The Take (Off): Overpacking Is Underrated 

Welcome to Citizen Femme’s new series, The Take (Off), where each month our managing editor Katie Silcox shares a personal opinion – hot take, you might say – about travel. This month she explores why packing hand-luggage-only is overrated.

I’m going to come out and say it: I’m a travel editor and I’m not a good packer.

Actually, let me rephrase that, I’m not a good hand-luggage-only packer. But honestly, I think that’s ok, and here’s why. 

Given my job as a travel editor and writer – someone who will fly half way across the world for a few days, often last-minute – it’s almost expected that I know how to pack ‘well’. But what does ‘well’ really mean? 

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In the travel world (fellow editors, business travellers, global backpackers) to ‘pack well’ is commonly perceived as a badge of honour. Often touted as a more superior way of travelling, it tends to mean squeezing everything you might need for a weekend, week, or sometimes longer, into a small cabin-sized suitcase. 

I’ve seen backpackers so proudly sharing that they’ve managed to fit a month’s worth of belongings into a tiny rucksack; I’ve met with travel writers at the airport who have squeezed a week’s worth of clothes into a tiny suitcase; and yes, I’ve been the one among friends to hold up our place in the taxi line as we wait for my checked suitcase to come whirring around the airport baggage carousel. 

I often try to do the hand-luggage thing and I generally begin by thinking I’m doing quite well: tops for every day, a few pairs of trousers, a skirt, an evening dress, and a couple of pairs of shoes, all tucked into a circa 56 x 36 x 23 cm airline-approved cabin bag. But then I have to add my hair straighteners, my toiletries and makeup, a couple more pairs of shoes (just in case), extra sunglasses (one thing about me, I’ll always travel with at least two pairs), a tote bag, an evening bag, a book, and underwear for every day of the trip (ok, ok, usually more than I actually need because, well, you really never know when they might come in handy)… The list goes on and it all gets a bit much for my not-so-trusty hand luggage suitcase. 

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I can do it if I have to. But why should I have to? 

One thing I have noticed: some of the most stylish people I know are pretty good at getting small-suitcase packing just right, they opt for pieces that work hard on holiday, the exact opposite of my everything-just-in-case approach. This advice from Citizen Femme’s fashion features director is a good reference point for those who, like me, tend to struggle to get it right. 

But is overpacking (or as I like to call it, packing that little bit more than you might actually need) really so bad? 

Checking my luggage at departure might mean a little more time spent at the airport on arrival, but when I’ve already spent hours on a plane, does it really matter? Could it perhaps be considered a time to stretch your legs rather than immediately cramming yourself into the next mode of transport (bus, train, taxi)? 

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I’d prefer to wait those extra minutes at the airport than have to spend time running around later in my trip looking for a day-to-night cardigan because the weather’s actually a little colder than I expected. And I’m certainly not going to be navigating my way to the nearest pharmacy for more shampoo because my 100ml-or-less bottle ran out, or Googling the nearest shopping mall to visit so that I can spend money on a whole load of essentials (that I’d decided weren’t actually essentials as I packed my way out of a checked-luggage fee and into a plane’s overhead bin).

No thank you. 

Call me an overpacker if you like, I prefer to think I come prepared.

FAQs about packing hand luggage:  

What should I pack in my carry-on luggage?

Your carry-on luggage should always include your passport and/or ID, travel documents, your mobile phone, your laptop if you’re travelling with one, your wallet and bank cards and any medication you might need for the flight. Other items you might find useful to pack into your cabin bag include chargers, power banks (this must always be packed into hand-luggage as per airline regulations), snacks, a refillable water bottle, and entertainment for the flight (a book, headphones, games for children). Consider also packing a change of clothes in case your checked-in luggage gets lost.

What is not allowed in carry-on luggage?

Always check with your specific airline as the rules may vary, but in general you won’t be allowed to pack the following items in your cabin bag: liquids over 100ml, power banks and some other batteries, any sharp objects (scissors, knives etc) any flammable or hazardous products or materials.

What size is carry-on luggage?

The allowances for carry-on luggage varies depending on your airline, your ticket and your class of booking, but generally carry-on luggage should be around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles, and should weigh somewhere between 7 and 10 kg. This does vary between airlines however, so it’s best to check with your airline/against your specific booking each time you travel.

Tips for packing a hand-luggage suitcase?

This will depend on your destination (it’s much easier to pack everything into a small suitcase when you’re visiting a hot climate than it is for a cold climate, for example). Consider a capsule wardrobe consisting of pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. For a warm getaway, Citizen Femme’s fashion features director recommends packing: a day-to-night dress, a summer shirt, denim shorts, leather sandals, throw-on trousers and a tank top, among other items.

How to pack toiletries for travel in my hand-luggage?

First and foremost, make sure you follow the airline rules on how many liquids you’re allowed to pack in your suitcase. Typically this means using travel-sized bottles with a maximum volume of 100ml each, and every liquid should fit into a 7 x 8 inches see-through bag. Liquids include (but are not limited to): drinks and liquid food, creams, gels, sprays, pastes, perfumes and toothpaste. Make sure all your liquids have the lids screwed on tightly to avoid any spillage. Consider using solid alternatives such as deodorant sticks and shampoo/conditioner bars to save space and reduce the risk of leaks.

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