and cables. Plus, it's waterproof, slim, lightweight and has two spacious compartments.
More than 15,000 Amazon shoppers adore this versatile little bag. One even got one for her flight attendant daughter who uses it for more than just tech. "It's compact and easy to drop in her bag," the reviewer explained. "It can hold a little of everything — chargers, Band-Aids, medicines, jewelry, etc."
E-readers like the Kindle make traveling with books so easy, but if you're a page-turning purist, this rechargeable book light will come in handy.
Airline overhead lights can be a bit harsh (and downright rude, if you're flying a red-eye). This tiny gadget casts a contained glow on the page you're reading, so you won't distract the passenger next to you. It also has an adjustable brightness setting and clips right onto your book so you don't have to manually prop it up. Even better, it's hailed for it's ultra-long battery life: "The battery life is worth a mention," one shopper wrote. "[It] lasted my seven-hour flight to London!"
With over 17,000 perfect ratings, it's safe to say that this one's a hit among traveling readers.
If you're not checking any luggage and plan on packing toiletries, you need to make sure that the products in your bags are in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Otherwise, the TSA agents will confiscate them and there goes your expensive shampoo — right in the trash.
To make sure you're in the clear, it's best to get a TSA-approved travel bottle set. It does all of the guesswork for you and all you have to do is fill the containers with the products you plan on traveling with. Each bottle and twist-top jar is leak-proof and fits in the included clear pouch.
One shopper who used this set on a recent trip called it "a game-changer for anyone who values convenience, organization and compliance with TSA regulations." We definitely agree.
Having to endure a long flight with no in-flight entertainment is definitely a bummer, and sometimes, the entertainment they provide just doesn't measure up. Here's your genius plan B: This phone holder lets you prop your device up to watch your favorite shows or movies, hands-free, at eye level. It easily attaches to your tray table or luggage handle, so it's a no-brainer, space-saving add-on. Flight crew members even use it for travel and then keep using it once they're back home.
"As a commuting flight attendant, [this] comes in very handy!" one reviewer said. "At home, I like it propped up on the counter."
Travelpro is among flight crew members' favorite luggage brands. From its lightweight build to its durable construction, this carry-on is one that pilots, in particular, use and praise.
"I was referred by other flight attendants on [its] price, size and quality," one five-star reviewer on Amazon said. "I am very happy [with] this purchase. [It's] sturdy, great looking and worth the price. I was informed by an instructor that it has lasted her 19 years and is still going strong."
I've tried tons of personal item bags over the years and none are as travel-friendly as this one from Monos. What I love most about it is how roomy it is while still being easy to store under the seat on planes. Most duffels I've tried slide easily under the seat, but are still too wide and end up sticking out, giving me less space for my legs and feet. This one fits completely flush with a little room to spare.
It also comes with the brand's unique QuickSnap Modular Kit System that's easy to remove if you need more space or just don't feel like taking it with you on your trip. I, personally, love using it to store my passport, a pen, lip balm, my wallet, keys and anything I need to easily access while I'm in transit. Best of all, though, it has a trolley sleeve in the back that slides right over your roller carry-on's handle. So you never really have to hold it.
Sonos is known most for its premium home theater systems like its soundbars and portable speakers, so when the brand recently released its first-ever wearable product, audiophiles took note. If your husband is a tech-lover or can use a pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones that will last him forever, the Sonos Ace fits the bill — and he'll be a part of an exclusive club of folks who've already gotten their hands on it.
The brand says it brings that movie theater-like spatial audio to your ears, setting it apart from other brands on the market. It also has an ergonomic headband and soft, wide ear cups that don't hurt your ears after hours of wear. With up to 30 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation, these work great for gaming or work.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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