Why I’m Team Carry On, Even When I Check My Bag

After years of helping clients navigate cobblestone streets, tiny hotel elevators, train stations, ferries, taxis, rental cars, and airports, I can confidently say: a carry on sized suitcase is almost always the easier choice, and here is why...

The Problem With Large Suitcases

Large suitcases may seem convenient at home, but they quickly become a hassle once you arrive.

Think about dragging a heavy bag over cobblestones in Europe, carrying it up stairs in a small boutique hotel, fitting it into a rental car in Ireland, or managing it on a train platform in Japan.

A smaller suitcase is easier to lift, roll, store, and manage when your trip includes transfers, multiple cities, or older hotels with limited space.

Why Carry On Sized Luggage Works Better

A smaller suitcase helps you travel more smoothly. It is easier to:

Move through airports, train stations, and hotels
Fit luggage into taxis, rental cars, and hotel rooms
Lift onto luggage racks or up stairs
Avoid overpacking
Stay organized throughout the trip

It also forces you to pack smarter. Instead of filling extra space with “just in case” outfits, you focus on pieces you will actually wear.

What Counts as Carry On Sized?

Most major U.S. airlines allow carry on bags around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. The FAA notes that many airlines use 45 linear inches as the general carry on limit.

You Can Still Check It

Choosing a carry on sized suitcase does not mean you have to carry it onto the plane.

You can check it at the ticket counter and have it sent to your final destination just like a large suitcase. This is a great option if you do not want to deal with overhead bin space, are traveling with kids, or simply prefer to move through the airport hands free.

What About Liquids?

If you carry your suitcase onto the plane, TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies: liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit inside one quart sized bag (BNA doesn't really enforce the quart size bag rule).

If you check your carry on sized suitcase, this rule does not apply and you can travel with full sized toiletries.

The "Go With Mo" Packing Formula

The key is not packing more. The key is packing smarter.

For all trips, I recommend:

One carry on sized suitcase
One personal item, like a backpack or purse
Compression packing cubes to keep outfits and layers organized
A shared toiletry bag for couples or families
Two to three pairs of shoes max
A laundry plan for longer trips

For a one week trip, start with versatile pieces you can mix and match: a few tops, two or three bottoms, one dressier outfit, a light layer, comfortable walking shoes, pajamas, undergarments, toiletries, medication, chargers, and a small laundry bag.

For longer trips, you do not necessarily need more clothes. You need better mixing, matching, rewearing, and a realistic laundry plan.

My biggest advice? Pack for the trip you are actually taking, not every possible version of the trip you can imagine. 

My Favorite Travel Gear

Mo’s favorite carry on suitcase:
Samsonite Freeform Spinner (30% off right now)

Mo’s favorite packing cubes:
Bagail Compression Packing Cubes (32% off right now)

Mo’s favorite shared toiletry bag:
Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag (43% off right now)

In Conclusion

A carry on sized suitcase is not about packing less just to pack less. It is about making your trip easier.

You can carry it on, or you can check it to your final destination. Either way, you will have a lighter, more flexible bag that is easier to manage once you arrive.

Pack what you need, not what your travel anxiety tells you to bring.

Your future self, walking through Europe with one hand free for gelato, will thank you.

Keep Traveling,
Mo 🌍