If you’re just travelling for a few days or the weekend, I challenge you to pack everything you need in just one bag that you can carry on the plane with you. Sounds impossible, right? I’ve been doing it for nearly two years now (with the exception of moving to college), including one three-week trip to Washington, D.C. It’s really very nice - it means you don’t have to get to the airport as early, and it’s much easier to get around - especially if your trip will involve public transportation. It’s become an even better idea as airlines have added fees for checked luggage. Doug Dyment’s OneBag.com has far more information than I could ever give you, so go check out his site - just click here.

Quick tips if you’re going to follow that advice:

  • The Transportation Security Administration restricts the items that you can carry through security, most recently liquids. All liquids in your carry-on luggage must be in containers less than 3.4 ounces, and all of the containers must fit in a quart size ziploc bag. See the Security page for more info.
  • My carry-on companions of choice have always been a rollaboard suitcase and a messenger bag. You’re allowed one carry-on suitcase and one “personal item” - so make sure you don’t have more than two things getting on the plane. You can always take things out once you’re on board. (Airlines will usually make exceptions for coats, and some other items - but do you really want to be juggling those as you walk down the aisle?)
  • Find one comfortable pair of shoes that’s appropriate for a variety of situations.

And some general tips:

  • Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up inside security, rather than paying way too much for water at the airport. Just make sure it’s actually empty - I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to chug 16-32 ounces of water before going through the metal detector. (Warning: Some airports have awful tap water. Your mileage may vary.)
  • If you do check luggage, don’t lock it unless you have a TSA-approved lock. Otherwise, they may damage or destroy your lock and/or luggage. Learn more about TSA-approved locks at the TSA website.